Obituary of Craighton Oliver Twa

October 15, 1937 – Drumheller, Alberta

April 13, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

We are saddened to share that Craighton Twa passed away peacefully in Calgary, AB, on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at age 86 years, with his daughters at his side.

Craighton was predeceased by the love of his life, Irene, as well as his parents, Joe and Freda; and his sister Peggy.

Dad was truly a great man, and he lived a great life.

Craighton came from humble beginnings. He was born in Drumheller, AB, and as a child and young man, he lived in several small towns across the province, shoveling shale and working as a farm hand to earn pocket money. After high school, Dad headed to Edmonton to take engineering at the University of Alberta. He would be the first to tell you that he didn’t love university and “barely scraped by” (or so he said!). But he was truly one of the most intelligent and hard-working people we’ve known.

While in Edmonton, Craighton met his wife-to-be, Irene, who became his lifelong partner and best friend. Irene was truly the love of his life, and they had many great years together and many great adventures – spending winters in their beloved island home in Maui, as well as traveling to London, Australia, Greece, and more. He missed her fiercely after she passed away in 2018.

Upon graduation from university, Dad thankfully had a job offer fall through – “thankfully” because he ended up with a wonderful job at Canadian Utilities. Dad worked at CU, Alberta Power, then ATCO for his entire career, retiring after 43 years as President and COO. Dad loved his work – the people, customers, challenges, and opportunities. His work took him around the world, and he achieved so much in his distinguished career as a direct result of his hard work and initiative. Dad forged many close friendships with his peers and colleagues, including Gary Bauer and Gord Engbloom, who were a tremendous support to Dad in the last years of his life.

Dad was also a fitness fanatic. Earlier in his life, he loved long-distance running. When his knees and hips started to protest, he spent more time golfing and walking, especially along the beaches and oceanside of Maui. He continued his daily walking tradition well into his 80s and was still walking the track at the gym only a few months before he passed away.

He also loved music, and after receiving a grand piano from Mom for his retirement gift, he worked hard at honing his craft. He learned to play a wide range of music, and after much hounding (by Mom!) agreed to make several “records” that he gave to Mom and family as Christmas and birthday gifts.

Dad was also a big sports fan, and no team was more important to him than the Edmonton Oilers. He and Mom had season tickets for many years, and he continued to cheer on his team from Calgary and Maui, or wherever he happened to be.

Dad loved a great meal and a glass of wine, and both he and Mom spent many evenings at the Royal Glenora in Edmonton, the Calgary Golf & Country Club, and Nick’s Fish Market in Maui. The clubs were also a big part of Dad and Mom’s social and sporting activities for many years.

He was also very generous, both with his family and with his favourite causes. One of his proudest accomplishments was the establishment of a substantial scholarship at the University of Alberta to directly support engineering students. The thankful letters he received from the students gave him such pleasure.

Dad loved his family and his many friends, who were like family to him. He was so proud of his grandchildren and took great joy in the shenanigans of his great-grandchildren.

Dad is survived by his children, Tracy, Bob (Susan), and Carey (Scott); grandchildren, Lindsay (Mitchell), Shaylea (Nic), Jennifer (Matt), Mackenzie, Kristen, Lauren, and Jake; and great-grandchildren, Lily, Summer, and Lincoln, with two more great-grandchildren on the way later this year.

We will miss him dearly, but know that he had a life well lived.

A Celebration of Life for Craighton will be held at Calgary Golf & Country Club (919 – 50th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Plenty of free parking). Dress code at the club states that denim (of any color) is not permitted. Nor hats, t-shirts/tank tops, athletic wear, and flip flops. Men must wear collared shirts that are tucked in.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca; or to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca; or to the Salvation Army, 1731 29th Street SW Calgary, AB, T3C 1M6, www.salvationarmy.ca, Telephone: (403) 410-1112; or to a charity of your choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Craighton’s family here.

In living memory of Craighton Twa, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.