Obituary of Reginald Gordon Palmer

June 28, 1926 – Calgary, Alberta

July 16, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Gord Palmer passed away on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at the age of 98 years.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His commitment to his family was strong and true. Gord had a kind, generous, and caring nature and greeted everyone with a friendly smile.

He was born in Calgary on June 28, 1926, and was a proud native Calgarian. He will be deeply missed by his four children, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren: Sharon (Brent Smalley), and their daughter Shannon (Manny Freitas), and their children, Emerson and Bennett, and their son Shawn; Robert and wife Cathy, and his children, Kelly and Rob (Anna Wynn), and their sons, Sammy and Scotty; Patti Bairstow and her sons, Bryan (Michelle Parks), Brett (Jordyn Woycheshin), and Braden (Jenna Jemieff), and their children, Blake and Ben; Keith (Wendy McGibney) and their sons, Brendan (Ally Piercy) and Richard (Kalicia Chorney).

Gord was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Sherry, who passed away on July 3, 2014, his parents, Maud and Reginald; and his sister Doreen Neill.

Gord attended Parkhill, Rideau Park, and Western Canada High Schools. After graduation in 1944, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy. He started work at the Alberta Wheat Pool in August of 1947. Gord was a proud and dedicated employee for nearly 44 years and attained the position of Treasurer. During his business career, he was involved in numerous community and service organizations. He received his C.M.A. designation in 1961, became active in the organization, served as both Provincial and National Presidents of the Society of Management Accountants, and was honoured to be named a Fellow of the Society in 1982. After retirement, Gord served on the Board of “Opportunity 45” and as Chairman from 1995 to 1998. He was active in the St. Bonaventure Parish as Finance Chairman, usher, and reader.

Thanks to the extraordinary Health Care Aides, LPNs and Nurses at Swan Evergreen on the fourth floor, and a special thanks to Dr. Aristakhova who took such good care of Dad.

Gord will be remembered as a kind, caring, gentle person who treated everyone with respect:

“Loving and kind in all his ways

Upright and just to the end of his days.

Sincere and kind in heart and mind,

What a beautiful memory he left behind.”

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Dr SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB). Graveside Service to follow the Reception at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 3:00 p.m., where Gord will be laid to rest beside his beloved Sherry.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Calgary Humane Society, 4455 – 110^th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403)205-4455, www.calgaryhumane.ca.

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

In living memory of Gordon Palmer, 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.