Obituary of David Glenn Chorney

August 28, 1943 – Halifax, Nova Scotia

July 18, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

David Chorney passed away peacefully after a long illness in the early hours of Thursday, July 18, 2024. He was 80 years old.

Dave is survived by Carol Chorney, his beloved wife of 50 years, daughter Elizabeth (Aaron) Booth, sons Greg Chorney, and Doug (Brandi) Chorney, as well as grandchildren Ruby, Alex, Caleb, Jason, Nathaniel, Colton, and Ember, and many nieces and nephews.

Dave was born in Halifax in 1943 to George and Violet Chorney when his father was stationed in Nova Scotia during World War II. The family moved to the west coast and Dave was proudly raised in Burnaby, BC, alongside his younger brother Rick. He attended university at UBC, receiving a degree in mathematics, before setting his sights towards Alberta where he would build a career in oil and gas as a geophysicist. Over the years his work would take him to Argentina, Ponca City, Oklahoma, and London, England.

It was while working at Hudson Bay Oil and Gas that Dave met Carol, marrying her in 1974. Always up for adventure, the couple soon moved to Libya, where Elizabeth was born. By 1976 they were back in Alberta, settling in Calgary to raise their family, with Greg arriving in 1977 and Doug in 1978. Dave was able to retire in the early 2000s and he and Carol enjoyed annual winter retreats to Palm Desert, with their kids and grandchildren visiting regularly. 

Dave was a larger-than-life presence, a warm man with a twinkle in his blue eyes. He was at his happiest when with his family or exploring all the world had to offer. A spirited storyteller, he was full of tales of raising pints with classic English actors in his favourite London pub and his brief but illustrious stint as a racehorse owner. One of his finest moments was when he made the society pages of the Calgary Herald, with the columnist identifying him as “the likeable Chorney.” The title was well-deserved — Dave was a bright spot at any gathering, lighting up rooms with his keen sense of humour and joie de vivre.

Dave’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Foothills Medical Centre and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, who treated him with incredible kindness throughout his medical journey.

In that spirit, a Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at the Scandinavian Centre (739 20 Ave. NW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Friends, family, colleagues and anyone else touched by Dave’s life are invited to pay their respects, share stories, and raise a glass to a life well lived.

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

In living memory of David Chorney, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.