Obituary of John Alexander Irvine

June 3, 1941 - Cranbrook, British Columbia

August 17, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

John “Sandy” Irvine, beloved husband of Joanne Irvine, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the age of 83 years.

Sandy was born in Cranbrook, BC, on June 3, 1941. He spent most of his school years between Fernie and Rosen Lake, BC, where he developed his love for the outdoors, and fostered many lifelong friendships. From an early age Sandy was very handy, and as a teenager, he built the family cabin that stands today on Rosen Lake, BC, and handbuilt a kayak, that he used on the lake and nearby rivers.

Sandy attended the University of British Columbia in Vancouver where he earned a degree in geology. During his time at University Sandy also married the love of his life, Joanne.

Both Sandy and Joanne finished their post-secondary educations and moved back to Fernie where Sandy worked as a geologist in the flourishing mining industry in the East Kootenays. It was also during this time that he built a house in Fernie, in Ridgemont.

Sandy’s career in geology inspired a move to Calgary, AB, where Sandy applied his skills in the energy sector. With this work, Sandy had the opportunity to travel to many memorable locations in Europe, Japan, Korea, and Turkey. He always loved to learn new things, and in his later working years, he developed skills as a desktop publisher and worked with many people and companies on a variety of projects.

Sandy and Joanne had three very active sons together, John, Michael, and Jamie. When Sandy had time outside of work, he loved to support his boys with sports outlets for their active personalities. He coached hockey, soccer, and got the family into golf.  He was also very proud of his Scottish ancestry, loved the bagpipes, and inspired his son Michael to excel at the pipes and become a very accomplished member of the Ogden Legion Pipe Band.

His favourite spot was always Rosen Lake, and he spent most of his vacation time with the family there, where they golfed, canoed, sailed, picked huckleberries, and ate many smores over campfires.  

He will be most remembered for his large stature, combined with his gentle disposition. He had an incredible work ethic, yet he knew how to balance that work ethic with laughter, fun, and sports.

Besides his loving wife Joanne in Calgary, AB, Sandy is survived by his brother Robert Irvine and partner Patty Whitehouse in Victoria, BC, his sons, John Irvine in North Vancouver, BC, Michael Irvine and Jamie Irvine in Calgary, AB; daughter-in-law Andrea Harris, and granddaughter Brydon Harris Irvine in North Vancouver, BC, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Sandy was predeceased by his parents Wilma Dorothy Gates, and John “Jack” Douglas Irvine both from Fernie, BC.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of John's Life at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

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

In living memory of John Irvine, 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.