Obituary of Mike Strong

May 7, 1940 – Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan

December 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

John “Mike” Strong beloved husband of Patricia “Pat” Strong (nee Cook) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Mike was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on May 7, 1940, and moved to Calgary, AB, in 1944. Mike met the love of his life, Pat when they were just kids in school and were high school sweethearts. They married in 1960, and together they raised a beautiful family; eldest son David “Dave”, Patrica “Tricia”, and youngest son Stephen “Steve”.

Mike graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Civil Engineering as well as completing his master’s degree. Mike excelled as a concrete bridge design specialist. He participated in the building of many bridges throughout Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. He had the pleasure of working for Strong, Lamb, and Nelson, the City of Calgary, and Reid Crowther. He had a hand in designing many bridges in Calgary but was especially proud to have designed a bridge in the city which was ultimately named after his father J. Ivor Strong.

He was a member of APEGA and served time on their discipline committee. Mike also gave back to the community by going to schools and giving presentations on engineering and bridge design. He shared his passion for the industry with many prospective students and colleagues alike.

Mike accomplished much throughout his life but spent time on many other life pleasures. He was always athletic. He played old-timers hockey with the Brentwood Kings. A highlight was travelling with the team and his wife Pat to Santa Rosa, California to play in the Charles Schultz Senior International Hockey Tournament where many good memories were made with good friends and teammates. When not on the ice, Mike enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Invermere, BC. There he could be often found windsurfing with his good friend Alec DeGreeve. He also had great enjoyment in his boats which he would often be out taking friends and family out cruising or making waves racing.

His love of BMW cars drew him to attend racing schools through Calgary BMW. He revelled in racing his cars on the track and learning new driving skills.

Besides his loving wife Pat of Calgary, AB, Mike is survived by his daughter Tricia Strong of Calgary, AB, granddaughter Holly Strong of Canmore AB, and daughter-in-law Henny Simons of Edgewater BC.  He is also survived by his two brothers, Richard Strong of Edmonton, AB, and Tony Strong of Long Valley, NJ.; sisters-in-law, Peggy (Calvin) Lefurgey of Calgary, AB, and Mary Ellen McCauley of Glendale, AZ; and by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, J. Ivor Strong and Audrey Strong; and his two sons, David Strong and Stephen Strong.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to: Unit 37 doctors and nurses at the Foothills Medical Centre, the Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre kidney department staff and Dr. Robert Quinn for his constant care and support.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 Telephone: (403) 255-6108, www.kidney.ca.

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

In living memory of Mike Strong, 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.