Obituary of Brian Stanley Gerlitz

July 4, 1950 – Calgary, Alberta

January 1, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Brian Gerlitz, beloved husband of Loretta Gerlitz (nee Symington) of Calgary, AB, passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at the age of 74 years.

Brian was born in Calgary, AB, on July 4, 1950, growing up in the community of Bridgeland and attended Langevin Junior High School and Crescent Heights High School.

Brian met and married his true love and soul mate of 23 years, Loretta in 2001. He was 50 years old, and she was not even 40. He was always quick to say "She was the best thing in my life. She made me grow up and be responsible. She is one of a kind, how lucky am I."

Brian was happy to gain a stepdaughter in his marriage to Loretta and could not be prouder to be a grandfather to his five grandchildren, they brought tremendous joy to him. He was always there for them and one of the biggest influences in their lives.

Brian was a member of A.R.C (Alberta Racing Commission) and worked in the horse racing industry for over 40 years, mostly with Horse Racing Alberta. He tried many jobs before joining the Alberta Racing Commission in 1975. He liked to indulge in the wagering of horses, cards, the casino, and the game of pool. He would always say the only one he was good at was pool. Brian's claim to fame in his life was being the 1975 Alberta Snooker champion.

His favorite thing to do was to go for breakfast every morning, he rarely ever missed a day. He enjoyed taking drives to the grocery store bringing home treats and going to the casino. Brian loved to spend time at home relaxing and watching old black and white movies and sports with Loretta by his side. He would never turn down a good plate of Chinese food.

He had a few memorable trips with Loretta to Seattle, Prince Edward Island, and Las Vegas. Those were memories he cherished.

Brian is survived by his wife Loretta, stepdaughter Lee-Ann (Giovanni) Bartolotti of Vancouver, BC, his five grandchildren, Autumn Bourassa (Robert), Evyn Scott (Kat), Halle Worth (Avery), and Teigan Scott, all of Calgary, AB, and Domenico Bartolotti of Vancouver, BC, as well as his great-grandchild Weston Worth of Calgary, AB. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Vince Symington, sister-in-law Heather Symington-Thiele (Glen), and his mother-in-law Pearl Symington, all of Calgary, AB.

Brian is predeceased by his parents, Muriel Ball and Alexander Gerlitz.

Brian would like to say goodbye and thank you for the memories to Loretta's family, his good friends Brock and Janene Martin, J.R., and numerous friends and racetrack associates (too many to name). And his wife Loretta, the best thing that happened to me. Love her forever.

"Please no tears, it was a great ride."

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Lunch will follow at Buffet Yangtze (4190, 901 64 Ave NE, Calgary, AB) at 2:00 p.m.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Gerlitz’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

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

In living memory of Brian Gerlitz, 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.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Brian's Funeral Service