O’DWYER
Gerald
October 16, 1931
Drumheller, Alberta
February 6, 2021
Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness we tell our family and friends that Gerald O’Dwyer, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 6, 2021, at the age of 89 years.
Gerald was born to Jack and Teresa O’Dwyer in Drumheller. Gerald’s early years were in Midland and Wayne. As Gerald got older he went to work in the mines with his father and older brothers Art and Harold. In 1954 Gerald married the love of his life Ruth Bangs. In 1957 Gerald went to work for Alberta Gas Trunkline and was the 35th employee. During his years with AGTL Gerald and Ruth lived in many places in Alberta, Drumheller, Cessford, Cavendish, Wardlow, Hussar and Calgary to name a few. Gerald transferred to Gas Control, and the family was moved to Calgary in 1966. He worked his way up to Chief Gas Controller, and when that department was moved to Edmonton in 1980, he and Ruth moved north. Gerald retired from AGTL/Nova in Edmonton in 1991, and then relocated back to Calgary. Early in his retirement, Gerald was asked by NovaCorp International to go to Argentina to assist the national gas transmission company in setting up their office, business, and systems. Dad and Mom moved to Buenos Aires, and lived there from May to December 1993.
During Gerald’s life he was involved with many things. He really enjoyed his time with the Credit Union Federation of Alberta. During his tenure at the Credit Union, Gerald was chairman of the Credit Committee for Alberta. Gerald was an active member of the Lions Club for many years. A few years after joining the Lions Club Gerald and Ruth went to New Orleans for the International Lions Convention. This was the first of many of Mom and Dad’s wonderful vacations to California, New Orleans, Hawaii, and Panama Canal Cruise.
Dad/Grandpa was very involved with all seven of his children and all nineteen grandchildren’s lives. Dad welcomed his eighth great-grandchild with open arms.
Gerald is survived by his loving wife Ruth of nearly 67 years; his seven children, Laura (Patrick), Dale (Barbara), Geraldine (Crawford), Carolyn (Dennis), Ron (Vaike), Lyle (Susan) and Bill; As well as nineteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Teresa, and Dorothy (Jim); brothers, Frank and Don, and sister-in-law Oriole. Gerald was predeceased by his sisters, Helen (Sandy) and Leoba (Jack); brothers, Art (Mary) and Harold; sisters-in-law, Denise and Elaine, and brother-in-law Bob Bailey.
A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church for 20 attendees, on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. All others are invited to join Gerald’s service streamed live at https://mhfh.com/tribute/details/32548/Gerald-O-DWYER/obituary.html#tribute-start 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 can also be shared and viewed here. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.childrenshospital.ab.ca or to S.T.A.R.S. (Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society), Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8M7 Telephone: (403) 295-1811, www.stars.ca.
Ruth and the family would like to thank Dr. Dargie and the Rockyview Hospital and staff, Dr. Zip, Dr. Kurwa and Dr. Elumir and the staff at Revera Homes who took wonderful care of Gerald.
In living memory of Gerald O’Dwyer, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
You may wish to email your family and friends to let them know that the above obituary may be viewed online at: www.mcinnisandholloway.com
