John BURROWS

BURROWS, John William
December 17, 1927 - January 10, 2013
It is with profound sadness that we, the family of John William Burrows, announce his unexpected and sudden passing at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, early in the morning of January 10, 2013. He was the devoted and beloved husband of Judy, the loving and respected father and father-in-law of Susan (Earl Hickok), Anne (Alan Hallman) and Kelly (David Ghandour) and the adored and adoring Grampi of Bryson, Caleb and Celeste Hickok, Chad and Paige Hallman, Hussein and Moe Ghandour, all of Calgary. He is also survived by his sister Maureen Stewart (Spence) of Baltimore, Ontario and his brother Fred Burrows (Liette) of La Sarre, Quebec as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his precious wee granddaughter, Zoe Hallman, his parents, infant brother Patrick, sister Carmen Crossman and nephew Peter Crossman. John was born in Chapleau, Ontario on December 17, 1927 to parents William (Bunt) and Frances Burrows. After completing high school in Chapleau, he continued his education at St. Michaels College, University of Toronto, with post-graduate studies in Transportation Economics at Queen's and Yale Universities. He began his career in Winnipeg with the Canadian Pacific Railway. While in Winnipeg he met, and on December 31, 1960, married Judy Phelan. His entrepreneurial spirit took him to Penticton, B.C. in 1962 where he and a partner conceived, built and operated Pilgram House Motor Hotel (now the Ramada Inn). This venture was but the first of several adventures that eventually led him to Calgary in 1965, and then to Canmore in 1985. Once again Calgary called, and in 2007 John and Judy returned to Calgary to be closer to their family. John spent over six decades in the business world and helped launch a number of companies in transportation, hospitality, oil and gas and technology in addition to volunteering his time tirelessly to the political and non-profit sectors. He shared his exceptional business experience and time generously with his many partners and employees and created a family environment and culture that will move forward for many years to come. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) today, January 16, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude for the valiant efforts of the EMT's and to the amazing staff at Foothills Medical Centre for their exceptional skills and compassion. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8 (Telephone 403-955-8818) in John's memory and in that of his granddaughter, Zoe Hallman, or to any other worthy charity will be deeply appreciated. In living memory of John Burrows, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.