GERALD KNOWLTON

(March 10, 1933 - November 13, 2025) Gerald Loree Knowlton, a distinguished businessman, devoted family man, and passionate philanthropist, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 92. Born on March 10, 1933, in Calgary, AB, he was the beloved husband of the late Mary Janet (nee Jarvis) Knowlton, with whom he shared a remarkable 62 years of marriage. Gerald was deeply proud of his five daughters: Mary Catherine O'Gorman (Stephen), Barbara Knowlton (Avy Dolgoy), Kelly Knowlton (Malcolm Macleod), Nancy Knowlton (Pascal Méan), and Jean Anderson (Warren Driedger). He took immense joy in the lives of his fifteen grandchildren: Alexander, Claire, Spencer, Erica, Liam, Eve, Harrison, Emily, Sebastien, Jeffrey, Jarvis, Jack, Etienne, Courtney, and Liam; and cherished his eight great-grandchildren: Audrey, George, Maeve, Jane, Faye, Hugo, Léna, and Farrah. Gerald's early education took place in Standard, AB, where he grew up in the town's Canadian Pacific Railway station. He went on to study at Mount Royal College, the University of Alberta, and the University of Western Ontario, where he was deeply involved in university affairs, serving on the Board of Governors as well as the Advisory Committee of the Ivey Business School for 23 years. A passionate advocate for education, Gerald taught courses at Mount Royal College and to executives at Eaton's in Winnipeg, MB, and Calgary and he recently created a bursary at Western University for students from rural Alberta. He strongly believed in the transformative power of travel and encouraged those around him to explore the world and broaden their horizons. While his favourite mode of travel was by train, he also cruised in most parts of the world. His academic pursuits were matched by an entrepreneurial spirit that propelled him to establish Knowlton Realty Ltd., a pioneering commercial real estate agency that expanded to six cities across Canada and the United States. Under his leadership, Knowlton Realty played a key role in developing Calgary's skyline, including such iconic landmarks as the Petro Canada Centre, Bow Valley Square, and Mount Royal Village. As founder of Congress Inc., Gerald strategically invested and often operated various ventures, particularly in real estate ownership, oil and gas exploration, bus distribution, wine production in Saint-Émilion, France, kitchen design and manufacturing, and other endeavours. Gerald's enthusiasm and generosity were evident in everything he did, from business to family to community involvement. He was a director of Union Oil Canada, the Calgary Philharmonic, Calgary YMCA, the Regina Pats Hockey Club, Barbican Properties Inc., and Napili Kai Beach Resort in Hawaii. As Vice Chairman of Alberta Ventures Fund Ltd. and a member of the Calgary Economic Development Authority, he played a significant role in shaping the future of Calgary and Alberta. Beyond business, Gerald had a love of sports, including hockey, baseball, tennis, and golf, and enjoyed hunting. He was an avid collector of art, coins, and stamps. He was also deeply committed to preserving history, as evidenced by his creation of Champion Park, a historical homage to his parents and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Faye Knowlton; and his sisters, Gwynneth (Wallace) and Judy (Hennig). He is mourned by his loving family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, innovation, and deep familial devotion. As we remember Gerald Knowlton, we celebrate a life well-lived, shaped by his commitment to family, education, and community, and a vision that will continue to inspire for generations to come. A Memorial Service will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gerald's family at www.MHFH.com. At the family's request, no flowers please.