LOU MACEACHERN

August 26, 1933 – February 20, 2025 Lou MacEachern, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the age of 91 years, in Calgary. Lou will be greatly missed by his wife of 58 years, Hilda; children, Carla, Grant (Kim), and Nancy; and cherished grandson, Atticus. He loved his large extended family in PEI, Nova Scotia, Alberta and BC. Lou wanted everyone to know he had a great life. Lou was born in Hazel Grove, PEI, on August 26, 1933, in the depths of the depression. The famous red clay of PEI ran through his veins. He loved his adopted home of Calgary almost as much. As a young man with a grade 7 education, he left PEI to find a place with unlimited opportunities – he eventually settled in Calgary in the early 1950s. He was doing ok, but felt he needed to complete his education – so he went back to PEI to start grade 8 in a one room school – the kids called him "old man." He didn't care what anyone called him at any time, Lou lived his life how he thought it should be lived. He finished schooling with a brief stint at Dalhousie University, where one professor told him in strict confidence that Lou knew more about business than any of the professors!! Lou headed back out west to Calgary to start cleaning carpets. First under the ServiceMaster banner, later as Servpro, which eventually led to forming Fortune Industries to manage his diverse business interests and continue his entrepreneurial journey. Lou also loved deals – whether it was an investment in a licorice factory in Innisfail or an oil company in Kazakhstan – he was in! Lou loved to travel the world and have family and friends share in these adventures. Lou's final community honour was being inducted into the Southern Alberta Business Hall of Fame in November 2023. This honour was a culmination of a life's work supporting his community. Whether it was Rotary, Confederation Centre for the Arts, The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, The Calgary Foundation, Junior Achievement, UPEI, Calgary Chamber of Commerce, Salvation Army or the 1988 Olympic Winter games in Calgary, he was happy to share his time and a few of his thoughts on what each organization should be doing to make the biggest impact. Lou certainly did live a great life – with great impact! The family would like to thank all the healthcare workers in Unit 81, Unit 94, ICU and Palliative Care at the Rockyview General Hospital for their exceptional care of Lou in his final two weeks. The family invites you to join them at the Red & White Club at McMahon Stadium (1833 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. to celebrate and remember Lou's life and legacy, with reception to follow. The family will also host a celebration in Charlottetown on Saturday, April 26, 2025, details to follow. If friends so desire, please consider contributing to the Lou MacEachern Memorial Fund at the Calgary Foundation. Donations can be made online at www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/128018 or a cheque can be written to the Calgary Foundation with "Lou MacEachern Memorial Fund" in the memo section. Mail to Calgary Foundation, #1180, 105 – 12 Ave. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.evanjstrong.com. Arrangements in care of Evan J Strong Funeral Services North, Calgary, Alberta, 403-879-8834.