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Louis KANARY Obituary
August 9, 1953 – Toronto, ON
May 21, 2014 – Calgary, AB
Louis "Lou" Joseph Kanary, beloved husband of Ellie of Calgary, passed away on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the age of 60 years. Upon graduation from York University in Toronto 1976, Lou began working at General Foods and continued to work with them for thirty-six years including the change into Kraft Canada. Lou worked in various positions across Canada, which allowed him to meet many people and to make great lifelong friends both within the industry and outside. Lou achieved the role as Western Regional Director of Sales. While he initially began in retail sales, the last eight years of his life were spent in food service which allowed him to meet a whole new group of fellow employees and customers. He really enjoyed food service, as well as all the individuals that he had contact with; often commenting on how he worked with a great group of people, in particular, his admin Maggie. Lou was known for his great sense of humour, his love of storytelling, and his ability to get along with everyone. He was passionate about golf and spent the first two summers of his retirement packing in as many games of golf as time would allow. Upon retirement, he joined the Calgary South Rotary Club where he was involved in several committees, the one dearest to his heart being the "Stay in School" program. Lou was one of a kind and will be remembered as a wonderful man with a great sense of humour who loved his family and valued all his many friends. He will live on in our hearts forever. Besides his loving wife Ellie, Lou is survived by his sons, Mark (Heather), Sean (Jenna), and Ryan (Kaleigh); mother Lillian; sister Anna; and brothers, Steve, Dave, and Ashley and their families. He will be greatly missed by his granddaughter Callie. He was predeceased by his father, Alex. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) today, May 28, 2014 and Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, donations in Lou's memory may be made directly to Rotary Club of Calgary South/Stay in School Program, L1036 9705 Horton Road S.W., Calgary, AB T2V 2X5. In living memory of Lou Kanary, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
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36 Entries
Our Lady Of Victory
Edward Wright
May 21, 2015
It was really nice to read the comments from Vince, Gary and Adam (from OLV School and Church). Makes things a little nicer with common shared background.(I could not find a picture of the old Our Lady Of Victory School (where we all started.). This is the church built in 1953.Where LK was an altar boy.
June 4, 2014
Our sincerest sympathy Sean. You and your brothers certainly had a father to be proud of. Keep all the happy memories alive. Heartfelt sympathy to you, your mom and all the family
Jack and Dolores Kelly and family
David Forgay
June 3, 2014
My sincere sympathy. I had the honor and pleasure to work with Lou at Kraft and , like so many, others have stories that bring a smile to my face. He will be missed. The world is a better place due to his time here.
Daniel Hegarty
June 2, 2014
What a great life; what great love of family and friends. Too young and too soon. Lots of love and prayers to Lou, Ellie and the boys. Lou, they're expecting a good joke at the gates so dig deep into the portfolio - miss you my friend.
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Tom Cruise
May 31, 2014
From an old friend (amongst your many)...a fellow Mt. Dennis-ite from the 60's. My sincere condolences to your family.
May 30, 2014
Our deepest sympathies. Lou will be missed.
Jim and Carolyn Waters
Edward Wright
May 30, 2014
When I see the Kanary name on The Mount Dennis or OLV Facebook page I always first think of Louis. I am a former OLV person too. He was a good kid. Didn,t want to harm anyone in school. My condolences to the family. He has left us way too soon. Check The Mount Dennis and Our Lady Of Victory Facebook sites. There may be a class picture with Louis.
Michele Goodyear Nolan
May 30, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Ellie, Mark, Sean and Ryan. Lou hired me 30 years ago with General Foods and launch my career still to this day. Such an amazing man, full of joy and that smile said it all. He will truly be missed.
Richard Tousignant
May 30, 2014
My thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. I was lucky enough to work with Lou early in my career at Kraft and learned many things from him. He was always professional and a gentlemen while still showed you how to have fun while at work. I will always have fond memories of my times with Lou and I am sure the family will have many more. I wish the family strength during these tough times.
Mike Moore
May 30, 2014
Like a number of people who signed before me, Lou and I were friends and school mates throught grade school, high school and university, we played hockey on many of the same teams and we worked on the railroad together. Lou was a good guy and a lot of fun; he will be missed
May 29, 2014
Our deepest sympathy. Margaret and Bernard sabourin
Blake Frazer
May 29, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the Kanary family. All of the remembrances detailed in this guest book have me nodding my head and thinking "that's Lou". I knew Lou briefly from my time in the food business in Calgary in the '90's and he truly was a wonderful person.
Terry, Marlene, Ashleigh and Ryan Phillips
May 29, 2014
Your loss is felt by those who knew Lou.I had the pleasure of first meeting him through work in Winnipeg which also continued in Calgary. We got to know the family better through sports as Sean and my son Ryan played hockey and baseball together. Lou will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Bob Shumka
May 28, 2014
Dear Ellie and family, I was shocked to learn of Lou's passing. I only knew him from our association in the food industry, but always respected him for his rapport with customers, his concern for others, his wonderful personality and his great sense of humour. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time and rest assured that Lou will be in my prayers.
Best regards
May 28, 2014
So saddened to hear of Lou's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing Lou during my years at Kraft. Although we didn't meet often, when we did he always had a big smile, a hand shake, and warm hello. He will be fondly remembered and missed by many. My sincere condolences to the Kanary family. Judy Colby Edmonton, AB
Fred and Kathy Bunney
May 28, 2014
Fred & I would like to offer our condolences to Ellie and the entire Kanary family. Lou was "One of a Kind!" He was funny,intelligent,and the stories he could tell would have you in stitches all day.I had the great privilege to work for Lou at Kraft Foods & can honestly say he made the workplace somewhere you wanted to go. Lou will be missed!
Brian Besco
May 28, 2014
I would like to offer my heartfelt condolences to Ellie and all the Kanary Family. From my elementary school days with Lou in Toronto to our careers with General Foods, I will always remember Lou for his great sense of humour and sharp wit. We shared so many fun times and laughs and more laughs. His positive and cheerful personality was contagious. A special guy!
Glen and Corinne Godlonton
May 28, 2014
We are so sorry to hear about Lou. Although I only knew him for a short time in the Rotary; especially from the Stay In School Committee, he was always a pleasure to be around with his boundless energy and ideas. The memory of sharing conversation and food at the last Rotary Christmas Luncheon will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Kanary family.
Bob Scott
May 28, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Kanary family. My thoughts are with you all.
Bruce Legge
May 27, 2014
My deepest sympathies to Ellie, Mark, Sean and Ryan. Lou was a true leader who inspired and motivated effortlessly with the rare combination of intelligence, wit and contagious enthusiasm. I am privileged to have known and worked with him.
May 27, 2014
Dear Mark and Heather,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Just found out from Michael. It is obvious how much he was treasured by his family and friends, for good reason. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Uncle Kevin and Suzanne
Vince Rock
May 27, 2014
Lou - The early years: From elementary school at Our Lady of Victory (including being misbehaving alter boys). Next off to high school at Chaminade and York Memo and then university. In between a stint on Canadian Pacific Railroad. Always more laughs and positive feelings than can ever be measured. What a guy!!! I am glad that I had a chance to hook up while he was in BC but sorry it didn't happen more often. Forever in my mind LOU
Gary Lane
May 27, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Kanary Family. Lou was one of the nicest, sweetest guys to ever walk on the planet. As a bud from elementary school days, I remember that Lou always greeted you with an infectious smile and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. Here's to you Lou…
Karen & Russ Williams
May 27, 2014
Our deepest condolences to Ellie, Mark, Sean and Ryan and to all the Kanary family. We had the pleasure to know Lou and Ellie through baseball with their son Mark and our son Jeff. Our thoughts are with you all at this time.
Karen, Russ, Jeff (Ashlee) Williams and Tanya (Williams) Ross.
May 27, 2014
I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Ellie, Mark, Sean and Ryan and the whole Kanary family. I had the pleasure to work with Lou at General Foods as partners in the coffee division . Lou will be remembered for his joie de vivre, his passion, his attention to others and his contagious laughter .
May God give you the strength to go through these very difficult times.
Pierre Stoycheff
Clint Young
May 27, 2014
Lou was an inspiration and a great leader. I am saddened for your loss. My sympathies go out to your family.
Adam Capizzano
May 26, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the entire Kanary family. Lou was my best friend growing up and he was my best man at my wedding as I was his at wedding.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May 26, 2014
Thinking of you Dave at this difficult time. Ted & Carna Fearey.
Patricia Greer
May 26, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the family. It was always a pleasure working with Lou.
May 26, 2014
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May you find comfort in all the special times you shared. Auntie Kate, Uncle Michael, Allia and Jordan
Len Lister
May 26, 2014
My wife Janet and I had the pleasure of knowing Lou for many years as our careers followed the same geographical path from Ont to Atlantic Canada to Western Canada where I retired. A truly unique individual who will be missed by all .We shared many great times together.
Stacey Kravitz
May 26, 2014
My sincere condolences to Ellie and family, at this most difficult time. I had the pleasure and priveledge of working with Lou in some way or another over the past 17 years at Kraft,visiting Calgary often, sharing war stories, insights and having a laugh or two along the way. I truly looked up to Lou over my years at Kraft, the legacy he leaves is profound to many and he will be greatly missed.
Jack Haman
May 26, 2014
Sometimes the Master Plan finds us standing there scratching our heads and asking WHY? I knew Lou for a mere two years through Rotary. His broad smile, enthusiasm and engaging personality endeared him to us all. Condolences to his myriad loved ones.
Marise Auffray
May 26, 2014
Wit, stories, and all those "Louisms"... your friendship will be a treasured memory for a very long time.
May 26, 2014
Sometimes the Master Plan finds us standing there scratching our heads and asking WHY? I knew Lou through Rotary for a mere two years. His broad smile brightened the room and he spread happiness and enthusiasm in every interaction. Condolences to all his loved ones. Jack Haman
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14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3
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