Eric LUOMA

LUOMA, Eric
April 11, 1929 – Alavus, Finland
January 16, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta
Eric Luoma of Calgary passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the age of 88 years. Eric was born in Alavus, Finland on the family farm. He was the youngest of six children (four sisters and one brother). Farm life was very hard work but he always found time for cross-country skiing, track and field and wrestling. After school, he served in the military for one year as all men were required to do in Finland. In 1950 Eric's uncle from Trochu, Alberta wrote to his father asking for help on his farm. Eric was very glad to oblige and arrived in Trochu just in time for seeding. The heat and dust storms were very unfamiliar conditions for him and after three years he left the farm and moved to Calgary. Later he took a job in construction which led him to start his own company. In 1954 he met and married his wife Irene and together they had two children, Peter and Vivian. Although Eric was very busy with his new business and his family, he was still able to participate in many sports. He won a few national titles and was selected to represent Canada in cross- country skiing for the 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. Eric was a founding member of Foothills Nordic Ski Club, built the first ski jump at Paskapoo (now Canada Olympic Park), and helped to construct the first ski trails in the Calgary and Bragg Creek area. He loved to travel to different places, which included Europe, Singapore, Mexico and many other exotic destinations. At Eric's request, there will be a small private family gathering at a later date. He was predeceased by his wife Irene. Eric is survived by his children, Peter and Vivian (Darreld Shepel); grandchildren Brittany, Ashley, and Shae Lynn; great-grandchildren Araya, Jayden, Roman, Sienna, Maverick, and Legend. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to The Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association, in honour of Eric Luoma, please specify ski-grooming at www.braggcreektrails.org