Joseph Holowisky

HOLOWISKY , Joseph Neil March 29, 1942 - February 20, 2010 It is with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Joseph Holowisky of Calgary on February 20, 2010. Joe always believed that there was one more miracle out there that he could claim and we marvelled at how he fought his heart disease with determination. After a twenty-two year battle with heart disease, he courageously passed away suddenly with all the dignity he was known for. He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life of forty-one years, Dianne; and his children, son Todd and daughter Gillian, whom he cherished more than his own life. Joe was born in Richmond, Alberta and graduated from Westlock High School. He coached and played hockey and semi-pro baseball, spent five years as an accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell in Penticton, B.C. and moved to Calgary in 1971 to join Hudson Bay Oil and Gas Company. In 1982, Joe became the first employee of Canpar Holdings, Ltd. as audit manager. In 1985, he was appointed Manager, Accounting and Audit, for both Canpar and Rife Resources. In 1991, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance and Administration for both companies. Joe was instrumental in establishing Freehold Royalty Trust, a publicly traded oil and gas trust, and in 1996 he became Vice President, Finance and Administration, and Corporate Secretary of Freehold. He retired in 2009 as Chief Financial Officer, leaving a job and staff he loved. His greatest joys in life were watching Todd play hockey and baseball and Gillian dance. He never missed a game, show or any other event in his children's lives. He could not believe his good fortune when both his children graduated from Oklahoma City University, with High Honours, the same day. An avid sports fan, Joe was especially fond of the Calgary Flames, New York Yankees and Houston Texans. It had become a yearly tradition to visit Yankee Stadium and Reliant Stadium. He also took great pleasure playing golf, talking politics and trading stocks. He loved to travel the world with his wife and started the countdown for his annual trip to Maui the minute he arrived back in Calgary. It is difficult to summarize a great man's life in a few sentences. Joe was an exceptional man that defied the odds in all aspects of his life. He knew what it meant to be a real partner: supportive, encouraging, dependable, forthright, loyal, compassionate and always did his best to help those around him succeed and feel loved. Joe will be deeply missed by his family, friends and colleagues. We love you Joe, always and forever. The family would like to thank all the staff at the Foothills Hospital for their tireless work and efforts to make Joe as comfortable as possible. We are forever grateful to Drs. Anderson, McMeekan, Zielke, Charbonneau, Isaac and Kavanagh and the nurses and additional staff including Kirk, Estelle, Rachelle, Trish, Allison, Pam, Janelle and Duane. Further thanks to everyone at the cardiac function, especially Tracy French. Funeral Services will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 - 40 Street S.E.) today, February 25, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Joe's name directly to the research of Dr. Todd Anderson at the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta. Donations to be made out to "University of Calgary" with "Todd Anderson - LCIA" in the memo and mailed to G247 HSC, 3330 Hospital Drive N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N1. In living memory of Joe Holowisky, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: 403-256-9575.