Janet Wig Obituary
Janet Caroline Wig (formerly McPherson), age 74, of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026 surrounded by all of her beloved children at Chinook Hospice in Calgary.
Born on June 2, 1951, in Calgary, Alberta, to Art and Bertha McPherson, Janet grew up with a passion for nature and animals that would define much of her life. She built a remarkable, hall-of-fame-worthy career as a Thoroughbred racehorse trainer, earning respect and admiration across the racing community for her skill, dedication, and genuine love for the horses she worked with throughout her professional life.
Janet lived most of her years on the family farm north of Cochrane, surrounded by the animals she cherished. She shared this life with her husband, Ken Wig, whom she married and adventured through life with; he predeceased her in April 2017. Together, they created a life full of sport, love, hard work, and adventure.
An avid outdoorswoman with a keen sense of adventure and a profound love for nature, Janet was an enthusiastic hiker, biker, and explorer. Even in her later years, she remained active and spirited—her final hike, a challenging 17 km trek in September 2025, stood as a testament to her enduring strength, determination, and joy in the natural world.
Above all, Janet was a gentle yet remarkably strong leader whose warmth, wisdom, and quiet resilience touched countless lives. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.
She is survived by her four children: Riva (Andrew) Mackie, Marty Wig, Kyle (Alison) Wig, and Kari (Andrew) Lee; her six adored grandchildren: Charlie and Magnolia Mackie, Violet and Archie Lee, and Ivy and Walker Wig; and her three brothers: Allister (Maria) McPherson, Neil (Gail) McPherson, and Rob McPherson.
Janet's legacy of kindness, strength, and love—for her family, her horses, and the wild beauty of Alberta—will live on in every trail she blazed, every life she gently guided, and every heart she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A memorial service to honour Janet's life will take place on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 1:30 pm at RockPointe Church-Bearspaw (255024 Lochend Rd, Calgary, AB).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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