Obituary Overview
A Life Well Lived
Alfred George Ogston, beloved husband of Monica Barbara Ogston (nee Winterhalt) of Calgary, Alberta, passed away at the Rosedale Hospice on March 22, 2018 at the age of 88 years.
George was the loving father of Diane (Douglas) Kilbourn, Alfred (Alice) Ogston, and Brenda (Shawn) McCrea. He will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren Derek (Sarah Holmes) Kilbourn, Devon (Sharon) Kilbourn, Christopher (Caroline) Ogston, Jeremy (Mina) McCrea, Ryan (Alicea) McCrea, Brandie (Matthew) Rachiele, Bobby (Malena) Ogston, and Danelle (Steven) Anderson and great- grandchildren Mason, Colin, Ella, Brodie, Grayson, Anna, Romeo, Linus, Austin, Emma, Emilia, and Harlow. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brother William, sisters Joyce and Audrey, sister-in-law Alma, and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces-and-nephews as well as family in Scotland and many other friends and loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents Martha and John, brother Charles, sister Ella, brother-in-law Lorne, brother Robert, brother-in-law Lint, and sister-in-law Ella.
George was born in Davidson, Saskatchewan, the youngest of his seven siblings. His parents were farming pioneers of strong Scottish descent. Communities like Craik, Girvin, and the big city of Moose Jaw were all part of his formative years. George moved to Calgary in 1948. Too young to join the military during WWII, he joined the Calgary Highlanders Reserve. He met Monica at a dance and they were married in 1951. Since 1960 they have lived in their house in St. Andrew’s Heights. George worked construction, then managed the Royal Wayne Motel, and worked again in construction for Borger Brothers, DeVries, and Volker Stevin. At 60 he started his own company, AGO Enterprises, which he ran until recent years. He was a skilled carpenter who could take on any project, and treated those who worked with and for him with great respect.
Both Monica and George have been members (George was a Board member) of the Confederation Park Senior Centre since their 60s, where George became an expert at playing pool. They were part of the Gliders, the Geritol Jivers, and other groups within the Centre. George was a member of the Harmonica Tableau at Bow Cliff Seniors’ Centre. This group entertained during Stampede Week for many years, including last year. There were two seasons in the year for Monica and George. Getting ready for Stampede, and getting ready for Christmas, which included the famous haggis and the Christmas pudding. George and Monica were renowned for their dancing and musical talents, entertaining for many years, and passing their love of music and dancing on to their children and grandchildren. The door was always open, and the phone was never hung up. The only way George could have a short conversation on the phone was if the Flames or Stampeders were playing a game when you called.
George loved his grandchildren. He would take them camping, where they learned to fish and waterski. Many memories were made in places like Pine Lake, Mara Lake, Crystal Sands, and Scotch Creek. He loved the life outdoors. Life was an adventure for George, and he lived it to the fullest, always making time for his family and friends. He loved to travel, and as much as he was able to do over the years, there were still places on his list that he would have enjoyed going to. In recent years, he and Monica went with their three children to Italy, where they visited his brother Charlie’s grave.
George was a member of Advent Lutheran Church, where he was a faithful and valued member. His faith touched the hearts of many. His usual space in his pew will be markedly empty going forward, but his presence will always be felt there.
Many thanks to the staff on Unit 32 at Foothills Hospital and those who cared for him at Rosedale Hospice. Special thanks and appreciation to Pastor Kako, Pastor Ed Bowen, and assistant Pastor Terrie Coombs at Advent Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association in Calgary. 1212 1 St SE • 403-509-0070.
A Celebration of George’s Life will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home (1605 100 Street SE, Calgary) on March 31, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. with viewing prior to the Celebration starting at 9:30 a.m. George will be interred at Mountain View Memorial Gardens.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Alfred George Ogston 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Calgary, Province: Alberta
