John Godfrey Gold
July 24th, 2020
It is with unfathomable sadness that the family of John Gold announce his sudden passing on Friday, July 24, 2020 at the age of 73 years.
John is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, Jennifer Gold; his three adoring daughters, Emma, Vanessa, and Amanda Gold; son-in-law, Graeme Foreman; and the pride and joy of his later life, his grandson, Owen Foreman. He is also survived by nephews, Pete Goss and Paul Williams.
Born in London, England on March 8, 1947 to Joseph and Julie Gold, John was the youngest of their three children. He began working at the age of 15 and after a brief amount of time in a fish market, John made his way into the travel industry. This career path would expose him to the entire world, whether by physical journeys or by learning about a certain place to the fullest degree.
John met his future wife, Jennifer, in London, England and their connection was immediate. They welcomed first daughter, Emma, into the world and eventually decided to follow the lead of his family and immigrate to Calgary, Canada in 1980. John and Jennifer's second and third daughters, Vanessa and Amanda, were both born in Calgary, Alberta.
John continued with a successful career as a Travel Agent and ended up working devoutly in the industry for an incredible 58 years. He took great pride in his work and would go above and beyond at every opportunity for his clients, many becoming friends. His expertise was also highlighted at Robertson College as an instructor.
John was a devoted family man. His love for Jennifer was endless and they enjoyed many friends and social events together over the decades. He was also the epitome of a great dad to his three daughters. Whether it was a drive to school in the morning, endless hours at a swimming pool and on the side of a basketball court, or just calling to check in and see if they needed anything, they were always his number one. This loving support was also gifted to his grandson, and John could always be seen in the bleachers of the hockey rinks for Owen’s games, watching with sheer delight and pride.
John would do anything at the drop of a hat to provide for his family. His caring and selfless nature of giving was ever present, even on the very day that he passed. He loved many things in this world but his greatest love was of that for his cherished family.
John also had a passion for learning and reading throughout his entire life. His collection of books is a sight to be seen, and he relished in always sharing a relatable piece of information or story, regardless of the subject matter. His thirst for knowledge also lead him on many religious and spiritual explorations throughout his life, always driven to feed his soul and give perspective to the wonders, beauty, and meaning of life. It was through these paths that he also made many life-long friends all over the world.
He touched everyone he met with his genuine listening ear, interesting factoids, charming demeanour, smiling face and enormously kind heart.
John was predeceased by his father, Joseph; his mother, Julie; his two older sisters, Jean and Jennifer; his cousin, Kevin McDermott; and countless other family members & friends whom he is now reunited with.
Details for a Celebration of Life will be shared by his family in the coming days to give opportunity for family & friends to honour such a loving and wonderful gift of a man.
We welcome all to leave a fond memory or favourite story of John here so that we may keep his memories forever.
Messages:
Please accept my deepest condolences. I have known John for so much of my life. He was the travel whiz for the Archaeology department at UC for many years and became friends with many, including my parents. Later, when I was chairing a national organization, I found that John could organize 3 national meetings a year within our budget when no one else could arrange 2! He was a good friend to my parents and often came to events. I know that you must be missing him. Ama sends condolences from Ghana. Sending you all warm thoughts and wishes at this difficult time. Kind regards, Becky Kelley
We are sending our most deepest regards to the Gold family at this most trying time. We considered them as part of our family as we were close neighbors in Calgary which stretched to bc when we moved to Nanoose & they came & bought their home here to summer. Alas that didn't work as planned but that didn't curb our fondness of the Gold family. Our last visit was like we were never apart & remembered all the commonalities we still had. We'll never forget the kindness that John gave us by picking us up from the airport during a winter storm to make sure that we got home safely. We'll miss his smile & caring personality. Always in our hearts.
Dear Vanessa & family - Paulo Paulie and I send our love and condolences.
John was more of a brother than an uncle. We had a special bond; one which time and distance could not erode. We had arranged to speak to each other the weekend of his passing. This is an extract from an email he sent me. 'It is 3.30am in the morning, I cannot sleep, I have so much I want to talk to you about, I miss you buddy'. Exactly the same can be said of me, I shall miss our little chats. We are a close-knit family, my bond with the girls is also very strong. I miss them immensely and will always be here for them. I have linked many of my online accounts to a new password - John8347. He will be with me today and for the rest of my life. Paul
My deepest condolences to all of you. He was such a kind and loving gentleman. I can’t forget his kind face and smile. He resided his children in a very good manner. May his soul Rest In Peace.
Dear Jennifer, Emma, Vanessa and Amanda, It was with great sadness that we learned of John's passing. The news brought a shower of happy memories of John. His warmth, honesty, friendship, wry humour and keen intellect were but a few of the memories we carry of him. In particular I recall a great party at your house following one of our city championships. John and Jennifer were such welcoming hosts and John was in his element insuring all felt welcome. I also remember my glass was never empty. Karen and I recalled today that John was instrumental in booking a memorable family holiday to Disney Orlando. He was so pleased when we told him that everything went as planned. He was a genuine and caring man. Our paths continued to cross when I taught Vanessa and enjoyed watching Miranda play basketball at Diefenbaker. It seemed that John and I ended up sitting together watching the action. Happy days, happy memories of a wonderful person I was proud to call my friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during these sad days. Tom Leppard on behalf of Karen and Christine.
I am so sad to hear of the loss of such a lovely man. I met John when as a young immigrant to Canada, I started work for an engineering company who used John for their travel arrangements. He was so kind, funny and helpful that he soon became a friend and helped us with our own family travels. One one particular year, he was instrumental in making it possible for me to change plans at the last minute and take my two young boys to a family wedding in Italy, for which I am ever grateful. He had such a can-do, positive approach which was both compassionate and reassuring, and humour was always there in those eyes. You made the world a better place, John, and you will be missed. Our sincere condolences to you, Jennifer and all the family.
A wonderful tribute to a generous and thoughtful father, grandfather and husband. I know he impacted our lives even in the short time we knew him. Always greeted with a smile and thoughtful consideration. He is missed. Love you!
Thinking of you and your family during this sad time Emma. May your memories and love ease the heaviness of your heart til you meet with him again.
Our thoughts are with all of the Golds at this time, as we know you are heartbroken over John’s sudden passing. He was truly the epitome of a family man, and raised 3 incredible daughters - who we are grateful to call our friends. Much love to you all XO
Like all those knowing him I recognized John as a true gem of a man: A blend of kindness, selflessness and altruism, with an incessant thirst for life and learning and a wicked sense of humour - there was never a time he didn’t have a funny story to share; never missed a chance to ask about how was life treating a friend or share some of his own life’s many facets. Becoming friends in our late 20’s led him to introduce me to great young lady, who later became my wife (will always feel indebted); traveling across Europe helped me to appreciate John’s love for humanities and different cultures. My thoughts are with those four lovely girls in his life and Owen whom he clearly adored. Can’t imagine the void his early passing has left in your hearts - his sunny loving character and many fond memories are bound to endure.
My deepest condolences to the Gold family. John and his family always love to attend first nations events I would always see their smiling faces in the crowd. He had the biggest heart and love for everyone which he passed on to his children we will all miss you John❤️
John was a trusted travel advisor and friend to our family. A good an honourable gentleman through-and through. We share our condolences with John’s family.
I had the pleasure of Meeting John at the hockey arena to cheer the hockey team on. John was always kind and thoughtful, I enjoyed chatting with him, especially about what he was reading at the time. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family,
I am so sorry for the loss of John. Your family has always supported us in troubling times and I wish that circumstances would allow me to return your kindness. Speak of him often, sometimes with laughter, and others with tears. Cherish his memory. He will be with you always Sue Palmer
My heart breaks for you during this time of loss. Sending your family my deepest condolences.
Our deepest condolences to the family.It is with great sadness that we learned the news of John's passing. He will be missed! We enjoyed many parties and celebrations with the entire family. John was the ultimate family man and always spoke so highly of Jean and the girls. We know he was over the moon to have a Grandson. Our memories of John will sustain us for a long time. Please know our hearts are with you in your time of need. All our love, Ian, Roxy, Brian, Tracy and Mike
My sincere condolences to your family. He truly was an amazing man.
Our thoughts are will you all during this extremely hard time. Take care of yourselves and each other. Rest In Peace John you will be missed. Much love to you all ❤️ Angela, James and the Golemme family
I was fortunate to coach Amanda in community basketball and I remember John and Jennifer never missing a game, with smiles wide, cheering wildly for our team on every occasion! What a beautiful legacy of love he has built within your family and in his precious grandson, Owen. Much love to all of you as you hold one another close - he will always be with you. xo