August 21, 1960 - September 29, 2024
In loving memory ~
John Ostrom, beloved husband of Isabel Ostrom, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the age of 64 years, following a sudden and hellish battle with brain cancer. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife Isabel, his three sons, Peter (Jenny), Derek, and Aidan, his grandson Oliver, his parents, Norman and Margret Ostrom, his sister Christina (Bob), and many nieces and nephews.
John was born and raised in Prince Rupert, BC. He worked with his father as a commercial fisherman on the north coast when he was a teenager but found his vocation as a scientist (as well as his wife-to-be) when he was at the University of British Columbia, graduating with a degree in Geology. He dedicated over 40 years of his professional life to the oil and gas industry. John was the epitome of a petroleum geologist; his natural curiosity combined with tenacity, intelligence and an infectious optimism resulted in the many discoveries he is credited with.
Outside of his career, John enjoyed spending time with his family and pursuing sports including swimming, cycling, hiking, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. He was proud to complete an Ironman triathlon on his 50th birthday, swim the English Channel, and do other epic adventures with Isabel. John was also passionate about working on his Datsun roadster, playing chess, and researching stocks and current events. In particular John loved mentoring and helping others wherever and whenever he could. He was a great listener, an epic problem-solver, and could build and fix pretty much anything.
John will be most remembered for his caring, kind, and generous nature. He wore his heart on his sleeve and was most definitely one of the "good guys". He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of John's Life will be held at a future date.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Rosedale Hospice, 920 7a St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3J4, Telephone: 403-284-5195, www.hospicecalgary.ca/support/donations/, in honor of the wonderful care they provided for John and his family, or to the University of Calgary, www.neuroarm.org/connect-support-grow, to help fund the research led by Dr. Garnette Sutherland, the neurologist who operated on John and will be using John's medical data to help find a treatment for glioblastoma.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John's family at www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of John Ostrom, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.
You may wish to email your family and friends to let them know that the above obituary may be viewed online at: www.mcinnisandholloway.com
