Joseph (Joe) George Gelowitz

With deep sadness the family of Joseph George Gelowitz (Joe) share the news of his passing on April 2, 2025 at the age of 87.  He passed away peacefully with his loving wife of 65 years, Lillian, and his three sons Rick, Doug and Dean by his side.  While we grieve his loss, we also celebrate the life of a remarkable man whose love, kindness, and unwavering dedication to his family will never be forgotten.

Joe was born and raised on the family farm near Grayson, Saskatchewan to John and Anne Gelowitz on June 10, 1937.  As a young man Joe discovered that farming wasn’t his passion, so he left the farm for the big city of Regina to attend Campion College to further his studies.  It was there he met and married the love of his life, Lillian.  In those early years Joe worked for MacDonalds Consolidated and the company transferred him to Swift Current where their first son, Rick was born.  A couple years later they transferred him to Calgary where sons Doug and Dean were born.  There he went on to find his true calling working in sales for Allstate Insurance.  Joe spent the better part of his entire career working in the insurance business, which he enjoyed immensely.

Joe was a man of many hidden talents.  There was almost nothing he couldn’t build.  Given any trade, Joe had the innate ability to know how it should be done properly and to do it well.  Joe also loved figuring out how things work.  With his inquisitive mind, if he was given something that was broken and it was almost certain it would be fixed in short order. And if it couldn’t be fixed, he always said he learned something about how it worked.  From fixing power tools, lawnmowers to kitchen appliances and even the kitchen sink itself, nothing seemed to be beyond his capabilities. 

Joe also had an artistic side to him as well.  He had a love for painting landscapes.  This was a reflection of his creative spirit and his ability to see beauty in the world.  He also was able to find joy and purpose in even the simplest of moments like sharing a laugh with someone, or playing cards, square dancing, golfing, or just spending time with his family and many friends whom he held closest to his heart.

Beyond his determined hard work ethic and can-do attitude, Joe was a gentle soul.  He was a man of deep faith, guided by his belief in God, which shaped his life and the way he treated others—with honesty, kindness, humility, and grace.  Joe’s legacy is one of love, faith, and devotion—a life well-lived and a soul deeply cherished.  Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit will continue to live on in the many hearts of those he touched.  His memory will be carried forward in the stories we share, the lessons he imparted, and the love he so freely gave.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Lillian, as well as his three sons Rick (Marsha), Doug (Lila), Dean (Elaine), and grandson Joey (Rosie), step-granddaughter Alana (Jono), step-great grandson Ryker.  He is survived by his sister Freda (Mike), and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his parents John and Anne, stepmother Mary, and siblings Clarence, Reinold, Allan and Millie.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and doctors at both the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Arthur J.E Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre for their kindness, care and compassion throughout Joe’s multiyear battle with cancer.  We would also like to thank the wonderful compassionate staff at the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice for their care and support during his last days.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or Salvation Army Agapé Hospice in Calgary.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Catholic Church (1566 Northmount Dr NW) on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at 11:00am. If you wish, there will be viewing prior to Mass from 10:00am – 11:00am. For those who were unable to attend in person, there will a recording available below.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph (Joe) George Gelowitz, please visit our floral store.