Obituary of Arthur Ralph Glassford

July 30, 1940 – Toronto, Ontario

June 26, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Art Glassford passed away in Calgary, AB, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the age of 83 years, just one month shy of his 84th birthday on July 30. He is lovingly remembered by Chris McLachlan, his wife and best friend for 47 years.

He was born in Toronto, raised in Ontario, and is survived by sons, Michael and Mark; daughter Deirdre, five granddaughters, and three great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Tom (Jackie) of Calgary, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Art worked for the Ontario government in various capacities, ultimately serving as Manager of the Queen’s Park Computing Centre. He and Chris met in Ontario and moved to Calgary in 1979, where Art directed the computing facilities for Dome Petroleum.

As 'country' people, Art and Chris discovered Bragg Creek and made the hamlet their home for almost 30 years, deeply involving themselves in the community. Art served a term as President of the Bragg Creek Community Association. In 1991, he opened Roper Graphics & Printing Services in Bragg Creek, with his nephew Ian and niece Heather working part-time while attending university. Art also assisted in Chris’ publication of the High Country News community paper, both businesses operating from their home.

In 2008, Art and Chris made the difficult decision to sell their country home and move to Calgary. Art retired from his printing business but continued to help with Chris’s newspaper until it was sold in 2016.

Art’s lifelong hobby was photography. He created thousands of photographs and published five hardcover photo books. Over the years, his framed photos have been displayed at the Calgary Stampede, donated to charity auctions, or sold privately.

Art's personal passions included Alpine and Nordic skiing and rodeo. As an energetic and dedicated volunteer throughout his life, he had many memorable moments. As a Nordic Ski Patroller, he co-coordinated the on-course First Aid Services at the '88 Olympic Games at the Canmore Nordic Centre. He was a member of the Lake Louise Ski Friends tour guiding program for over 30 years, honoured with a Life Membership Award, and reached his ‘365 days’ status.

Art embraced his 'cowboy' persona by working the chutes at the Strathmore Rodeo for 20 years. He volunteered with the Calgary Stampede Promotion Committee for 35 years, initiating the ‘Roper,’ a fully decked-out cowboy roping ‘two-legged critters’ in the Stampede Parade and various other events. He prepared the centennial book documenting the history of the Promotion Committee and served as MC of the Happy Trails group, which visited and provided musical entertainment at seniors’ homes alongside Stampede Royalty and officials. Art was named Volunteer of the Year in 2003.

In addition to numerous road trips throughout Canada and the U.S., cruising vacations became a passion for Art and Chris, with their last and most memorable cruise being through the South Pacific.

A Celebration of Art’s Life will be held at the McInnis & Holloway Hospitality Centre (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Art’s family here.

In living memory of Art Glassford, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.