Obituary of Harold Pike

February 28, 1943 - Ebbw Vale, Wales

November 5, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Harold “Roger” Pike of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Roger was born in Ebbw Vale, Wales on February 28, 1943, to Mair and “Albert” Eric Pike. He grew up in Llanelli, then went to boarding school enjoying rugby, shooting, and other sports, while his father travelled with the Royal Air Force until his tragic death during a training exercise in Singapore in 1958. Roger then moved to London with his mum, and soon attended Thames Valley University where he met and then married the love of his life, Christine Norah Pike (nee Clarke) in 1969. They moved to Canada in 1970 and soon had two daughters, Sarah and Emma Pike. They shared many adventures together including building a house on Salt Spring Island, travelling around Canada and abroad, having rocking parties, and moving from the West Coast to the Foothills of Alberta.

Roger was an accomplished businessman, working mostly in the transportation industry, initially with Canadian Pacific Airlines (CP Air), Canadian Airlines International, owning his own consulting business, SSI Consulting, co-owner of the Orcas Gallery, and finally with Greyhound Canada at which he rose through the ranks to become its President. During this time, he helped to expand the company's cargo operations and helped launch the short-lived Greyhound Air. Also, during his tenure, and even after retirement, he tirelessly fought against bus deregulation to ensure this important public service remained accessible to all Canadians. Roger also shared his knowledge as a member of the Calgary Airport Authority for several years.

Roger was always interested in learning and developing new skills, from woodworking to metalworking, stained glass work, jewelry-making, model boats, and computer programming. He loved to read, watch documentaries, listen to music, play cards, and share good food and drink with family and friends. He was a straight shooter who will be most remembered for his generosity, intelligence, quick wit, and that famous twinkle in his eyes. He was sometimes tough on the outside but a big softie on the inside, especially when it came to his grandkids.

Harold is survived by his two daughters and two sons-in-law, Sarah Pike and Sebastien Stewart of Fernie, BC, and Emma Pike and Robin Staples, of Yellowknife, NT; and three grandchildren, Julien Stewart, Sadie Stewart, and Peter Staples.

Harold was predeceased by his loving wife Christine Pike, his parents, Mair Kendall and “Albert” Eric Pike, and his stepfather Michael Kendall.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Roger’s honour directly to the Habitat for Humanity, 210-805 Manning Rd NE Calgary, AB T2E 7M8 Phone: (403) 253-9331, https://www.habitatsouthernab.ca/donate.

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

In living memory of Roger Pike, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.