Obituary of George Howard Stafford

George “Howard” Stafford, 91, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2023 in Invermere, BC. with his daughter Gayle at his side.

Howard was born in Calgary on April 14, 1932 and spent his early childhood years in Turner Valley, AB, eventually moving with his parents in 1948 to Wetaskiwin, AB, where he met and married his high school sweetheart Doreen Thorn, in 1955. Howard and Doreen settled in Calgary in 1955 where they raised their three children.

After graduating from the University of Alberta with a degree in geology, Howard began his exemplary oil and gas career with the Energy Resources Conservation Board, following in the footsteps as a 4th generation oil & gas industry worker. During his career with the ERCB (now AER), Howard was involved in the evaluation of oil and gas reserves and oil sands, regional geological studies, and administration of provincial regulatory policies. Howard went on to be an advisor to the Alberta Securities Commission and retired from the Energy Resources Conservation Board in 1987.

After retiring, Howard and Doreen moved permanently to their second home in Fairmont Hot Springs where he played golf all summer and headed south to the USA and Mexico for the winters to continue his passion for golf. Howard also excelled in many other sports throughout his life including curling, hockey, and baseball.

Howard was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Doreen, and his son Grant. He is survived by his son Rod Stafford (Cindy Oliver), his daughter Gayle Dougall (Morley); his grandchildren Curtis Stafford and Adrian Sanchez-Avery (Haydn) and their mother Cindy Stafford, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Blakely, Keaton and brand new twin girls Hannah and Whitney.

Howard’s family commends the exemplary and compassionate care given to Howard over the years by his doctor, Dr. Mike Walsh, of Invermere, BC.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the health charity of your choice. Details of memorial service to be announced at a later date.