Obituary of Peter Francis Conroy
July 3, 1942 – Montreal, Quebec
June 18, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
Peter Conroy of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 at the age of 80 years.
Peter was born in Montreal QC. He resided there until 1974, at which time he moved to Calgary, AB, where he remained until his passing. Like many men of his generation, Peter left school at an early age to begin working. Peter worked for CN Rail and later Yellow Bird Airlines. Upon relocating to Calgary, Peter continued in the airline industry with International JetAir. He later worked in real estate, but found his true calling with Recovery Acres Calgary Society (1835 House).
As a young man Peter was very athletic. Football and boxing had been sports where Peter excelled; his love for boxing remained with him throughout his life. Later in life Peter discovered golf and became passionate within that sport and within the interaction with friends that it held. He spent many happy days on the golf course with many of his good friends. Peter also enjoyed traveling; he and his partner Jeanette enjoyed their trips to Paris, Ireland, the Caribbean, as well as many trips to Las Vegas.
Peter is survived by his three children, Richard (Shelly), Kim (Michael), and Kevin (Patti); as well as two grandchildren, Kendra Martland, and Joseph (Krista); and great-grandson, Tristan. Peter was predeceased by his partner, Jeanette; mother, Elizabeth; and his siblings, Martin, Paddy, Charles, Elizabeth, and Kathleen. Peter also leaves behind his dear nieces, Cathy (Roger) and Cheryl (Peter); and his nephew, Frank (Sue).
Peter began his second life in October of 1981; he entered what is know as 1835 House and he began a journey of recovery and helping others. This calling that he had upon his life ended up touching thousands of lives. After dealing with his own substance issues, he became a staff counselor at the House and worked in the facility for over 25 years. He advanced his position to Clinical Program Manager and operated the clinical service directions for many years. Upon retirement from the organization in his paid positions, he entered the volunteer ranks and became a Board Member. During his tenure as a Board Member, he accepted the role of Chairman of the Board for several years. At one point, after retirement, Peter agreed to become the Executive Director to bring balance to the organization. There wasn’t anything Peter wouldn’t do for 1835 House or the residents of the House. Peter’s contribution to the organization is incomparable. More importantly, are all the lives that were changed because of Peter’s involvement with this organization. There are many that didn’t have the pleasure to meet Peter, but benefited from his vision and insightful directions in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Beyond his clinical acumen for assisting people, Peter had a deep compassion for helping others and this was evidenced by the shear number of people that knew and wanted to interact with this man. You couldn’t go anywhere with Peter where he wasn’t approached by someone wanting to say “hi” or grab a coffee with him. Peter, many of us are looking forward to having a coffee with you in Paradise, put the coffee pot on, and have a “story” ready. We’ll miss the visits in the interim.
A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at Marda Loop Communities Association, (3130 - 16 Street SW) on Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.
In lieu of flowers, please send all donations to Recovery Acres Calgary Addiction Treatment Center at 1835 - 27th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 1H2, By Phone 403-245-1196 or at info@recoveryacres.org.