Jan. 5, 2017 – Glenn Syrowitz, beloved husband of Judie, passed away on December 2, 2016 at the age of 63 years with his loving family by his side. A devoted son, husband, father, brother, boss, uncle and friend, Glenn will be mourned and missed by so many people. His loss leaves a gaping hole in our lives. He touched so many, earning respect and admiration wherever he travelled.
Born to humble surroundings in Ladywood, Manitoba on April 17, 1953, Glenn worked hard to accomplish and achieve, carving an impressive path in business and life. Glenn started his career at Canada Packers in Winnipeg followed by Custom Profile and Pipe Extrusion in 1971. In 1979 he moved to Calgary as one of the founding owners of Engineered Profiles Ltd, a company Glenn loved and directed. In 1989 the company was sold to Sauder Industries and then to Westlake in 1993. Glenn continued his career with Westlake Building Products until the time his passing. Glenn’s hard work and commitment was instrumental in taking Westlake public on the NYSE in 2004. Glenn proudly led this company.
In 2014 he was honoured as the recipient of the Pioneer Award from Fenestration Canada. This award was given to him for being a pioneer in the window and door industry. Glenn was an inspirational leader and mentor to many at work. His glass was always overflowing, always seeing the best in everyone. His positive attitude was an inspiration to everyone he met. Glenn met his first love Maureen (Moe) Pachal in 1974 and they were married at St. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic church on October 19, 1975. Their parental dreams were finally fulfilled when their son Jesse was born in 1988 followed by their daughter Adina in 1994. In 2008 Moe was diagnosed with cancer and Glenn devoted himself to supporting Moe’s battle, remaining strong throughout, and after. Sadly, Moe passed away on January 19, 2009.
Glenn is survived by his Mother Josephine, loving sisters Judy (Denny) and Linda (Butch), and brother Patrick (Wendy).
The last chapter of Glenn’s life began in 2009 when friends introduced him to Judie Yarish. Glenn and Judie fell in love instantly. For seven glorious years they rejoiced in love and laughter and the company of the six amazing children that bound them together as a family. Judie and Glenn never took for granted how fortunate they were to have found each other. It was with immense pride and joy that they celebrated the marriages of two of their oldest children this year. Both celebrations were wonderful family events, further strengthening the bond between them all. Jesse (Candace), Kim (Devin), Taylor (Nicole), Adina (Conrad), Harrison and Brooklyn (Colton) are united in their love and sorrow today. As they struggled to deal with Glenn’s illness this fall, another moment of bittersweet joy arrived in the form of Glenn and Judie’s wedding on November 12, 2016. Their loyal and loving circle of friends and family united in celebration to share their joy, and toast their union. This magnificent day shall remain alive in our memories forever.
Glenn’s passion was his family and also his cars. He took pride in the ’69 Roadrunner he restored which now sits in a museum in Lethbridge. His ’70 Nova took his friends and family for a few rides the day of his death. He loved country music, red wine and grey goose. He loved people …people loved him!! He loved their dog Lulu who slept by his side and was reluctant to leave him without many kisses when he passed on. Glenn Syrowitz was a giant of a man: strong, kind, gentle, tough, wise, and clever. We were fortunate to have had him in our lives, and we are all better for it. It was heartbreaking and shocking that he was taken from us so suddenly, and so young. Our hearts shall forever ache at his absence.
The family would like to thank the staff at Southwood Hospice in Calgary for all of their care and compassion as well as the many friends and family that have offered us support. In honour of Glenn’s giving nature, donations may be made to the CJD foundation at www.cjdfoundation.org to support research that will one day save someone’s life, or to the Southwood Hospice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Foothills Centennial Centre (#4, 204 Community Way, Okotoks, AB., T1S 2N3) on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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