ANTHONY ’SCOTTY’ IRVINE

Anthony ’Scotty’ Irvine

Mr. Anthony ‘Scotty’ Irvine, beloved husband of Sherry Irvine, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 82 years. Along with Sherry, Scotty leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Joseph (Betty) Irvine of Glasgow, Scotland; one sister-in-law, Barbara (Graham) Skjenna of Medicine Hat; a niece, Aura Skjenna of Medicine Hat as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Scotland.

Scotty was predeceased by his fraternal twin brother, Bernard (Ellen) Irvine and one older sister, Margaret (Patrick) Callary, both of Glasgow, Scotland as well as one younger sister, Ann (Steve) Slater of Barrow-in-Furness, England.

Scotty was born the first of twins on March 12, 1942, in Glasgow, Scotland to Ellen and Andrew Irvine.

At 26 years of age and completely alone, Scotty immigrated to Canada via the Empress of England Trans-Atlantic Ocean Liner on April 14, 1968, arriving in Montreal, Quebec a week later.  After another 4 day journey traveling via CP Rail Passenger Train, he arrived in Calgary, Alberta with a small suitcase, a raincoat and an umbrella to begin his adventure in Canada, his new home for the rest of his life.

He began his working career in retail management jobs – Robinson Department Stores, The Metropolitan Stores, Eatons and Sears with transfers to the different store locations taking him from Calgary to Grande Prairie, Swift Current, Saskatoon and back to Medicine Hat.

He eventually decided to change his career path and began driving limousine part-time for weddings, Deluxe Taxi and a temporary position for the Medicine Hat Transit – “Gloribus” which led him to his favourite job of all, full-time regular Transit Driver, a position he held happily for 21 years, getting to know his regular passengers and enjoying meeting the new ones. He had a smile for everyone and many of the passengers well into his retirement would stop to visit with him.

It was in Medicine Hat he met his wife, Sherry, and they married August 13, 1977. Together they worked and traveled on vacations – Eastern and Western Caribbean cruise, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and returning to Scotland to travel by car through the highlands and midlands regions.  They made four trips to the Hawaiian Islands, their “happy place”, enjoying the experiences of the Polynesian culture, the heart of the islands, in Oahu and Maui. They also enjoyed camping vacations in and around Alberta and Saskatchewan, both the travel and the stay, meeting many people on their travels and creating many memories over the 35 years of camping.

Scotty also enjoyed his connection with his Scottish roots, being a drummer with the South Alberta Pipes and Drums for many years, enjoying the various practices and parades and this association led him to being called upon annually for many years by the Redcliff Legion to do the honours and give the “Address to A Haggis” by Robert Burns at their annual celebration of this famous poet. Once again, he put the smiles on everyone’s faces, seeing him so animated and articulate in his proud delivery of this beloved Scottish traditional poem, recited from memory.

Scotty was known by all he met to have “a song in his heart and a dance in his step”, a wonderful husband to Sherry for 47 years and friends from everywhere he went will all fondly remember and miss his kind, dynamic, energetic and positive personality. His parents gave him only a first name, Anthony, while the world gave him his second name, “Scotty”, and the sound of it when called by it made him proud of the recognition of his heritage and his personable nature.

The Funeral Service will be celebrated at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 Sprague Way S.E., Medicine Hat, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Ken Edel officiating.  Interment, open to all, will follow the Service and reception at Hillside Cemetery, with a piper in attendance. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the church prior to Scotty’s celebration, between 12:00 p.m. and 12:55 p.m.  Scotty’s service will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Scotty’s celebration may visit the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and select the view broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.cooksouthland.com). If so desired, memorial tributes in Scotty’s memory may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice.  Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”