Jay Albert Ryan Kolody passed away suddenly on May 9, 2007 at Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 48 years.
Jay was born February 27, 1959 at Calgary, Alberta to George Ronald and Mildred Anna Kolody. He attended St. James Junior High School and graduated from St. Mary’s High School at Calgary. Jay attended The University of Lethbridge and achieved a Bachelor of Science Degree, specializing in behavioral Psychology and Neuro-psychology, in 1984. Prior to university, he competed extensively in speed skating, earning numerous awards and in 1974 proudly represented Alberta as a speed skater at the Alberta Winter Games. While at university, Jay met Tammy Shawn Walsh. They married and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Jayleen and Justeen Kolody.
After graduating, Jay engaged in a broad practice in the field of psychology, where he helped many people, a trait that he followed throughout his life’s endeavors. He pursued a deep interest and focused on raising, breeding and training exotic animals. Jay ultimately established Harvest Moon Ranch at Vulcan Alberta. Being well known for his accomplishments in the Llama training and breeding arena, Jay also devoted his efforts in the caring and nurturing of wounded wild animals, ultimately releasing them back into the wild.
Jay was a loving husband, businessman, entrepreneur, humanitarian, patriot Albertan and, most of all, a caring father. He was proud of his wife and accomplished daughters. Jay was an honest, intelligent and compassionate man, with high morals. Jay had a passion for the environment and enjoyed farming. He engaged himself in all aspects of farm life. Jay found great pleasure in the little things in life. He often encouraged many farmers to look at new innovations in agriculture.
Beloved husband of Tammy, loving father of two daughters Jayleen and Justeen all of Vulcan, parents George “Joe” Ronald and Mildred Anna of Calgary, two brothers Wade Alan of Corinth, Texas, Gavin Ronald of Calgary, father and mother-in-law Gordon and Jean Walsh of Edmunston, NB, sister-in-law Maxine Walsh of Windsor, ON and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jay was predeceased by a sister-in-law Kimberley Walsh.
Mass of a Christian Burial was held Monday, May 14, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church at Vulcan with Rev. Fr. Philip Van Tinh Lee officiating.
Casket bearers were Wade Kolody, Gavin Kolody, Ian Phelps, Roy Phelps, Blaine Rasmussen and Steven Standing.
Interment Mountain View Memorial Gardens, Calgary at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Jay’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, #134, 1935 – 32 Ave NE, Calgary T2E 7C8, the Parkinsons Society of Southern Alberta, 102, 5636 Burbank Cr. SE, Calgary T2H 1Z6 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #100, 2421 – 37 Ave NE, Calgary T2E 6Y7.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.