Kamla Hari McGonigal

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kamla Hari McGonigal. 

Kam was a devoted wife to her husband of 40 years, Carmen; and a superior mother to her two sons; Ryan (Karen), and Jager. Kamla was also an incredible grandmother to her granddaughters Macie (8), and Kit (6) and her step-grandchildren Mollie (15), and Owen (13).

She was incredibly intelligent, proud and independent and that is reflected throughout her life in her academic, career and personal achievements.

Kam lived a vibrant life leading by example. She spent her career in health care working in several of Calgary’s hospitals and health centres.  She concluded her healthcare career as the Manager at the South Calgary Urgent Care, for which she was very proud. She was known for her quick thinking, leadership, passion and innovation.

Personally, she leaves the legacy of a company she started over 15 years ago, Alberta Whisky Cake. It has been one of her greatest passions. Her cakes embody the ‘taste of the West’ with ingredients sourced locally. She combined the sale of these gift-cakes with her support for the fine art community. In fact, that is how she met Karen Coe, who she would eventually have the pleasure of calling her daughter-in-law and mother of her precious granddaughters. Enclosed in each cake box, is pictures and contact information for many Alberta artists she would feature. She believed in supporting all things local and was particularly proud of her Alberta heritage.

Kam was born at the Calgary General Hospital on May 16, 1953. She was the second of six children and together with their parents Harnet and Sukhdev (Gik) Hari, would be raised on a farm in the High River area. Kam is survived by her mother (Sukhdev) and older brother, Sarbi (Vera), younger siblings, Jesse (Sarah), Harji (Marilyn), Rob (Stephanie) and Mona (Larry) along with numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her father Harnet in 2014.

Kam is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sheila McGonigal Wercholaz who introduced her to her brother, Carmen in the early 80s when they both worked at the Calgary General Hospital.

She believed that everyone should focus on being the best version of themselves. She was well-known for her diligence to eating well and highly recognizable in her pink jacket, walking at least 10 thousand steps a day.

Kam coined the phrase, ‘Unbridled Spirit’ and she lived by example – fearless, bold, healthy, independent and with great positivity. She will be missed but her spirit will leave us each with a benchmark to aspire to.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Not In My City organization, championed by fellow Albertan, Paul Brandt.

https://payment.csfm.com/donations/calgaryfoundation/?fund=BUCKS

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bow Valley Ranche (15979 Bow Bottom Trail SE, Calgary) on Friday, September 20, 2024 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

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