Obituary of Tulio Eduardo Gonzalez

February 3, 1938 – La Unión, Chile

March 29, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father, brother, and grandfather (Tata), Tulio E. Gonzalez of Saskatoon, SK, and Calgary, AB, who passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at the age of 86 years.

Tulio was born the youngest of four children in La Unión, Chile, on February 3, 1938. He graduated from the University of Chile, with a degree in Civil Engineering. Upon graduation, he pursued a career in Customs and Import, before becoming Vice President of one of Chile’s largest copper mines.

Tulio immigrated to Canada in 1975 as a political refugee, making a life for himself and his family in Saskatoon. He worked at the University of Saskatchewan before starting his own maintenance company, Andes Building Cleaning. His political interest in Chile and desire to help others remained a committed focus throughout his life in Saskatoon. He was a member of many committees and organizations that helped raise money for Chilean families back home.

Tulio was predeceased by his parents, his loving sister, Clara, and both his wives. He was married to Matty Mercedes for thirty years until her passing in 1994, and later married Lucia Cutting in 1998, to whom he remained married until her passing in 2015.

Tulio had four children, Tulio Gonzalez Jr., Alex (Lori) Gonzalez, Paz (Terry) Skilnick, and Maria (Don) Wijesooriya. Additionally, Tulio was adored by his grandchildren, Ashley, Christian, Matthew, Jordan, Keara, Eric, Ali, Alyssa, Benjamin, and Isabella, his great-grandson Logan, his sisters Maruja and Mariela, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. All of them were his pride and joy.

The last seven years of Tulio’s life were spent living in Calgary to be close to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. He loved attending family gatherings where he was able to cook and enjoyed making his traditional Chilean empanadas. He also enjoyed his little, eventful trips to the casino and receiving regular visits and loving care that his family provided for him until his passing. He will be missed dearly and will always be in our hearts. 

Tulio will be laid to rest in Saskatoon, SK, in May/June 2024. Details will be provided at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Tulio’s family here.

In living memory of Tulio Gonzalez, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.