Francois Montandon

October 23, 1940 – Fleurier Neuchâtel, Switzerland

July 4, 2025 – Calgary, Alberta

Francois Montandon, beloved husband of Danuta Montandon, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Born in Fleurier, Switzerland, Francois earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Lausanne in 1966. After working as a university assistant, he immigrated to Canada in 1967 to join Texaco. He was initially posted to well-sites in Edmonton, AB, before settling in Calgary, AB, in early 1969.

He began his Canadian career with BP as a foothills geologist, making a key discovery in the Sukunka area of British Columbia. In the early 1980s, he moved to Denver, CO, as Vice President, Exploration for Quasar Petroleum. He returned to Canada in 1983 to join Canadian Superior, and later Mobil Oil, where he supervised exploration across Western Canada and the Beaufort Sea. In retirement, he worked on special projects for ConocoPhillips, including negotiations with France over offshore drilling near Saint Pierre and Miquelon.

Francois is remembered by his friends and colleagues as “an excellent geologist and dedicated colleague, a classy fellow, and a very good friend.”

A long-time member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG), he also gave back to the community through over 20 years of service with Meals on Wheels.

He married Danuta in 1999 and loved hiking, skiing, and travelling—especially his trip to South Africa.

Francois is survived by his wife Danuta; children, Nicolas and Gabriella; stepson, Martin Zardecki; grandchildren, Nella, Benjamin, Alexa, and Anna; and step-grandchildren, Natalie and Jeremy. He was predeceased by his parents, André and Hélène, and his brother Henri-Louis. He is also remembered by his niece Annick.

A Celebration of Francois’ Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

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

In living memory of Francois Montandon, 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.