Obituary of Julian Gelfand

June 8, 1952 – June 26, 2026

Acts of kindness never die.  They linger in the memory, giving life to other acts in return.

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks  

Julian Cyril Gelfand passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 74. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of more than 30 years, Barbara Eddy; his brothers Shael, (Lee Anne), Jan (Cecilia), Stephen, and Jeff (Anne Marie); nieces Hilary, Hayley, Luciana, and Naomi; nephew Luis Roberta; many relatives and friends; and of course, Gypsy, his beloved rescue pup.

Julian was born, raised, and educated in Calgary, Alberta. His parents Robert and Tanya Gelfand both served their country in the Royal Canadian Airforce during WW2. Robert evaded capture for eleven months after his Halifax bomber was shot down over Holland in 1944, with the trauma taking a heavy toll and passing away two months after Julian’s 8^th birthday. Julian helped his mom and grandmother raise his two younger brothers.

Julian attended the I.L. Peretz School where he developed his love of the Yiddish language. Following high school, he graduated with a B.A. in Archeology from the University of Calgary in 1975. After several years trying to make a living by digging up ancient arrow heads and flint points, Julian started a 40-year career in the North American oil and gas industry. His career took him from identifying rock samples at remote exploration well sites in Canada’s high- Arctic, to head-offices in Lafayette, Louisiana, and Houston, Texas, before finally settling in Denver in the early 1990s.

It was in Denver where Julian met his soulmate Barabra Eddy and together, they celebrated more than 30 happy years together. Julian and Barbara lead an active life together, traveling and spending many weekends at their condo in the spectacular Rocky Mountains in Fresno, Colorado. They were dedicated volunteers and supporters at Denver’s world-famous Cherry Creek Arts Festival. Their home was filled with paintings, prints, and sculptures, showing their support for local artists. Julian was a doting husband, partner, and caregiver, helping Barbara live her best life following several debilitating health issues.   

Julian was kind, compassionate, and quick to laugh. He went out of his way to help those in need and donated to many worthy charities. Julian was also a true dog-lover, regardless of the size or breed. Even while on vacation in Buenos Aries, Argentina, every day he would feed the local street dogs.

For many years but with somewhat limited success, Julian honed his game at many golf courses including a special trip to play some of Ireland’s most famous tracks. He would always say it was a good day, whether he shot under 100 or over 120. He also enjoyed playing snooker and trapshooting, but mostly cherished time with Barbara and his neighbors and friends.

Graveside service, Thursday, July 2^nd, 1:45PM, Emanuel Cemetery; Livestream on the Feldman Mortuary YouTube channel.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Julian’s name, donations can be made to Humane Colorado (humanecolorado.org) or to a charity of their choice.