It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Ray Hillman, who passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Hospice on July 25, 2026, at the age of 81 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Gordon was born on August 19, 1944, in Castor, Alberta. In 1958, his family moved from Fleet to Drumheller, where Gordon’s entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape. In June 1967, he purchased his first business, a bread and grocery delivery service, marking the beginning of a remarkable lifetime in business.

Over the years, Gordon owned and operated Mister Soft Drink and bottle depots in both Red Deer and Drumheller. He later expanded his ventures by opening a car wash, gas bar, and convenience store in Drumheller. In 1983, Gordon and his family moved to Red Deer after purchasing a single video rental store known as Video View. Through hard work and determination, Gordon and his family grew the business into a successful chain of 24 locations across Alberta. Gordon continued to pursue new opportunities throughout his career, eventually discovering a passion for commercial real estate. His investments and developments spanned communities across Alberta, reflecting his vision, work ethic, and unwavering determination.

While Gordon was a successful businessman, his greatest accomplishments were found in the people he loved. Nothing was more important to him than his family. He married his teenage sweetheart, Joanne, on April 2, 1966, and together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before Joanne’s passing, a loss that Gordon carried with him always.

In later years, Gordon found love again with their longtime family friend, Marian. Their marriage brought companionship, comfort, and joy, and Marian was an unwavering source of strength and loving support throughout Gordon’s courageous battle with cancer.

Family was the center of Gordon’s world. He never missed an opportunity to support those he loved, whether it was attending birthdays, graduations, dance recitals, or life’s everyday milestones. He was the person everyone turned to for advice or help. His wisdom, generosity, quiet strength, and steadfast presence left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Gordon also believed strongly in giving back. He faithfully served on numerous boards throughout the years, volunteered generously within his community, and was a devoted member of The Salvation Army, where his faith guided his life and his service to others.

Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marian; her daughters, Robin (Mike) and April (KJ); his daughters, Tari (Rollie) and Tracy; his grandchildren, Shannon (Brad), Lindsay (Logan), Megan, Ashlee (Chris), Melissa (Brad) and their mother Sherrie (Tim), Brittany (Dyllan), Christopher, Matthew, and Emily; his cherished great-grandchildren, Maisley, Kinsley, Charlie, Presley, George, and Lennox; and Gordon’s sister, Evelyn.

He was predeceased by his beloved late wife, Joanne; sons, Trevor and Tim; parents, Rupert and Violet; sisters, Eunice and Marge; and brothers, Norman, Frank, and Ken.

Gordon leaves behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, unwavering faith, and deep devotion to his family. His influence will continue to be felt through the countless lives he touched, the businesses he built, the community he served, and the family he loved so completely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Harvest Centre (Westerner Park), 1800 – 49 Ave. Red Deer, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Salvation Army Red Deer School Feeding Program, 4837 – 54 St, Red Deer AB T4N 2G5, The Red Deer Hospital Foundation, 3942 – 50 A Ave, Red Deer AB T4N 4E7 or to the Red Deer Hospice Society, 99 – Arnot Ave., Red Deer AB  T4R 3R4.

Condolences to Gordon’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Gordon Hillman” in the subject line.

 Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned and operated cremation and

funeral provider serving Red Deer and Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2026-07-29
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally owned and operated"