RACH, Gordon

1948 – 2026

Mr. Gordon Larry Rach of Sylvan Lake, Alberta passed away at his home on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at the age of 77 years. Gordon was born March 17, 1948, in Glenmoor, Manitoba to August and Elsie Rach. He was raised on a farm near Glenmoor with his four siblings, walking three miles to school each day. The family did not have a vehicle, relying instead on his father’s grain truck and a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh. Gordon grew up surrounded by many relatives and enjoyed spending his summers at his grandparents’ farm on Gull Lake, Manitoba. As a teenager, Gordon’s parents moved the family to Winnipeg. There he played many sports, excelling in hockey, baseball, and boxing. His dedication led him to achieve the Golden Gloves of Winnipeg at a young age. Gordon left school after Grade 8 to pursue his passions and work to help support his family. Gordon was an exceptional accordion player throughout his life. He began learning at the early age of 12, and by the time he was 16 he was playing in a band, performing at weddings and gatherings. His passion for music never faded, and he continued playing the accordion right up until his passing. At the age of 18, Gordon’s father gave him $100 and said, “Go west, young man.” And so he did, moving west with his soon-to-be bride, Penny. Not long after settling in Calgary, Alberta, they were married and welcomed three beautiful children: Jeff, Janice, and Jennifer. It was in Calgary that Gordon truly left his mark. At just 20 years old, he became an entrepreneur and went on to start and operate several large businesses over a span of more than 25 years. His ventures included an excavating business in downtown Calgary, one of the city’s largest landscaping companies, a garden centre, two large tree farms, a grain farm, and eventually his largest enterprise, a heavy equipment sales corporation. Gordon and Penny later went their separate ways after 14 years of marriage. Gordon continued his work in Calgary before meeting his second wife, Joanne. They moved to her hometown of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, where they started a family and were blessed with two children, Grant and Christina. In 1995, business took Gordon and his family to Peace River, where he continued in heavy equipment sales while embarking on a land development project. There, the family was blessed with Gordon’s sixth child, Amber Lee. During their six years in Peace River, the family created many lasting memories—gathering with friends, camping, hunting, fishing, and participating in sports within the community. After 14 years of marriage, Gordon and Joanne went their separate ways. Joanne returned to Rocky Mountain House, and Gordon later moved to Sylvan Lake to be closer to his children. In 2003, Gordon gained custody of his children and proudly raised them on his own. He made many sacrifices and remained deeply dedicated to his children for the rest of his life. Gordon loved nature, farming, plants, and animals of all kinds. He enjoyed bringing people together and had a natural gift for making others feel welcome. Gordon was passionate in everything he did. He loved BBQing and cooking for family and friends, and he was an avid fan of hockey and baseball. Gordon was a loyal Calgary Flames and Toronto Blue Jays fan. When the Flames came to Calgary in 1980, Gordon became season ticket holder #77 and proudly held those seats for several years while living near the city. Even in retirement, he rarely missed watching a game from home. Gordon had a deep appreciation for old muscle cars and took great pride in his 1985 Buick Grand National, which he purchased in 1986. The car was very special to him and will now be passed down to his son, Grant. However, everyone knew Gordon’s greatest pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. Not a conversation went by without him expressing how proud he was of them all. Gordon was an incredibly proud father and grandfather. He never visited empty-handed, always bringing little trinkets and toys for the grandchildren. He especially loved spending evenings around the campfire with them, telling stories and making them laugh until their bellies hurt. Gordon will always be remembered for his engaging stories, his generosity, and the way he always thought of others. He will be missed immensely by his children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbours. Gordon was truly a one-of-a-kind man who will never be forgotten. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his children, Jeff Rach, Janice (Sean) DeMetropolis and Jennifer Rach all of Long Beach, California, Grant Rach (Janine) of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Christina (Paul) Lacey of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, and Amber (Carter) Bennett of Red Deer, Alberta; eight grandchildren and one great grandchildren. Gordon will also be sadly missed by his sister, Gladys ‘Barb’ Rach- MacGregor as well as numerous family members and dear friends. Gordon was predeceased by his siblings, Norman Rach, Herbert Rach, and Doreen Rach. A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held at Eckville Community Centre, 5014 – 50 Street, Eckville, Alberta on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A Family Interment will follow at the Eckville Cemetery. If desired, Memorial Donation’s in Gordon’s honour, may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-03-18
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Sylvan Lake) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040