Gordon was born to William Charles and Blanche Arthur on October 6,1925 in Avonlea, Saskatchewan. During WWII, still as a teenager, he wanted to enlist in the Canadian Army, but a heart murmur disqualified him from joining. He persisted until he got a position as a radio operator in the Merchant Navy. After WWII, he noticed an ad about an art school in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, so he studied Spanish, and then attended there for a year. On returning to Canada, he got a job at the Radio Range Station in Penhold. While living in Red Deer he met, and then 6 months later married, Betty Engel. They soon moved to Calgary to attend SAIT for two years, and then returned to Red Deer where he was employed with the Planning Commission, a position he held for 30 years, until his retirement on June 1st, 1984. In addition to this, he dedicated many years of service to his church: on the board; building committee; and in other capacities.

Gordon and Betty spent nearly 72 blissful years together. During that time they brought into the world Carolin (Bill), Dwight (Flora), Linda (Victor), and enjoyed life with six grandchildren; Lindsay (Ben), Sarah, Vicki, Melissa, Julie (Michael) and Timothy. During his 3 weeks in the Red Deer hospital, his entire family was able to visit and express their love for each other. On June 1, 2024, at the age of 98, Gordon slipped into Eternity to meet his Lord and Savior, surrounded by loved ones.

Some remarkable facts about Gordon: He never once took a prescription drug; spent only two days in hospital when he was in his fifties; memorized a lot of scripture verses in both English and Spanish (a language he was fluent in till his passing); drove his car and rode his bicycle until age 96; and retained his mobility until three weeks before departing. Gordon loved God, loved people, and also had great fondness for dogs and nature.

God was always first and foremost in his life, and he never shied away from speaking to others about the importance of keeping Him at the center of one’s life. Gordon hung on to the promises of scripture as he sought to live his life for the glory of God.

Proverbs 4:10-13 was a favorite passage: “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at Eventide Funeral Home, 4820 45 Street at 1 p.m.

 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com

• Date : 2024-06-01
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home