With overwhelming sadness and broken hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Earl Gordon after a courageous battle with cancer.
Forever held in the hearts of his wife, Anita, of 60 years and his 5 children: Brenda (Dave), Joy (Garth), Cheryl (Floyd), Lori (Ron) and Ian (Cathy).
Loved and respected grandfather to Ryan (Shanna), Jeremy (Dalyce), Garrett (Stephanie), Matthew, Daniel (Jodie), Quinton (Courteney), Alisha (Cliff), Taylor, Reid, Khanawut, Rulon and Dante.
He loved his great-grandchildren to bits: Hendrix, Bruin, Isabella, Lena and Lawson. He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Victoria Gordon, his brothers: James, John, Robert and sister: Louise. Survived by brothers: Russell, Pat, Bruce, Alex, Don, Lawson and sister: Laura.
Earl had an overwhelming joy for adventure throughout his life. His great passion for hunting, fishing and family gatherings led to a lifetime of happy and fun experiences. His many stories and jokes always entertained his children, grandchildren and friends.
Earl was born in Caslan, Alberta, on May 1, 1935. He began his work career at his father's Trading Post in Caslan during the early 1950s. From there, he made his way to Saskatchewan, employed on a drilling rig.
In 1956, he hired on with National Parks Canada in Wood Buffalo National Park, initially as a boat captain on a tug and barge. In the winter, he was provided with a dog team and stationed at 27th Baseline on the Athabasca River - 100 kilometres south of Fort Chipewyan.
His other mode of transportation was a speed boat. After a year at the warden station, he was transferred to Fort Chipewyan - again, his mode of transportation being a dog team. In 1960, he was promoted to a Technical Officer in charge of Buffalo Management at Hay Camp, approximately 80 kilometres south of Fort Smith, NWT on the Slave River - roads and vehicles such as they were. After 9 years in Wood Buffalo National Park, he transferred to Kootenay National Park for 3 years.
In 1970, Earl started in oilfield scouting service in Calgary with a 5-year break from 1980 to 1985 to go farming in the Caslan area. Serving as a School Trustee for the Lac La Biche school division, Earl was a good community member and a friend to many. Back in Calgary in 1985, he continued working in the oilfield.
Earl moved to Gull Lake in 1997. In 2003, Earl's desire for more adventures in his life led him to his new venture - a company called Oilpatch Security Services. At the age of 77, Earl finally decided it was his time to retire.
In his retirement, Earl maintained his spirit for adventure and spent his time travelling, fishing, hunting, gardening and keeping up with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He continued to live at Gull Lake with his wife, dog Bear and cat Charlee until his passing.
Goodbye Earl, Dad, Grandpa - you left an everlasting mark during your 85 years and truly lived an extraordinary life.
His family would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Dr. Hackett and the caring and compassionate nurses at the Rimbey Hospital. In memory of Earl, if desired, donations may be made to the Rimbey Hospital nursing unit.
A celebration/memorial of Earl's life will be held at a later date.
"My dear Earl, you will be missed every day, but you knew, and I knew that it was all in God's time.
Like you said, I love you more." - Anita