GALE, Gordon Edward
1950 - 2017
Gordon passed away gently in the Red Deer Hospice on Tuesday, August 29, 2017 at the age of 67 years. A loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and brother, he will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Born in Vancouver, B.C. in 1950, Gordon then moved to Red Deer, AB; where the family farmed east of the city. After High School, he attended Red Deer College and then moved on to the University of Calgary; where he completed his B.Ed, all the while learning the plumbing trade. In 1974, he married Katherine West and soon son, Jeffrey and daughter, Michelle were born. The family moved to Rocky Mountain House in 1979; where they bought Bee & Bee Plumbing & Heating; which he ran until his retirement in 2007. He was a successful businessman and gained the respect of both the community and his extensive business connections. Gordon was known for his warm personality and positive outlook. To the many who knew him, he was always kind, compassionate and generous. Besides being a Master Plumber and trained teacher, Gordon was a wonderful musician. He played the piano, accordion, guitar and was an accomplished harmony singer. It took only minimal coaxing for him to entertain his friends and family. Gordon was a country boy at heart and loved spending time on his hobby farm at Rocky. In 1994, he earned his private pilot's license and with Kathy, took many flying trips in their airplane. A favorite destination in the spring was the southern states. Gordon was an active member of the Rocky Mountain House Flying club and promoted Aviation by starting Flying Schools in Rocky and Red Deer. After retirement, the couple bought a home in Nanaimo, BC and later Gilbert, AZ where they enjoyed several happy and leisurely years. Gordon and Kathy moved to the Eckville area in 2012. Gordon is survived by his loving wife, Katherine, son, Jeffrey (Kathy) Gale of Edmonton, daughter, Michelle Schafers of Sylvan Lake, and brother, Bruce (Pat) Gale of Calgary. He has five grandchildren, Jamisyn, Jenica, Kyan, Henry and Owen; as well as many nieces and nephews. His grandchildren meant everything to him and he talked of them often. His greatest joy was teaching them something or telling them a story that would invoke a sense of wonder. A Memorial Service will be held on at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 - 67A Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Friday, September 8, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. If desired, donations may be made directly to www.reddeerhospice.com.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements in care of
PARKLAND FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM,
6287 - 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.