Obituary of Gordon Hector Velders

Gordon Velders, beloved husband of the late Asta Jespersen, passed away in Calgary on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the age of 85 years. Gordon was born to Sarah Thompson of Montreal and Hector Velders of Antwerp, Belgium on July 24, 1922 in the parish of St. Dominic’s in the east end of Montreal. It was there that he developed his love of story-telling and his ability to throw a good party. Gordon married Asta Jespersen on December 13, 1947. He was employed the Toronto Dominion Bank for over forty years. He held many positions at the bank; however, the two which were his favourites were PR and Security/Investigation. He was adored by his friends. Gordie also had many passions, including sports and cars. In November of 1967, Asta and Gordie moved to the Montreal suburb of St. Lambert. They wanted to give their children a better life and here they were able to expose them to many more opportunities. Later in life, Asta and Gordie moved out west to Calgary in order to be closer to their children. Gordon was a strong-willed, determined man. He possessed a great sense of humour. He will be deeply missed! Gordon is survived by his six children and their spouses, Wayne and Darlene, Gary and Loretta, Neil and Eleanor, James and Lynn, all of Fort McMurray, AB, Ronald and Karen of Montreal, QC, and Heather and John of Lloydminster, AB. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, Chelsey, Cody, Allison, Jaimie, Adrianne, Lee-Ann, Kristy, Mathew, and Danielle; and five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Silas, Mackenzie, Brody, and Joshua. Gordon’s sister Louise Dickson of Toronto, ON remains his sole surviving sibling. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Asta in 2006; and by his sisters, Marion Ashton of Montreal and Audrey Walker of Edmonton, AB. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Gordon Velders, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, AB T2X 3J3 Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.