Obituary of David Gordon MACK

MACK, David “Gordon” June 23, 1919 – Swift Current, Saskatchewan June 24, 2016 – Calgary, Alberta It is with great sadness we announce the passing of D. Gordon Mack at the age of 97 years and 1 day. Gordon was born June 23, 1919 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, to Hamilton Mack, a Scottish immigrant and Christina Kelly, who came with her family from Ontario to settle in the West. Gordon grew up in a loving family along with his elder brother Clarence and sister Helen. Although he was born with albinism and the extremely poor eyesight associated with it, Gordon adapted to his condition and excelled in school, both in academics and athletics. He used his incredible memory to aide him in his school work as well as everyday life. This was a skill he demonstrated even as his days came to an end. In the height of the Depression Gordon chose to give relief to his family and at the age of 18 hitch hiked and hopped freights to Ontario to seek work. He returned the next year to work with his brother eventually going to Moosejaw Normal School to earn his teaching certificate. He taught in Orillia, Kyle, Stranraer, Stewart Valley and Whitewood, Saskatchewan . During this time he also worked as cook on the freighters going from Vancouver to Alaska and teaching mathematics to returning veterans. Dad met and married Mary Eulah Ward in Whitewood, Saskatchewan in 1947 after being invited to supper by her mother, who taught homecraft to the local girls at the school. They moved to Teulon, Manitoba where dad was the principal for two years, where their first son David was born in 1949. Then it was on to Calgary for the remainder of their lives. The move to Calgary was to take a job teaching at Colonel Walker school. His second son, Lawrie, was born before he moved on to teaching at King Edward Junior High and the family moved from their Forest Lawn home to the one on 16th Street in Altadore. Dogs and friends were most evident in this location. Gordon spent some summers selling newspapers and souvenirs on the CPR, as well as taking the family camping or on trips back to Saskatchewan. He eventually obtained his first high school posting at the original Central, where he taught Math and Physics. Stewart and Roberta Lee (Bird) were added to the family during this time, and Gordon took to teaching summer school. As the 60’s rolled in, the family moved to Cherokee Drive in Charleswood, and Dad to Queen Elizabeth School. Here the last member of the family, Douglas, was born. It was during these years that Gordon became an investor, first buying second mortgages and then getting into the stock market, sometimes spurred on by members of the Omega Investment Club. His success in the market allowed him to purchase a small property on the edge of Calgary, the “Acreage”, where horses and good times abounded. When the city acquired this from him, he was able to purchase 5 houses for rental properties and take full advantage of the family to keep this empire functioning. The first back yard rink also appeared in this era. In the late 60’s his career lead him to William Aberhart High School, and he became noted for walking to school each day with his lunch lovingly packed in a plastic bag. As the kids were getting older, he and Mary and some the younger children got to travel more extensively. Dad retired in 1980 allowing him and Mary to travel to Europe. Sadly shortly after their return Mary was diagnosed with cancer and passed in 1981. Gordon spent his retirement years travelling, reading and quoting poetry, singing and dancing and sharing interesting conversation with many good friends. He and his long time partner, June, had many fun filled years together dancing and travelling and, in the last while, coffee dates and crosswords . He particularly loved time with his grandchildren, Lara, Leland, Mandi, Brendin, Conor, Christina, David, Rebecca and great grandchild, Blythe, as well. He supported them in all their ventures and was always interested in what was new and popular. With the granddaughters all in town, they had their Grandpa jobs including apple picking, gardening, Ipad tutorials, setting up his cell phone, helping host the Saturday salon parties and he always had a tidbit of advice to impart along with “see you in the funny papers”. His 50 plus years of a backyard rink in winter and a Stampede breakfast every July were just a couple of ways he kept family and friends together and close. Only a few years ago, he took the whole gang on an Alaskan cruise where many fond memories were made. As one grandson succinctly put it a few years ago “why can’t all old people be like MY grandpa”. He will be missed by all those whose lives he has touched. There will be an interment held with family only on Wednesday June 29. A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on July 20 at Triwood Community Centre at 2:00 pm. Friends neighbors, former students and all those wishing to bid farewell are welcome to join us. If anyone cares to say a few words in his memory, they will have an opportunity there.  