A beautiful “Celebration of Life” of Gordon Macquisten

https://youtu.be/Hxt6Qzkt4Ic

Margaret, Kathie, and Lynn,

Our deepest condolences to each of you on the loss of such a great man in your lives. As a friend, in Kathie's adult life, I haven't had too many opportunities to meet Gordon personally, but from the few occassions that I did, I can say that I fondly remember his big smile, cheerful attitude, and friendly disposition. He was a joy to be around!

It is from conversations with Kathie, that I know what a wonderful husband/dad he was and, therefore, the profound hole he has left in your lives with his passing away. May you find comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering, and in knowing that his love and memories remain with each of you like a handprint on your hearts. Love, sympathy, and prayers are sent your way from Shari and Anthony Tobias and family

My memories of my Uncle Gordie are intimately tied to my memories of the MacQuisten house in Lakeview, Calgary: playing some touch football under the wires on a brisk Thanksgiving weekend; winter shinny on the rink across the street; playing Pass the Ace around the dining room table and singing lustily whenever someone lost out. I can still picture his intricate model train set in the basement. Lots of laughs whenever our families got together. And lots of fond memories.

All my love to Margaret, Lynn, and Kathie and their families. -- Jim Smythe

Aunt Margaret, Lynn, and Kathie,

So very sorry for the loss of Uncle Gordon. My family and I were so very fortunate to have had the opportunity to have seen Uncle Gordon and all of you here on the Island in the recent past. Despite his illness, Uncle Gordon amazingly never appeared to have lost his zest for life or that sharp wit. I have also enjoyed tapping into his knowledge of many things historical on the Macquisten family side, especially in the last few years. A wonderful guy, always great to be around.

One of my earliest memories of Uncle Gordon that stands out for me was when my family visited our Grandpa and Grandma Mac (Uncle Gordon's and my Dad's parents) in Montreal for Expo '67 (yes, 1967). Not long after arriving at Grandpa and Grandma Mac's house, Grandpa Mac presented my brother, sister and I with brand new Montreal Expo ball caps. The team was just starting, and those ball caps were priceless. I was going to be the only kid back home in Edmonton with one, and as a then 7-year-old, was thrilled. Not long after, Uncle Gordon arrived at the house, and of course, I still had the ball cap on and went up to him to show it off (as well as say hello as it had been some time I think since I had seen him previously). The first words out of his mouth upon seeing me were not the usual "How are you?" or "Nice to see you" or "My, how you have grown", but "Where did you get the stupid-looking hat?" Of course, I was crushed, having missed the smirk on his face when he said it and not being old enough to appreciate the subtleties of his sarcastic humour. I mentioned this story to Uncle Gordon at his 70th birthday party, and he said he remembered it (a lie) and that he felt bad for it all those years (a bigger lie), again with the telltale smirk, but this time recognizable to me. We shared a good laugh about it then, and of course, he couldn't resist saying "Well, it WAS kind of a stupid looking hat."

Gone far too soon, and he will be missed immensely.

Bob Macquisten and family (Victoria, BC)

Gordon and Marilyn Smythe

June 16 2020

When Gordie Macquisten was dating Margaret Smythe, we remember how much he liked ju-jubes, all but not the black ones. His future mother-in-law always knew who the culprit was when she would go to get a ju-jube and find a bag full of black ones! Back then, one of Gordie's prize possessions was his red and white '57(?) Chevy Bel-Air with the white and black vinyl seats, and it was seen parked outside the Smythe house nearly every evening!

The Smythes and Macquistens left La Belle Provence for the Alberta prairies and we made many trips back'n'forth between Edmonton and Calgary and we, along with the cousins, have many happy memories of celebrating holidays together. In later years, retirement offered us the opportunity to enjoy camping trips to Dawson City in the Yukon, along the Oregon Coast, to mention a couple, along with a cross-Canada trip in 2005. The attached photos were taken in P.E.I. and Nova Scotia.

We soon learned that Gordie could not pass up a garage sale, and Marilyn will miss hearing him ask, "What do you want, anyway" when she calls. All who knew Gordie well appreciated his sense of humour and will no doubt remember his favourite saying, "Take a Hike!" Our deepest condolences to the love of his life, Margaret, their daughters, Lynn and Kathie, as well as their spouses, Steve and Jodi, and their grandkids, Dylan, Robbie and Tommy.

Dear Margie,

Our heartfelt sympathy. There are many fond memories from years ago in Montreal.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bevan and Marilyn Carrique

Dear Margie,

My sincere sympany to you and your family.

Your memories of your wonderful times together

Will help you through this difficult time.

Fondly,

Maureen

At this difficult time, Margie, may you and your family find comfort in memories of all the good times you and Gordie shared. We have enjoyed all the cards and emails through the years and hold very fond memories of our days in Montreal and our visit in Ottawa. We will miss him. Please know we are thinking of you and send our deepest condolences.

Love,

Janet and Buck

I think my memories of Uncle Mac really sum up how I feel.

For better, or worse, he taught me to swear in french. "Tabarnak!" Probably better ;)

The Smythe's and the Macquisten's shared many great times. My favorite memories include summer evenings sharing a wonderful meal and playing pass the ace late into the evening. Uncle Mac's bountiful mouth orchestra brought "Hate to see you go" to life. So much so, I would often plug my ears and flee under the table :)

Can't wait to hear that mouth orchestra again.

Tabarnak! I hate to see you go!

My heart is heavy, upon hearing the news.

So many wonderful memories of one of our many ”Band Dads”<3

Road trips, band camps, rehearsals, trips and outings.

Your dad was always there!

His kindness, smile and great humour, will always be in our hearts.

Firstly, we want to offer our sincere condolences to all of you. When we think of Grandpa Gord, we, of course think of hockey. Never has there been such a supportive fan, especially, but not limited to, cheering on his grandsons. It always felt as though he was cheering for Logan as much as we were. Gord was always friendly, he had a running joke with Hailey about bottled water and seemed to delight in teasing her about it. As they saw each other through many years of hockey, Gord became a friend to my parents as well. They always enjoyed visiting with him at the rinks. I will always remember the duo-tang he prepared during hockey evaluations to tell who was who on the ice. Thank goodness he was prepared because I had to consult his "book" many times. Gord will be remembered and missed by our family. Love Scott, Sandy, Hailey and Logan Dyck and Al and Anne Kostyniuk

When I think about Uncle Gordie, I think of all those afternoon naps he and Dad would take in the chairs, just snoring away! His sense of humor was the best and no one sang the pass card game song better than him!

Marg, Kathie, and Lynn,

I know it's not easy right know, we are so sorry for your loss. I do know that Constable Bob, Truda, Dr. Bobbi-jo, me and the whole Golden Rams Family will remember, a sense of humor to beat the Band HA HA. Lunch money on tour, bed check ins Australia, New Zealand, bottle drives, sock sales, bake sales every kind of fundraiser he was there!!!

Simply put, a great Dad to us all - much love,

Jason Whitfield

Carole and Art Smithard, July 16

Somehow you always find a way to maintain contact with the people in your life that are really important to you. Thats how it is with us and Gord and Marg. From Montreal they moved to Alberta, and shortly after we moved to Ontario, but we made certain that the contact was maintained. From cards to email to face time and the occasional visits we were able to share our stories as our families grew and prospered. We offer our deepest condolences to Marg and the family, we will all miss Gord's quick wit and smiling humour.

Love Carole and Art

My heart goes out to you Margaret, Lynn, Kathie and families. I know Gordon's passing will leave a big hole in your lives, but hopefully it will be filled with lots, and lots of happy memories! He was a great fellow, with a keen sense of humour. Love to all,Bonnie

Marg, Lynn, Kathie and family, our condolences to you all. We have so many great memories of Gord and the adventures we had together with him. The band trips, Arizona adventures, Mexico, thrift shops and sales. What great times! We all were so privileged to had Gord in our lives. Bob and Truda Whitfield

My condolences and love go out to Aunt Margaret, my two cousins, and their families. Uncle Gordon was always fun to be around. He always reminded me of his father, my Grandpa Mac. He was quick with a joke or a jab, and he loved to laugh. I am sharing in your sadness, but hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you have.

Love, Carol