Obituary of Gordon TAYLOR

September 13, 1932 – Drumheller, Alberta
October 8, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Wayne Taylor, beloved husband of Donna Taylor (nee Gatez) of Calgary, AB. Gordon passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the age of 88 years. Besides his loving wife Donna, Gordon is survived by his two sons and daughters-in-law, Dwayne and Malou of Olds, AB, and Wes and Roxanne of Calgary, AB; and  three grandchildren, Amanda, Ryan (Lauren), and Carmi. He was extremely proud and protective of all. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He will be forever missed.

Gordon was born in Drumheller, AB on September 13, 1932. The family moved to an acreage for a brief period of time west of Calgary, and eventually settled in the Ramsay district in Calgary, when he was around 6 years old. He completed his schooling in Calgary, eventually moving into his career of choice, carpentry.

During Gordon’s early years as a young adult, he found a love for stock car racing at the local Calgary track. With his two best friends from childhood, they built, raced, crashed, and repaired the infamous ‘33’ car. The three friends would take turns in the driver seat at the weekend race, and then all pitch in during the week to make repairs to get the car back on the track for the next race. Donna’s favorite race story was Gordon getting run off the track and through the fence in turn 3, but busting his way back onto to the track through the fence in turn 4! Not quite sure if Gordon won the race that day, but it was always an adventure. 

Gordon married Donna in August of 1954.  They lived with Donna’s grandma until they settled into the house in Tuxedo that Gordon built in 1958, a house they still have to this day. Donna was the love of his life, and they were always doing things together during their sixty-six year marriage. They raised their children, and entertained family and many friends in that loving home through sixty plus years. They also enjoyed a close relationship with brother-in-law and sister-in-law Gerald and Linda Gatez and family.

Gordon stayed in the carpentry trade for his entire career and started working for Hurst Construction when he was around 18 years old, moving up to become a Construction Supervisor.  Through the years, he was known as a very fair, honest, and hard working Superintendent, that always took the time to teach others the trade he loved so much.  He enjoyed going to work every day and continued to work a few jobs for Hurst after he had officially retired at age 65. Gordon was proud of a very long career with Hurst, over forty-seven years, and as a long standing member of the Carpenter’s Union. Gordon worked hard for Hurst and in turn, Hurst treated him with tremendous respect including into retirement, as they always included Gordon in company social functions. While Gordon was working full time, for a period, he was also building houses with his brother-in-law Gerald in Crossfield as T&G Construction. He truly enjoyed every part of his trade. 
  
Gordon accomplished much through his life and was particularly proud of his family. He would do anything for his sons and for his family. Gordon always found a way to see to it that the boys had bikes, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and a dune buggy, although lots of ‘crashes’ came with scrapes, bruises, and great stories to go with them. Along the way, he was a constant support for the many different sports and activities his sons enjoyed. Later on when Ryan and Amanda were involved in sports, Gordon never missed a game to cheer them on. Whether it was hockey, ringette, or lacrosse, or any activity, Gordon was always there to cheer them on and supply some ‘spare change’ for that much needed, must have Gatorade after the game was over. ‘Gpa’ always made sure he carried a pocketful of change to have at the ready. He also enjoyed the accomplished piano playing of Carmi when Dwayne and Malou could record her performances and send a video. 

Gordon loved family vacations and camping, and the family spent many years enjoying Skaha Beach in Penticton, BC. Gordon loved to play in the water with his sons and any others that got caught up in the fun. If you went near water, be it a pool or the lake, you were going to get wet whether it was your choice or not. In 1969/70, he built a ten foot truck camper in his workshop so they could travel to the States, visit Disneyland, and continue camping in the summer at various beaches. Gordon and Donna loved to take vacations and camp with close friends as well, both during the working years of his career and into retirement. The camper was traded in for a bigger trailer and some great camping trips and stories were enjoyed with a close group of friends and family. Gordon was well known for his classic campfires! Gordon enjoyed going on the many hunting trips shared with Dwayne and Wes. Whether it was moose, deer, antelope, or some pheasant hunting, he loved spending time with his sons, being outdoors, and always, the campfire. 

Gordon’s favourite saying was always “Well, I’ll be go to Hell”. He will be most remembered for his wonderful laugh, his great sense of humor and the amazing Husband, Dad and Grandpa that he was. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Buster, John, Robert, and sisters Billie, Donna, Virginia, and Carol. 

The family would also like to thank the incredible staff of St. Teresa Place in Calgary for their care and compassion for the brief stay Gordon was there. 

A Private Family Service will be held later on. A Celebration of Life will be held for Gordon at a later date as well. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Gordon’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Gordon Taylor, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.