Obituary of GORDON Fellows

June 4, 1951- August 8, 2023

Gord passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. The past three years held many health challenges for him related to complications from diabetes and multiple strokes. Throughout this time, Gord maintained a cheerful attitude and pushed himself to do all that he was capable of. He will be greatly missed.

Gord was a native Calgarian, raised in the Capitol Hill area and later Brentwood. After attending James Fowler High School, he attained his red seal in carpentry from SAIT. He owned his own contracting company for many years, completing building projects in Alberta and south-eastern BC. His last five working years were spent with the Calgary Stampede. He loved the variety of responsibilities he had there and the great group of people he worked with. Gord had many interests, from being a member of the Calgary Hot Air Balloon Club for several years, to fly fishing, to coaching swimming and skating for the Special Olympics.

He was so proud of his daughters and over the years he supported them in whatever ways he could, from serving as chairperson of the school council to participating in a dads-only synchronized skating group, complete with tutus. He never missed a school concert, music recital, band performance, or skating competition. In all activities, he showed his kind heart and people-oriented personality. This, along with his husky build and the mischievous twinkle in his eyes, made him a natural to act as Santa. Near Christmas, he was in demand for several years by many non-profit groups, particularly the Special Olympics groups that he helped coach.

While Gord loved Calgary, his heart was in the Columbia Valley, which he knew through his grandfather who had worked for the BC Forestry Services for many years. Still in high school, as soon as he had saved enough money from his summer and after-school jobs, he bought property in the area and he and Brenda began building their cabin the first summer they were married. Special memories of birthday celebrations, Thanksgivings, and New Year's occurred there. He shared his love of the area with his daughters and more recently his grandsons. Lasting friendships with the Beddie family and other neighbours held a special place in his heart.

Gord is survived by his wife Brenda (Bannon), daughters Courtney and Chelsey (Rory Stewart); grandsons Logan, Chance, and Nicolas; sister Joyce (Bob Shebib) of New Westminster, BC, brother Doug of Chicago, Illinois, uncle Roger McCue of Edmonton, nieces and nephews in BC and Ontario, cousins of the heart Cyndy and Maureen Smith; cousins throughout western Canada, and many friends, most especially life-time friends Alaina and Uwe Eckert, and Ray Spielman. He enjoyed the companionship of many dogs through the years, most recently Maggie and Tulah. He was predeceased by his parents Iva and Jack Fellows; his younger sister Jackie, parents-in-law Dorothy and Vince Bannon; and good friend and sister-in-law Barbara Bannon.

At Gord's request, no service will be held. The family would like to thank Dr. Stanton, Dr. Osakuade, Dr. Christine Gibson, and nurse Joy for their compassionate care in Gord's final months. Also, Dr. Nancy Aul for her care over the years.

If you so desire, please consider making a donation to Special Olympics Calgary (#14, 2180 Pegasus Way NE, Calgary T2E 8M5, 403-735-1022 or https://www.specialolympicscalgary.ca/get-involved/donate.html) or the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society (7877 Squilax Road, Chase, BC, V0E 1M1 https://turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com/support/donate/).

In living memory of Gordon Fellows, 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.