Obituary of Gordon Jackson

January 17, 1940 - Westport, Ontario

June 13, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

When you read this obituary, you will know that I have died. I was born in Westport, ON, on January 17, 1940. My parents were the Rev. Stanley Gordon Jackson, and his wife, Elizabeth Beatrice Poston Jackson both now deceased. I had one older brother, the Venerable Paul Jackson, who along with his wife, Catherine Jones Jackson are now both deceased.

I grew up in Brockville, ON, where I had both my elementary and high school education. I graduated from Trinity College, University of Toronto, with an honours degree in Philosophy and History. Additionally, I earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Manitoba, a bachelor’s degree in Sacred Theology from Trinity College, and a master’s degree in Philosophy from the University of Calgary.

I was ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada to the Diaconate in 1965, and to the Priesthood in 1966. In my ministry, I served with Indigenous Nations and rural parishes in BC, in urban and rural parishes in the Diocese of Calgary, and as a Hospital Chaplain and Teaching Supervisor in Calgary at both the Holy Cross and Foothills Hospitals.

In 1968, I was fortunate enough to meet Esther Anne Ashwell who became my life’s partner in marriage in 1969. We were the parents of two fine sons, Gregory Stephen and Laurence Paul (Geovana), and the grandparents of Zachariah Paul.

In my ministry, I look back with fondness on my years with the Nisga’a and Tsimshian Nations who shared with me their rich Spirituality. This enabled me through them to experience the presence of the Holy in all of nature. My twenty-one years in hospital ministry gave me the opportunity and freedom to walk with people of many different religions and those with none, unrestricted by the rules of Canon law and the bullying of those with power, parish ministry continued in Smithers and Calgary. As a Christian, if there was one thing I learned from trying to follow Jesus, it was that His ministry and vocation revealed His care and love for the outcast and the marginalized people of the world. I tried to do my best in the same way for Him and for the people He placed in my care.

And so, I say goodbye to my dearest love, Esther, my sons Gregory and Laurence, my grandson Zachariah, and many friends over many years.

“The day is past and over; All thanks, O Lord, to Thee.

O Jesus, keep me in thy sight, and guard me through the coming night.”

Funeral Services will be held at St. Martin’s Anglican Church (1009 Prominence Way S.W., Calgary, AB) on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. 

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mr. Jackson's service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Rev. Gordon’s family here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Operation Smile Canada, 375 University Ave Suite 204, Toronto, ON M5G 2J5, Telephone: (647) 696-0600, www.operationsmile.ca, a foundation providing surgery for children with facial disfigurement, to the A.L.S. Society of Alberta (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), 7874 – 10^th Street N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 8W1, www.alsab.ca, or to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Rev. Gordon Jackson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Click Here to Watch Gordon's Funeral Service