Gordon Sanderson
1930 - 2018
Gordon Samson Sanderson, born in Taber on February 22, 1930, passed away peacefully in Calgary on Friday, August 10, 2018 at the age of 88 years, with Gail, his loving wife of sixty three years at his side.
The Burial Service was held at the Bow Island Cemetery, east of Golfview Drive on 16 Avenue, Bow Island on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service was held at Island of Hope Church, 810 - 4 Street East, Bow Island on Saturday, August 18, 2018 at 2:00 P.M.
He was loved and will be greatly missed by his wife, Gail (nee Knibbs), children Jackie Morin, Terry (Karen) Sanderson, Clarence Sanderson (Sue Moser), and Collin (Colleen) Sanderson. He will be remembered by his grandchildren Brad (Raina), Amber and Kevin Morin; Danny, Cody (Kristi), Amanda (Steve), Erika, Derrick, Jesse and Tiana Sanderson; and Brandon Moser; great grandchildren Kyle, Riley, Zackery, Aidan, Boston, Easton, Aubrey, Wyatt, Tristan, Emma and Sydney. He is also survived by his sister Ruth (Ford) Works, brothers Walter (Nadine) Sanderson, Bob (Helga) Sanderson and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Alice Sanderson, sister Florence Singer and brother-in-law Pat Singer.
Gordon worked hard his entire life, starting with various jobs on and around the family farm near Taber. As a Linesman with PFRA, he worked beside the coulee where the Knibbs family lived. Upon the dares of other workers, he asked to walk home a beautiful, young woman that would soon become his wife, Gail. After a brief courtship, they moved to Calgary, got married and started their family together. Gordon found jobs with Copperthorn Ranch, driving truck for first Dunn Rite Broilers then Model Dairies. Together with Gail, he owned The Embers Drive-In on Macleod Trail, which featured the first onion rings in Calgary, a bag of burgers, five for $0.89 and large thick milkshakes for $0.25. Hearing of job opportunities, he took off to Whitehorse, NWT, where he drove mining trucks from Whitehorse to Farrow, Alaska, a town that no longer exists. While driving between these towns, Gordon’s truck skidded off the road and fell down a steep embankment. He was lost for three days but eventually rescued and became the very first patient in the Farrow Hospital. He returned to Calgary and found a job washing tractor trailers with Porter Trucking. It was here that he decided to start his own business, G & G Truck Wash, which became the most respected tractor trailer wash in Calgary. After he retired, spending winters down south in Lake Havasu and Yuma Lake became his passion, making many friends while also working odd jobs.
Above anything else, Gordon loved the company of family and friends. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy. He was the backbone of the family, quietly supporting everyone whenever and however it was needed, never asking why. Teaching through actions, rather than words, his compassion, selflessness and work ethic will live on for generations. He was a wonderful, gentle man that brought respect to everyone he met. Gordon was competitive while playing games of pool or horseshoes, Rook or 21. His dry wit came out in short, unexpected quips and one-liners. He was resourceful, fixing up cars and houses, even refurbishing a schoolbus to become the family camper.
We are glad that he is no longer in pain, but will miss him so much! The love you brought will always be felt by us!
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gordon’s name may be made directly to Island of Hope Church, Box 71, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0 www.islandofhope.ca or to the Alzheimer’s Society, 40, 1202 - 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3 www.alzheimer.ca.