Obituary of Gordon Axel Person

Gordon Person 1934 - 2015 Gordon Axel, born February 3, 1934, to Axel and Alice Person passed away on April 6th, 2015. He grew up on the farm in the Dry Creek area, attended Dry Creek School, graduating from Grade 8 in 1948. He drove horses to attend the Dry Creek School and played ball with the 1950-1965 Dry Creek ball team. Gordie did more than just farm, he also worked many winters in the bush. In 1963 Gordie married Loretta Vaughan, they raised a family of three; Shelly Ann, Brian Gordon and Kenneth Kevin. Gordie worked in the sawmill in Lake Cowichan BC one year. In 1968 they moved to Nurse Lidstrom’s old house which was owned by John and Annie Boyle, Loretta’s grandparents. They moved to the Eric Moberg homestead on the SE 11-51-04 W3 in fall of 1973, and farm life began. Gordie was to us- an impersonator, bus driver, custom grain hauler, superstitious, an animal lover, a musician – He could play almost any instrument by ear, dancer, radio fan- listening to Saturday Night Dance Party on the radio, prankster, ballplayer, sportsman, weather forecaster, bookworm, driving instructor for his grandkids- starting in the back 40 acres in the old blue truck. Grandpa would start pulling hair at the nape of the neck if the grandkids were caught with a heavy foot. He was a husband, father and grandpa supporting his children and grandchildren in all their activities: hockey, ball, figure skating, football, badminton, basketball, volleyball, ski-doing, motor biking, dance…… He really enjoyed the opportunity to be there, watch, and grab a coffee and visit. He always had time for family whether it was to help out, have a game of cards, put together a puzzle, and play with grandchildren who he often referred to as “tula bous.” Alzheimer’s was a challenging disease for Gordie and our family over the last few years. On September 1, 2011, Gordie moved into the Leask nursing home, a month later he moved to Whispering Pine Place in Canwood where he lived until his passing. Through it all, Gordie remained soft hearted, caring and loving in nature. His caregivers at Whispering Pine Place said that he was a special gentleman who never forgot his sense of humor while living there. The rhythm of music and the presence of family would brighten his day. He has left us with many cherished memories and we can picture him with that smirk only he had. Gordon is lovingly survived by: His wife, Loretta; his children: Shelly (Roger) McComas and their children, Tyler (Robin) and their children, Ella and Lily; Jason and Landon; Brian (Michele) Person and their children, Steven, Tess and Nikolas; Ken (Sherry) Person and their children, Thomas and Meghan; his siblings: Wayne (Doris) Person, Dorwin (Wendy) Person; his brothers in-law: Gerald Vaughan, Lyle Vaughan; his sisters in-law: Dorothy Person, and Linda (Gerry) Straf. Gordon is predeceased by: his parents, Axel and Alice Person; his brother, Lorne Person; his parents-in-law, James and Anna Vaughan; his sister in-law, Bonnie Vaughan; and his nephew, Denny Vaughan. A Celebration of Life was held April 10th, 2015 at the Canwood Community Hall, and Gordon was laid to rest in the Dry Creek Cemetery. Memorial Donations in honor of Gordon may be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan or Whispering Pine Place ~ Activities Dept. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Shellbrook 306-747-2828).