Obituary of Gordon Campbell
Gordon Reginald Campbell of Avonlea passed away peacefully at Extendicare Moose Jaw, on Thursday, March 1, 2018 after a 5 year battle with cancer. Gordon was seeking to use medical assistance in dying, but passed away before it could take place; he wanted all to know that it was his intention, and that he was grateful to know it was available to him. Gordon was born on February 9, 1925 to A.N. Campbell (Sandy) and Eva Miller, on the SE quarter of S9 T12 R23 W2, southwest of Avonlea. At the age of 5, he started school at the nearby one-room country school named Sunshine School. In the fall of 1936, the school burned down and he and his siblings were sent to Avonlea School, a four-room two-storey brick school house. Gordon finished grade 12 at age 16 and started at the University of Saskatchewan, where he later graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering. Between his fourth and fifth year, he took a year off from school to help his father with farming. He enjoyed farm life and after graduation, when he did not find a job that appealed to him more than farming, his father was pleased to have him continue working with him. After Sandy’s retirement, Gordon and his brother Garnet farmed together until Gordon’s semi-retirement. Gordon loved to garden; while still a boy he helped his dad plant rows of evergreens which are of lasting beauty. He planted raspberry bushes, a small orchard with apple, pear and plum trees, and a variety of vegetables. Indoors, he grew beautiful African violets, which he gave away to friends and family. All his life he was into sports, especially baseball, golf, curling and hockey. He was a life-long fan of the Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. He curled with brothers Garnet, Don and Glen in the 1954 MacDonald Brier in Edmonton, finishing as runner-up. In later life, Gordon and Garnet and teammates won 4 Western Canadian Championship titles. In the 1955-56 hockey seasons he helped the Avonlea Arrows win the Saskatchewan Intermediate “C” Championship title. Gordon supported junior hockey by acting as a coach in the Avonlea Bantam Hockey League in the 1952 season. Gordon was named Saskatchewan Southern League Most Valuable Player and was the winner of the Scotty Melville Award as top pitcher for 1953, 1954, and 1955. He was an avid reader and wherever he went, so did one of his books. He loved music and taught himself to play the organ. He also collected artwork, including a few original paintings of birds and animals. Gordon was a kind, gentle, caring person who was truly an old-fashioned gentleman. Everyone who knew him commented on his gentleman-like personality. Gordon made a difference in the lives he touched. He loved to share his home to gatherings of the Campbell clan who travelled long distances to enjoy his hospitality. He was predeceased by his mother and father; sister Verna; brothers Don, Glen, Garnet, and Lloyd. He will be missed by his sister Margaret and her husband Archie Smith; his extended family Dave, Gina, Tara, Tricia, Jaren, Joel, and Curtis Miller; two sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews and countless friends who are better for having known this gentleman. His family would like to thank the staff at Extendicare for their care and compassion to Gordon. At Gordon’s request there will be no funeral. He will be cremated, and in a private ceremony, his ashes will be scattered on his farm where his brothers’ ashes were spread. In lieu of flowers, please write your MLA and MP and petition that the laws surrounding assisted dying are changed so that everyone’s final wishes can be granted. Arrangements are entrusted to Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St. W, Moose Jaw, SK.
Blair & Kelly Scott, Funeral Directors
306-694-5500
Please see our online book of condolences at
www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gordon
Campbell 1925 2018.source
Décès pour la Ville: Moose-Jaw, Province: Saskatchewan
