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Obituary For Gordon Gerald Draper
September 28, 1939 – March 14, 2024
On Thursday March 14th, 2024, Gordon Gerald Draper passed away peacefully after a hard-fought battle of 7 years of illnesses.
We have had so many people reach out to express their sorrow and share that he will be greatly missed.
His love of music is the first thing they remember. Whether it was singing along to one of his favourite oldies, playing the guitar and harmonica with his buddy Stan Marko, or jamming along at the Nor-lan Chrysler Christmas parties. Music always gave him joy and peace. Even in his final days he always had one of his many harmonicas in his pocket just in case the urge came along to play a little tune.
Gordon was born in Viking, Alberta on September 28, 1939. At the age of 12 the family sold their farm and made their way to Kimberly, British Columbia where his Dad worked in the coal mines and his Mom taught music. His deep connection with the community of Viking brought him back as a young man. This is where he began his career as an Auto Mechanic at Taylor’s Garage. He started with them at the age of 18 and was there for 28 years. He was also a big part of the volunteer Fire Department and spent part of that time as their Fire Chief. From there the family made their way to Stettler for a couple of years and then moved onto Grande Prairie where he worked at Nor-Lan Chrysler for 30 years until he decided it was time to retire.
Gordon is survived by his wife of 57 years Josephine Draper, son Darcy Draper, daughter Joanne Carlson (Waylon Carlson), grandsons Nick Carlson (Sarah Altenburg) and Nathan Carlson (Delaney Dean), his sister Joan and many nieces and nephews.
He is pre-deceased by his sisters Doreen, Mavis, Diane, and brother Don.
There will be a family gathering this summer to take Gordon back to Viking, the only place he has ever truly considered home. He will rest with his parents, grandparents, and some of his siblings.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca
28/09/1939 14/03/2024
Death notice for the town of: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta
death notice Gordon Gerald Draper 28/09/1939 14/03/2024
obituaries notice Gordon Gerald Draper 28/09/1939 14/03/2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gordon Gerald Draper 28/09/1939 14/03/2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.