Gordon Franklin Atkinson

1922 ~ 2014

Gordon passed away peacefully at 91 and 1/2 years of age at the West Highland Center in Lethbridge on Thursday January 2, 2014 in the arms of his wife of 65 years. Gordon is lovingly survived by his wife Anne; children Connie (David) Hubka of Claresholm, David (Linda) of Claresholm, Dennis (Dorothy) of Lethbridge, Bill (Carol) of Grand Prairie, and Tim (Arlene) of Lethbridge; his siblings Keith (Anita) of Nobleford and Marion Irving of Duncan B.C.; his grandchildren Ian (Bev), Darren (Lacey), Todd (Chandra), Kelly (Brian), Denise, Derrick, Kelsey, Cody, Scott (Mikey), Meaghan (Jason), Ryan (Karla), Darren (Daelynn), and Kevin; his 12 great-grandchildren and many many dear family and friends. Gordon was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Blanche, and siblings Bob and Kathleen Nummi. Gordon was born on June 11 in Claresholm and lived the entirety of his life on the farm until he moved to Lethbridge in 1993. He attended Olds College of Agriculture and spent his life farming and also as a nurse's assistant at the Claresholm Care Center where he retired at the age of 64. Together with his wife he raised 5 children and devoted his life to being an extremely dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Among Gordon's passions were farming, fishing, hunting, word searches, recycling and being the best grandfather one could ask for. He is fondly remembered for his incredibly witty sense-of-humor and storytelling. Rarely taking life too seriously Gordon could always be relied on for telling a good joke, making people laugh and smile, teasing anyone who had the pleasure of being in his company, and for being a person that inspired others to be better. He lived honestly and courageously and always gave to others rarely asking for anything in return. He was truly a stubborn man, in the greatest send of the word, as he refused to stray from anything that he believed in. The Atkinson family wishes to extend heartfelt and sincere gratitude to the staff at the West Highland Center for the amazing and loving care Gordon received beginning the day he made the center his home right up to the tears they shed with Gordon's passing. They would also like to thank Gordon's innumerable friends, especially the members of White Lake Colony, for all of their love and support. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 2:00pm at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel, 610 - 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Mr. Jim Lindemann officiating. The family graciously requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Good Samaritan Society, 8861-75 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T6C 4G8.

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