Obituary of Gordon David Turnbull

Gordon David Turnbull left us peacefully with his family by his side on the 29th day of October 2015 at the age of 85 years. He was born on September 2nd, 1930. His parents were Kathleen (Starling) and Archie Turnbull. He was raised in the Rabbit Lake area and went to school in Lockside, Cater and Medstead. Times were tough and his Dad was killed when Gordon was only 9 years old. He was known as a Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Gramps, Great Grandpa and sometimes Santa Claus. On October 12th, 1951 he married his childhood sweetheart, Evelyn Gatzke. This union was meant to be as they had three ministers perform the ceremony. They always said they were best friends as well as husband and wife. Each Anniversary he asked Evelyn “would you marry me again?”, guess she would as they enjoyed 64 years together. His first job was at a Chev Dealership, then onto Elevator Agent for the SK Wheat Pool. During working full time at the elevator he and Evelyn ran the General Store in Bapaume and farmed. He worked as hard as he played. Fishing, hunting, curling, hockey, baseball, calling square dances, regular dancing, camping, travelling, fiddle fests. Retirement gave him more time for his woodworking hobby and his offspring have many treasures that he made; chairs, tables, shelving units, whatever you needed made. He was not a religious man, but Bonnie said he was the most religious man she knew as his values of life were there 7 days a week, not just Sundays. He made many degrees, not from University, but the life – honesty, trust, respect to name a few. He volunteered for the Lodge in Spiritwood and the Wildlife Federation, plus gave his time at the Condo complex where he and Evelyn lived. Gordon always had a zest for life, a happy smile, a song and whistle. He was true unto himself and those around him. He loved his Grandkids and had time for them all. We will miss his jokes, smile, calming influence and his voice on the phone, “you’re looking fine too!” Gordon is remembered by: His loving wife, Evelyn; his daughter: Bonnie (Grant) Cadieu of Spiritwood, SK and their family: Raylene (Ashley) Browne of Hinton, AB and their children Anik and Ty; Erin (Terry) Dyck of Saskatoon, SK; Cindy (Wayne) Hoffert of Airdrie, AB and their children Nicholas, Danica and Skylar; Kendra Cadieu of Saskatoon, SK; his daughter Terry (Bill) Sparkes of Prince Albert, SK and their family: Jody Sparkes (Simon Babin) of Squamish, BC; Stacy (Ken) Moore of Okotoks, AB and children Keiran and Sawyer. Gordon’s sister: Marion (Fred) Gatzke of Spiritwood, SK. His siblings-in-law: Elva Heyden, Olga (Jack) Dixon, Vade Gatzke, Irvin (Luella) Gatzke and Clifford (Kathleen) Gatzke. An abundance of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by: His parents, Archie and Kathleen Turnbull, a special uncle and aunt, Harry and Edith Starling and his siblings-in-law, Ralph Johnson, Elaine Gatzke, and John Heyden. A Funeral Service in honor of Gordon was held on November 2nd, 2015 from the Spiritwood Civic Center with Delores Beaulac officiating. Old time musical tributes were by the Happy Wanderers. Eulogy was given by Ashley Browne. The Urn Bearers were Ty Browne, Nicholas Hoffert, Grant Cadieu, Anik Browne, Danica Hoffert, and Bill Sparkes. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Donations in Gordon's memory may be directed to the Evergreen Lodge Auxiliary in Leoville, SK Gordon's family has entrusted arrangements to Brenda Beaulac of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500. Thank you The family of Gordon Turnbull would like to thank everyone for the phone calls, texts, cards, visits, food, flowers and hugs. Words cannot express how much it meant to us. Thanks to the Happy Wonderers for their wonderful old time music. A big bouquet to Delores Beaulac for the service – so very fitting. Thank you to the Museum Committee for doing the lunch. To Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, especially Brenda Beaulac for her professional, compassionate care while guiding us through the journey. To all that were able to attend Gordon’s funeral and to all that made memorial donations a very big thank you. Finally a huge thank you to the staff at Evergreen Health Center for the excellent care given to Gordon. You truly make Evergreen a Home away from Home. Thanks to everyone. Evelyn, Bonnie & Grant and Family, Terry & Bill and Family