Obituary of Gordon Leo Moffat

Gordon Leo Moffat April 5, 1941 – April 24, 2020 Passed away peacefully at Big River Health Care Facility on April 24 in the comforting hands of his caregivers. Gordon was predeceased by parents Robert Bruce and Patricia Angeline (nee Church) Moffat and daughter Francis (nee Moffat) Harman. He is survived by his Aunt Etta Ulmer; Daughter Trish McArthur; Son Robert Moffat; one Grandson; two Great-Grandchildren; Sister Grace Lund; Brother Gary (Jean) Moffat; One niece and three nephews. Numerous cousins in Canada and United States. Gordon leaves to mourn his family of close friends - Brian (Sylvia) Hoffart; Howard (Norine) Fonos; Kenneth (Ruth) Doucette and Dick Bradick. He was born in Edmonton and raised in proximity to the Moffat homestead Marcelin, SK area where he received all formal education from his Mother, a teacher at nearby one room schools. Gordon was an outdoorsman who loved dog sledding, raising horses, chuck wagon and barrel racing, guiding, working his trap line on snowshoes or snowmobile, wild rice harvesting and living in harmony with nature at his home in the forest. Gordon was a passionate advocate for the environmental protection of our unique forests. During his years of employment in the lumber industry his purpose was forest protection regarding the preservation, prevention and control of damage to forests by manmade causes and conservation to achieve forest health in managed forests where harvesting occurs. Until age 76 he was designated Lead Caterpillar Operator when forest fires occurred in his area. He was a pioneer and one of the first commercial wild rice harvesters and growers in the district. Gordon sat on the Wild Rice Council and assisted in changing legislation which expanded the wild rice industry. Gordon spent 35 years as a Fishing and Hunting Guide for numerous outfitters around Dore Lake, Green Lake, Sled Lake and Big River. He cherished lasting friendships and enjoyed sharing knowledgeable experiences of trapping and guiding. Due to circumstances beyond our control a celebration of life for family and close friends is to be determined. Those wishing to share memories and tributes are invited to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to caregivers at Big River Health Care facility for their presence with Gordon during palliative care and at his time of passing; Reverend Foster Freed (Nanaimo) for comfort and prayers given at a distance. Sincere appreciation to Dr Smith, Helen Donald (Nurse Practitioner), caregivers and kitchen staff for support and home atmosphere given to Gordon during his stay within Big River Health Centre. Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Big River, SK (306-469-2277) But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)