Gordon Cecil Rhodes

Gordon Rhodes, beloved husband of Cheryl Rhodes, passed away peacefully with his wife at his side on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at the age of 76 years. He fought a long and brave battle with Alzheimer disease.

He is survived by his loving family of 5 children; Garry (Patricia) Rhodes, Gordon Rhodes Jr., Danny Rhodes, Mark (Lake) Rhodes, Melissa (Joe) Roberts. As well as 5 step-children; Cindy (Dru) Guthrie, Kent (Ronda) Keenan, Kevin (Jill) Keenan, Koralee (Dusty) Boucher, Geraldine (Roy) Black.

Besides his loving wife and children, he is also survived by his brother Ron (Tina) Rhodes, Sister-in-law Koral (Tim) Lamont. Gordon has 26 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly. Gordon loved people and made many friends in his life who will also miss his crazy sense of humor and conversations.

Gordon had several careers throughout his life of which many involved the lumber industry from sawmill to lumber yards to building. One of his favorite jobs was that of a school bus driver. He loved interacting with the children on his bus route. Later in life, he went back to school and became a barber and had a barber shop arcade in Okotoks, followed by a barbershop in Vulcan. His last career in this life was that of a farmer/cattleman, school bus driver and yardman at U.F.A. in Vulcan of which he worked at all three jobs each day. He was a busy man and loved every minute of it. To be able to putter around on the farm was such a joy to him.

Gordon graduated high school in Vulcan where he met his wife at a high school dance. Life took them in different directions and they both married others. After 20 years of going in different directions and each divorcing, Gordon and Cheryl were reunited and married on February 2, 1980, combining two families into one which brought 8 children to this union. In 1981, their son Mark was born and in 1982 after 4 sons Gordon was blessed with a daughter Melissa. All of Gordon’s children and step children brought such joy to his life. Then the grandchildren started arriving and his life was so enriched. There was a bond between Granddad and little Kaden Roberts that was indescribable.

He was predeceased by his parents Clarence & Viola (Root) Rhodes, his brother and sister-in-law Merlin and Kathy Rhodes, his mother and father-in-law Delmar and Marie Greene, and an infant granddaughter Jayne Marie Rhodes.

In his younger days he played a lot of baseball and a highlight of his life was playing on the same team as his father. Whatever his job was, earning a living he threw his whole heart into it.

He was a very kind, gentle, and patient man with a crazy sense of humor that would always bring a smile to your face or a hearty laugh. He loved almost all sports and participated in several which up front was baseball, followed by hockey, curling, and golf. He loved camping as well as fishing. Another of his great loves was music and dancing.

Gordon you were such a treasure in our lives and will be missed sorely, however we will meet again one day forever.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday November 3, 2018 at 1:30 pm at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS- CHAMPION CHAPEL- 203 4 St, Champion, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories, #40, 1202 - 2nd Avenue South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3.

          A private family interment will be held at the Bowville Cemetery.

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