Obituary of Gordon Joseph Ethier

Gordon was born in Waka, Saskatchewan; the youngest of 9 children born to Ernest and Ida Ethier. While leaving home at a young age, Gordon was no stranger to work. It was on a bridge job in Hollonquist, Sask. where he met the love of his life, Joyce Johnson and they were later married April 11, 1955. They spent the next four years working around Alberta, mostly in the logging industry. In 1959 Gordon and Joyce brought his parents to Chetwynd (then Little Prairie) to live with his older sister and family. They ended up staying and he went to work at Canfor. The family began to expand when Holly was born in 1961, Darren in 1962 and Timothy in 1968. In 1970 Gordon became a Certified Millwright which he enjoyed. He started working at CFI (West Fraser Mill) after a fire at Canfor. It was there that he lost his right leg in an accident. While tragic, this never seemed to slow him down. As a young man Gordon was an avid sportsman, he loved hunting, fishing and trapping. For the most part after the accident he continued to do whatever he wanted. Gordon returned to work at Canfor until he retired at age 60. In 1977 Gordon and Joyce purchased a parcel of land, commonly referred to as the farm. This had been their dream for several years and Gordon found his passion. They spent many years developing and working it. Gordon especially loved breaking new land, haying and raising cattle. Having mom work beside him was a given, and an extra big smile was evident when one or more of the kids were there too. He loved the company. Retirement just meant more time to farm which he put to good use by expanding land and his herd. He also loved hockey, there was always a game on if he was in the house. Gordon loved going for drives in the evening, which meant he was off touring his land watching for wildlife. Quite often he had to be rescued and other times he made it a long way with his crutches; either way he was ready to go the next evening. While we may not miss worrying about him on his adventures we are grateful for the memories and all that he brought to us in his own way. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Joyce, daughter Holly (Doug) Mosher, sons Darren (Maureen) and Tim (Sandra); grandchildren Jenna, Christopher, Mitchell, Clinton, Jodie, Trevor, Bowen and Autumn; great grandchildren Abbigail and Gracelynn; sisters Irene Guillet and Lucille McLellan; and numerous nieces and nephews. With respect to Gordon's wishes no funeral service will be held. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium