Gordon Christianson

Funeral Service

Friday, October 24, 2014

2:00 p.m

5 Oaks Shared Ministeries, Naicam

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Willis Christianson. Gordon is survived by his wife of 66 years Doreen, daughter Sharon (Dave Solheim, gradson Jeff (Cory) great grandsons Isaac and Evan, granddaughters Krista and Tara and grandson Erik); son Don (Sarah, grandson Josh); son Gary (Leslie, grandson Clint (Brittanee) great grandchildren Courtlyn and Landon); brother Stanley (Edith) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gordon was predeceased by his grandson Chad Christianson, parents Soren and Anna Christianson, and brother Kenneth Christianson.

Gordon was born on May 5, 1921 in Mrs. Matthews Nurse's House in Naicam. He grew up on the family farm east of Naicam and attended Home School. Gordon worked on the farm during the summer and in the Flin Flon mines during the winter. During WWII, he served for four years in the Canadian Forces in many capacities, one of which he was a military police. Upon his return the attended the University of Saskatchewan School of Agriculture. Following his studies, he purchased the Smith farm with a loan from the VLA and ten dollars down.

Gordon met Doreen Hamilton in Naicam's Chinese CafAC. in 1946 and were married on June 25, 1948. They spent winters in town and summers on the Smith farm. After a cold winter, Sharon, their first child was born in October. Gordon started to farm with his brother Stanley on the land their father Soren had homesteaded. The house on the Smith farm was moved to the current farmyard. Over the next few years, their family was blessed by the arrival of sons, Don and Gary. Gordon pursued his dream of raising purebred Herefords, building corrals, a new barn, and cattle that he was very proud of. To feed the cattle and support the family, the fields around the farm showed his love of the hand. Those who had driven by the farm, have seen it change as the livestock have disappeared and given way to a longer line of grain bins. He took great pride in creating the straightest rows when seeding, and the straightest swaths during harvest. His son Gary began to work with him, bringing the energy of youth and a view for long term. The farm flourished and Gordon and Doreen enjoyed taking winter holidays in warm places. Gordon was not one to take a backseat, but over the years he gracefully transitioned farm management to Gary.

Along with farming, Gordon contributed to the community in many ways. He served as president of the legion, had many roles on church council, gave leadership to the local 4H and was a competitive curler. Gordon was well respected and was always willing to help.

Gordon was natural musician. Over the years he played violin, trombone, guitar and bugle. He loved to sing bass in the church choir and played in a variety of bands.

Gordon passed away October 21 in Melfort Hospital. We give thanks for the life and legacy of Gordon Chirstianson who will be greatly missed and forever remembered.