Gordon Douglas McDougall
A sharp mind; a gentle soul.
Gordon McDougall passed away surrounded by close family on April 23rd, 2015 at Moog Hospice in Penticton, B.C. He was born in Mason, Manitoba to Catherine and Allan Douglas McDougall on October 10th, 1927. He grew up on the family homestead farm - originally purchased by Gordon’s grandfather, Robert Allan McDougall, in the late 1800’s. Gordon was born the second eldest of five siblings (Doreen Gilbart-Victoria B.C., Mel McDougall-Vernon B.C., Wesley McDougall-deceased, Wayne McDougall-deceased). Gordon had a love for the land and was an avid farmer with multiple talents bordering on the skills of a self-made engineer. He even took the old gas washer motor and made the first motorized lawnmower in the district. Gordon worked the mixed farm with his mother and father; together, they focused heavily on grain production, cattle and turkey products; eventually he took over the farm. Gordon and his brother, Mel, were close throughout their lives. Gordon often covered the chores for Mel – who was destined for city life. Mel could always count on Gordon to fix the old Ford sedan. Sister Doreen was very close to Gordon as well. Doreen took on farm chores and baking for the family. Gordon was always sneaking cookies… and dodging spatulas. Gordon was wonderful with children, yet never had any of his own. He loved nothing more than herding his many nieces and nephews as they camped on the farm – teaching them how to be safe and get the work done. To this day, they all speak about those profound early adventures. Gordon was both modest and self-deprecating. “Don’t go to any extra trouble for me,” he would often say. He was also quick to lend a hand, always accompanied by a deep and frequent laugh. He was stubborn on occasion, but always ready to listen. Eventually the farm was sold and Gordon relocated to Brandon; there he was able to overcome many health issues with the support of his family. He soon went to work as an electrician, testing for live wires with his finger!! Gordon loved to travel and eventually settled in the Okanagan Valley to be close to his siblings who had relocated there. It was in this lush landscape that he met the love of his love, Florence Arnott. They soon embarked on trailer-excursions all across western Canada. Aunt Florence never had a hair out of place no matter how harrowing the camping experience. Finally settling in Summerland, Gordon and Florence contributed to the community of Summerland in many ways, forming strong and binding connections to many people. Always ready with a contagious smile and a kind word, Gordon was involved in the lawn bowling league and the Anglican Church. One of the major aspects of Gordon’s life was his relationship with Ramish Lekki and his family in the Summerland orchard home that Gordon and Florence rented for 20 years. Gordon’s farming background certainly came in handy on the sprawling apple orchard; Gordon was always willing to fix anything, even broken hair dryers that Abbey made sure were broken. Gordon and Florence loved to dance the night away, have picnics by the lake and enjoy the stunning scenery of their chosen home. In the last years of her life, Gordon was an excellent caregiver to Florence, calling her “the only girl I ever loved.” As he himself later fell ill with a long and slow moving cancer, Gordon still enjoyed a playful banter with the staff of Dr. Peter Bennet (Summerland) who patiently offered a helpful and caring touch to a man who never really complained about much. Gordon will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. Carry on sweet spirit – you are free to join your travelling companion once more.
Gordon, you were a wonderful person with great integrity, warmth, and love for all those you met – carry on and remember the goodness you spread as you passed through the lives of so many others.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 9, 2015 at the St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 9311 Prairie Valley Road, Summerland, BC., with Reverend Rick Paulin, Celebrant. A private family interment will be held at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Kelowna, BC. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.providencefuneralhomes.com. 250-494-7752