Gordon Richard Goodwin passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017 at the age of 94 years. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Mervyn and Laura Goodwin; daughter, Lola Elton; step grandson, Jayton George; sisters and brothers- in-law; Evelyn (Olaf) Aasen, Muriel (Earl) Jacobs, Helen (Ed) Elford; brother-in-law, Cal Young. Gordon was born at Colgate, SK on November 12, 1922, the only son of Mervyn and Laura Goodwin. He was raised on the farm where his dad homesteaded, south of McCord, with his four sisters. Gordon married his “sweetie”, Mildred Jacobs, on June 21, 1950 at his sister’s farm. Their first home was a farm about two miles from his parents. After his parents’ retirement in 1955, Gordon and Mildred moved to the family farm where they resided until 1969. From 1969 to 1976 Gordon continued to farm, while living in Weyburn where his children attended Western Christian College. This meant there was lots of traveling back and forth from McCord to Weyburn done by Gordon, Mildred and kids so that they could all be together. His son took over the family farm in 1976 and Gordon and Mildred moved to a new home in Weyburn on 17th Street. In 2008, they moved into their new condo on Government Road which remained their home. Gordon was a “Jack of all Trades”. He worked as a butcher, carpet layer, mechanic and specialized in carpentry. He helped his daughter and son-in-law work on a new home as well as many other building projects whenever family, friends and church members called upon him. His occupation and passion was farming. He continued to go out to help his son on the farm during seeding and harvest long after his retirement. Gordon enjoyed singing, reading, playing guitar, playing games and horseback riding in his younger days. He was always happy to fix stuff that most people might think was unfixable. For the past several years Gordon loved the challenge of a good puzzle. This became a great way for many of his children and grandchildren to bond with him. Gordon was also active in his church. The first church he belonged to was at Horse Creek, where he would teach Bible class and lead the singing. Weyburn Church of Christ has been his church home for almost 50 years where he served as a devoted Elder. Gordon was also active in his community, visiting shut-ins, delivering Meals on Wheels with Mildred and participating in activities at their condo. He also sat on the board of directors for Western Christian College for several years. Gordon and Mildred celebrated 67 years together. They enjoyed camping trips in their motor homes and often brought other family members along. Gordon and Mildred enjoyed various bus tours that took them through the States and parts of Canada. Some of Gordon’s favourite tours were Nashville, Palm Springs and the HostFest. Gordon was a farmer at heart and a favourite thing to talk about was his son’s and grandson’s farming operations. He was raised in a time where he learned out of necessity how to fix just about anything. Every job Gordon tackled was always done meticulously. He also loved Weyburn and his retirement years here. Gordon developed many strong relationships with people in the community, one of which was Bill Bell, who was a dear friend. Gordon was a wonderful father to his six children and later in life, he assumed the father figure role to the Souther boys, Michael, Mathew and Monty. The most important part of Gordon’s life, was his “sweetie” Mildred. The two were soul mates. They were always tender toward one another. Their love is the foundation in which their children and grandchildren have built their own love stories upon. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 67 years, Mildred Goodwin of Weyburn; daughter, Gayle (Gerry) Barth of Medicine Hat, AB, daughter, Mavis Souther of Weyburn, son, Lonnie (Debbie) Goodwin of McCord, daughter, Twyla (John) Kot of Griffin, daughter, Brenda (Kent) Royer of Langley, BC; John Elton; 23 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; sister, Irene Young; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The Funeral Service for Gordon was held Friday, September 29, at 2:00 p.m. from Weyburn Church of Christ, Weyburn, with Pastor John Smith officiating. Interment followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, and the Pallbearers were Ron Barth, Mike Souther, Mathew Souther, Rick Goodwin, Blaine Elton and Curtis Royer. Donations in memory of Gordon may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. “Oh there you are,” Gordon said as he reached out his hand. Mildred placed her hand in his and replied, “Where else would I be?” Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, 306-842-5432.
