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Gordon BOSCH Obituary
June 23, 1947 - June 28, 2013
It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Gord Bosch. Gord is survived by Sheila, his devoted wife of 20 years; his children Stacy (Andres) and Darren (Jackie); his stepchildren Andrea, Colby (Laurie) and Geoff (Kim); his adoring grandchildren Daniel, Mateo, Stella, Smith, Declan, Fiona, Catarina, Sage, Jack and Henry; and a large extended family including his siblings Diane, Wayne (Judith), Gary (Peggy) and Richard (Vonnie) and many nieces and nephews. Gord was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Helen of Marsden, SK. Gord was born in Neilburg, SK and raised on the family farm in Marsden, SK. Trouble with asthma and allergies drove Gord away from farming and to the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (Moose Jaw) where he earned a Mechanical Technology Diploma. In 1970, Gord headed to Calgary, where he married his first wife Mauraine and started his career with Spartan Controls. Gord spent nearly 30 years with Spartan, where a former colleague described him as an amazing, fun-loving boss who gave great advice and was "at the core of the best time of our lives". In 1999, Gord retired from Spartan and formed a highly successful heavy oil company, WinEagle Petroleum. Although a man of the prairies, Gord was always connected to the water. In 1974 he began developing his second home and first love in Sylvan Lake. In 1992, Gord and Sheila began dividing their free time and eventually their retirement, between Sylvan Lake and Maui. Gord was an enthusiastic boatman and an avid paddler with the Kihei and Maui canoe clubs. Gord was well known as a jack-of-all-trades and was always willing to lend a hand or a hammer. Gord's generous and hospitable spirit will be deeply missed by both communities In 2009, Gord suffered a massive stroke, leaving him and Sheila with new challenges. With his formidable work ethic left intact, Gord fought admirably to gain back a remarkable level of independence. His sudden cancer diagnosis, only weeks ago, came as a shock to all. His final days were spent in the gentle care of the Red Deer Hospice and surrounded by those who loved him.
Gord, your path diverged from ours
far too soon, but we will forever cherish
the time we walked with you. Aloha.
A celebration of Gord's life is being planned for July 13, 2013. Please visit www.rememberinggord.blogspot.ca for details. In lieu of flowers, it is the family's wish that donations be made in Gord Bosch's name to the Red Deer Hospice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
28 Entries
Diane and Clif Pinney-Droke
March 19, 2014
We have just arrived at Kealia after a year away to learn of Gordon's death last June. We are shocked and saddened to learn that this strong, personable man died so suddenly. He never failed to speak to us, remembered our names and greeted us warmly. We will miss him and give our warmed condolences to Sheila.
Colby Bell
March 17, 2014
I was thinking about spring coming, ice melting and outside work beginning - couldn't help but think of Gord. I miss you.
Colby
July 31, 2013
Gordon was one of the first to befriend us when we joined Maui Canoe Club and he helped us learn to paddle. His megawatt smile will always be remembered. Our hearts go out to Sheila, his kids and grand kids. He will always be alive when you think of good times together with family and friends. Wayne and Laurel Hill
Don & Debbie Muirhead
July 25, 2013
Shelia and Gord: we had not known you both for long, but Gord made a lasting impression on Don and I. What a strong wonderful man. His perseverance and sense of humor in battling with his disabilities were refreshing. We will miss seeing you together in the Hawaiian Sun. Thank you for sharing Gord with us. Sending you and your family strength and peace.
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Ann Faulk
July 20, 2013
Sheila & Family:
We were unable to join you for the 'Celebration of Life,' however have carried you & your family in our hearts and prayers for the past weeks.
It was such a pleasant surprise to run into Gord outside Walmart in Sylvan Lake shortly before his illness was discovered. We had a nice visit; Gord proudly sharing about each child & grandchild.
I hold fond memories of Gord going back to visits on the farm, his many prized cars/trucks (along with speeding tickets, gracious sharing of his lakefront home and the many nurses ogling over his picture after each visit to Ida at the Camrose hospital.
We send our sincere condolences to you all.
Gord we think of you each time Sam tells others to 'hang loose.'
Mark, Ann, & Sam
Wynn Alex Carr
July 18, 2013
Sheila: I only met Gordon once with you in Kelowna last summer. I enjoyed your company immensely and it was such an enjoyable weekend. He was a lovely man and your special bond and affection towards each other was very evident. My condolences you and your family. Wynn Alex Carr
Evelyn Dewinetz
July 14, 2013
Gord; our friend for life. We first met you and Sheila when you were still owners at Maalaea Surf. You and Richard did many renovations together. The picnics celebrating Christmas and Easter and sometimes just the weekend are favorites of mine. Swimming in the Olivine Pools, then realizing just how dangerous that was, is comical after the fact. We shared so much, my photo albums are full. I'm grateful to have been able to visit you and Sheila in your last days and many, many times at Sylvan. We will miss you immensely but know you have found a better place to throw your ice cubes! Like Richard always said "A man of all seasons". Thank you for your friendship. We will always love you and keep you in our hearts.
Richard & Evelyn Dewinetz
White Rock BC. Galiano Island BC. Maui Hi.
Jim McManes
July 12, 2013
I feel blessed that Gord was my friend. We first met in 1988 when he was buying a white convertible for Sheila. I thought it strange at the time that he did not want to test drive it but I will never forget the look of pride on his face when she drove it away the next day. It was years later that he confessed to me that the reason he did not drive it was that he had lost his licence for three months for too many speeding tickets on the may to his beloved Sylvan Lake. It was because of Gord and Sheila's love of Sylvan that I bought a place there. It was also because I knew if something needed fixed Gord would always be there to take charge. I remember we bought boat hoists together one time. It was cheaper if we assembled them ourselves and that was what Gord wanted to do. With Gord as the boss we went to work and set mine up first. I think we had a couple of pieces left over but by the time we got his done we had it down to a science. His always did work better than mine. Hmmm. I have never met a nicer man and I doubt that such a person exists. I am proud he was my friend and I will miss him always. Sheila, you added a dimension to his life he would never have found without you. You guys made a great team. Gord is gone but his energy will never leave us!
July 12, 2013
Hi
Joe and Agnes McInnis Maui Canoe club and fellow canadians , BC based
IWe first met Gordon at the Kihea canoe club and than at the Maui club. Gordon was always a large presence at the club, a great guy to be around.
After his stroke his courage and that of Sheila, was an outstanding example of what great people are made of.
Agnes and I had the privalage of being members of the FROGS group, friends of Gordon and Sheila.
We were on the boat several times with Gordon. It was always our feeling that we were paddling with Gordon, not taking him for a paddle.
He will be very much missed. Sincere condolances to his family.
Feel proud , He was a giant in every sence of the word.
Special regards
Joe annd Agnes McInnis Coquitlam BC and Maui Canoe club
Bob Fondiller
July 11, 2013
The sudden passing of Gordon Bosch was very sad news for me and all his many friends on Maui.
Like many of the friends we all have, I knew Gordon for a part of our lives. In the case of Gordon that was for almost 10 years. I met Gord at the Kihei Canoe Club around 2003. I liked him from the beginning. Every now and then I try to think about why I like a particular person. In Gordon's case it was easy for me to know why I liked him. Gord always had a positive attitude, a big smile, a wonderful sense of humor, and a willingness to help whenever it was needed. I always thought that Gord's jokes were funny and I think that he felt my jokes were funny.
In late 2005, Gord and I along with 20 or so other people decided to get together and found a new canoe club that was totally recreational paddling oriented. Gordon was one of the people who attended the initial meetings that resulted in the founding of the Maui Canoe Club (MCC). [BTW - MCC now is one of the largest canoe clubs on the Hawaiian island consisting of over 350 members.] Gordon played a very instrumental role in the first couple of years of MCC.
Gordon was 1 of 15 people who loaned $22K to MCC to buy the initial 2 canoes. I remember having a conversation with Gord in which he was OK if MCC was never able to pay back the $2,000 that he loaned to the Club.
Gord did a lot of the work to get site cleared and ready for those first canoes. Gord was really knowledgeable in using almost any kind of tool. If Gord had an idea on how something should be done, I usually said “OK” because he knew how to get things done in the most efficient way.
Gordon was one of the early Board members of MCC.
Unfortunately, Gordon suffered a severe stroke in early 2009. I remember seeing him in the hospital and thinking and being greatly saddened by the fact that I would never see Gord again once he was flown back to his native Canada for medical care and rehabilitation. But to my surprise and great delight, Gordon & Shelia were able to return to Maui in the winter of 2010. Gord had some paralysis on his right side and could no longer paddle a canoe. But Gordon was still interested in going out on the ocean in a canoe. So about 20 MCC members formed a group that we named FROGS. FROGS stood for FRiends Of Gord and Shelia. The only purpose of this group was to take Gordon out for canoe voyages. Depending on weather and ocean conditions, the FROGS group tried to take Gordon out about once a week. Gordon was able to paddle using only his left hand. We usually had many more FROGS members who wanted to take Gord out than we had seats in the canoe. But all FROGS were always very happy that Gord was able to go out and enjoy the beautiful Maui ocean environment.
Usually the FROGS would bring a canoe right in front of Gord & Shelia's condo building. Gord would then come down to the canoe and with a little effort he would get into the canoe and off we would go. The first couple of times, I would have tears running down my cheeks seeing Gord getting into the canoe and then paddling using 1 hand. I also know that there were people on the beach who had the same tears on their cheeks. One woman who was staying in the Kealia Condo complex was looking out her window and saw what was going on. She did not know any of us, but felt compelled to write a beautiful poem about the “big man” that she had seen and what he was going through. It was really quite touching.
I am sure that I am not the only person who wishes that we could take Gordon out 1 more time and tell him how much it meant to each of us to be able to do this with him.
Gordon, thank you for being my friend. You will be forever missed.
Wayne ,Carol & family Ham
July 11, 2013
Sheila, Stacy,Darren&families.
It was always a pleasure to work or visit with Gordon , either at Spartan or Sylvan Lake. He will be fondly remembered for his boundless energy & infectious sense of humor. He was great to be around. Unfortunately , we are unable to attend the celebration of Gord's life however we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Ian and Linda McMurray
July 10, 2013
Our condolences to you Sheila and your family. We remember many times at Lawson Project functions and good times with you both at Sylvan Lake. My your memories help to keep Gord forever in your heart. We look forward to seeing you on July 13 to reminisce about some happy times.
Rob & Brenda Angus
July 10, 2013
Our sincere condolences to Sheila and family. I feel privileged to have known and worked with Gord for many years. He always had such an enthusiastic, positive and friendly attitude towards everyone he met. I appreciated his wisdom, understanding, patience and support. I will always have the fondest memories of one of nature's true, genuine gentlemen. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
July 10, 2013
The world was blessed by Gord's contagious laughter and beaming smile. He was a fun loving guy that was a magnet for people seeking joy & happiness. There is now a noticeable void where he once stood. Rest in Peace Gord. I will see you when I get there.
Mark Smithdorf
Murray (Murf) and Mary Lundberg
July 9, 2013
Our sincerest condolences to Shelia and the family on Gord's passing.
I remember him as "Grizzly Adams", a man you could count on!
His energetic and open attitude was admired in any situation.
Mary and I wish you blessings and strength in the coming times.
nick elliott
July 9, 2013
Condolences Sheila and family. Gord left us too soon. I have too many memories of Gord to list here but mostly I'll remember his enthusiasm for life and infectious good humour.
Unfortunately I'll miss the celebration as we'll be on our way to California.
Howard Malm
July 9, 2013
My condolences to the Bosch family on the passing of Gord. He was a great help to me during my initial years in the Spartan family. Thanks again Gord!
Colleen Laye
July 8, 2013
I worked with him for over 20 years at Spartan. He was my mentor, my boss and a wonderful man. I will miss his laughter, his "Gord-isms" and his infectious attitude. He was the very best part of our years at Spartan. His family has lost a very special man and I mourn his passing but celebrate the part of his life he shared with us. God speed, Gord!
Bob Found
July 7, 2013
I worked at Spartan for 20 years and knew Gord fairly well because I interfaced with his "panel" group often. He was among my favourite Spartans because he was a no- nonsense kinda guy! When you went into a meeting chaired by Gord, you knew it was going to be tight, and you didn't stray because he would put the hammer down! One of the most loved Spartans to be sure, he left a legacy. Fair and friendly to everyone. After he left Spartan I met him in Maui airport of all places...he came right up to me to shake my hand. What a guy. The world is worse off at his passing. My condolences to his family.
Brian & Sharlene Briault
July 7, 2013
Gord, what a blessing he was to have come into our lives. We loved his spirit, his drive, his strong will and ability to adapt to situations. A very kind, gentle soul who would do anything to help a person. Inquisitive by nature, tender in heart, accepting of everyone....a treasure. Till we meet again my friend...Aloha!
xo Brian & Sharlene
Rita Mattson
July 7, 2013
I knew Gordon from the Maui Canoe Club and will always remember that warm, infectious smile that could brighten anyone's morning. I say morning, because I would see him in passing as I rushed to work after my 6AM paddle and he was arriving with the 7:30 group. I was shocked when he suffered his stroke and couldn't believe anything could stop this man. The following years I would look forward to seeing him at the club parties and was honored that he would remember me. When I read of his passing in the Maui News I was deeply saddened. Gordon, No Ka ‘Oi – you will be truly missed.
Rita Mattson - Maui
Su & Ken Saltmarsh Richard
July 6, 2013
As we light this candle for you, Gord, you are forever in our hearts and on our minds. Love and hugs... Su & Ken
July 6, 2013
There are some who bring a light SO great to the world that even after they have Gone, the light remains. That was our Gord! He brought so many of us together with that twinkle in his eye. We know when we catch up with him he will be ready with the ice cubes! Imua Gord! We love you .
Ken & Su Saltmarsh Richard
July 5, 2013
We met Gord in Maui a number of years ago & this evolved into a bond of love & respect for this wonderful man. Through his gentle, welcoming spirit & way of pulling up a chair asking, "what's your name, where are you from, what do you do?" We connected with a group of amazing people we're blessed to call friends/kindred spirits--"The Fab 5". We all owe this bonding to Gord's ability to befriend all.
We shall miss his infectious laugh, sparkling eyes, endless pranks, strength, loyalty & pureness of spirit.
We have lost a beautiful man whose touch has enriched our lives. Rest in peace. Til we meet again....
Harris & Carol Warnock
July 5, 2013
Dear Gord, you will be greatly missed.
We will toast to your formidable life on July 13, with your favorite drink.
Until we meet again, Antonio & Elena
David Purdy
July 5, 2013
Sheila, our deepest condolences to you and your family, we will miss Gord. From your Maui friends The Purdy and Tuohy's
Barb Bryson
July 5, 2013
Needless to say the Maui contingency is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Gord's passing. The world needs more Gords! The hard hard fight through rehab for Gord, Sheila and family to the triumph of receiving his driver's license is a true inspiration for all of us. We will miss his great sense of humor, generous smile and grass roots common sense. Gord would be happy that his send off is during stampede week. Always a twinkle in his eye when he recounted the evening he asked Sheila to dance at the stampede and the rest was magic. Aloha Gord, you weren't with us long enough! Elena,Antonio, Johan, Sofia, Barb.
Colby Bell
July 4, 2013
I feel extremely privileged to have had Gord in my life. I have learned so many practical things from him and I can say definitively that I wouldn't be where I am today without his knowledge, support and love. I hope that I can impact someone like he has impacted me, that would make my life complete. Love you Gord!
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