july 22, 1930 - June 27, 2023
“What a wonderful adventure I have had on this earth.”
Harold Raymond Gordanier passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Harold was born July 22, 1930, in Youngstown, Alberta to the parents of Raymond and Rose Gordanier. He was the youngest of three children. The family moved around Alberta through the thirties where work could be found. Moved to and settled in Ponoka in 1940. As a member of the Ponoka Air Cadets, he earned his pilot’s license in 1947. In 1948 he started his Power Engineer career at the Ponoka Provincial Mental Hospital.
While working at the hospital he caught Betty Cooper’s eye, who worked at the same facility. In 1950 Harold married Betty Cooper and physically built a home for him and his new bride to reside in. During the next decade they relocated around Alberta in pursuit of progressively larger power plants to further advance his education and career.
In 1964 they settled in Olds where he was the Chief Engineer for the Canadian Superior Harmattan Plant, with his 1st Class Engineering Certificate. During their 59 years in Olds, he became an outstanding member of the community. On three occasions he was elected to Olds Town Council for a term of three years each. He became chairman of the Mountain View Health Unit and was appointed to the David Thompson Regional Health Board.
From 1991 to 2004 Harold and Betty owned a park model in Apache Wells, Arizona. Along with being snowbirds they trailered all over Alberta, BC, Yukon, USA, and Eastern Canada, and took several overseas trips. Over the next few years, he really enjoyed membership with Family and Community Support Services, Citizens on Patrol, and Victim Services. His love for people and outdoor pursuits prompted him to form “The Happy Hootin’ Hikers” in 2010.
Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, swimming, curling, square dancing, and tennis. Harold enjoyed serving the community as a Legion member. He competed in the Alberta Seniors Summer Games in both cribbage and biking. In fact, you have likely met Harold if you play cribbage as he was always on the hunt for a worthy opponent. His social enthusiasm led him to extended activities at the Olds and District Evergreen’s Centre, including singing with the Evergreen’s Choir right up until his passing.
He has taught his family the amazing traits of optimism and enthusiasm and is survived by his wife Betty; their four children, Brenda (Larry), Jerry (Jane Lea), Rick (Maureen), and Cathy (Kerry). Four grandchildren, Cory, Leanne (Ian), Larisa (Matt), Nicole (Lane); and one great grandson Julien.
A celebration of life will be held on July 20, 2023, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #105, Olds at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Olds & District Evergreen Centre, the Olds Royal Canadian Legion #105, or the Chinook Arch Victims Services. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
