Gordon Giles

Gordon Giles
October 27, 1928 - April 18, 2021

A livestream Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, May 14, at 2 p.m. There was little of Verna’s Eulogy that did not record during livestream. Just a wee bit. We’ve included a PDF with the written eulogy.
Gordon’s Celebration of Life Service Link: CLICK HERE

Verna’s written Eulogy: CLICK HERE

Photo Tribute: CLICK HERE

GORDON THOMAS FRANCIS GILES

October 27, 1928—April 18, 2021

Gordon (Gordy) Giles slipped away April 18 with his wife of 70 years, Verna, at his side.   Gordon was a mechanical genius with an affinity for metalwork. He was also a highly proficient woodworker and could fix or make just about anything.  Born in Camrose, Alberta, he went to work at a young age, first fixing bikes and later as a certified machinist and mechanic.  At age 40, after watching his employer’s garage burn to the ground, Gordon went back to school, completing first high school and then teacher’s training.  For 20 years he taught small engine repair to sometimes challenging students at Shaughnessy School in Calgary.  Later many of these young men thanked Gordon for his positive influence on their lives.  Gordy was playful, gentlemanly, curious and genuinely interested in people.  In his youth he played hockey, put together his own Model T roadster, flew planes and loved a good party.  In later years he enjoyed playing with his great-grandchildren, whether at barbies or ‘wressling’.  Pre-deceased by his daughter Betti and son-in-law Ean Bittorf, daughter Lori and granddaughter Alita, Gordon is survived by Verna, who has been his best friend for 75 years, sons Mike (Anne) and David (Rita), grandchildren Nathan, Michelle, Aura, Lisa (Kevin), Chris (Lori), Kelly (Craig), Diane and Teri (Patrick).  He also leaves great-grandchildren Margaret, Keira, Lexy, Jackson, Claire, Vada, Beau, Luke, Alyssa, Jake and Eric.  In lieu of flowers, donations to McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE, Calgary AB, T2H 1S1) or The Alzheimer Society of Calgary (800-7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2H 2K6) in Gordon’s memory would be gratefully received.