Obituary of Gordon Jackson
Gordon was an advocate for his personal health and self-mastery in medicine, passed away during the evening of June 13, 2024, with close family members around him. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn his passing, leaving us at the age of 83 years. He was predeceased by his parents, Horace and Mildred Jackson; his wife’s parents, Alvin and Hilda Fyhn; and three brothers in law, Brian Fyhn, Ken Tate, and Don Schemenauer.
Gordon’s family remembers him as a man of unwavering kindness, boundless generosity, and a source of constant strength. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 60 years, Deanna, and their children: Koli Ann and Jeff Shwaga; Leah Jackson; Janelle Jackson and Steve Wanner; Warren and Anita Jackson. His grandchildren: Jared Shwaga and Pam Myhr; Jayden Shwaga; Matricia and Michael Haridzuk; Jaxon Wanner; Makenna and Ciel Jackson. His surviving brothers, sisters, and their spouses: Peggy and Steve Tonita; Georgina Jackson and Gerald Tegart; Lloyd and Judy Jackson; David Jackson. His surviving brothers and sisters-in-law, and their spouses: Audrey Schemenauer, Beverly Tate and Pete Guraluk, David Fyhn and Nancy Wang, Kevin Fyhn and Cheryl Olynyk. He will also be remembered by beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Gordon was born on December 13, 1940, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, and grew up on the family farm near Willowbrook. He attended Lookout School while playing sports and enjoying music lessons. He went to high school in Yorkton and was very active in the Cadet Program with his cousin, Cameron Neil. After that, he moved to Saskatoon to attend the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a degree in pharmacy and met his eventual wife, Deanna. He received his degree in April of 1964, married Deanna on May 18, 1964, and moved to Swift Current months later to start his first job as manager of Pioneer Co-op Pharmacy. Deanna worked as a nurse and had their first child in Swift Current, but after 3 years, they moved to Melville to be closer to the farm due to Horace’s health. There he worked for many years as manager of Pirie’s Pharmacy, and had 3 more children: Leah, Janelle, and Warren. In 1973, when Horace and Mildred moved to Yorkton, Gordon and his family moved out to the family farm in the “old house”. He worked tirelessly between Pirie’s Drugs and the farm, and in 1977, they built their dream home across the yard. Gordon worked very hard grain farming, cattle farming, showing cattle, and playing in a band. Gordon was an active member of his community, leading and showing cattle in 4H, where he shared his passion for agriculture and livestock with his children and the younger generation. After selling the farm in 2003, Gordon and Deanna embraced retirement in Yorkton and travelled extensively.
For all of Gordon’s life, music played an important role. He played in bands from university years to his senior years, in Saskatoon, Swift Current, Melville and Yorkton. He played “everything string”, including guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, and even learned the steel guitar on his own after retiring from his last band. His love of music created a lasting impact among many family members. He enjoyed spending time with friends, playing cards, and fishing. Gordon was deeply committed to leading a local prostate cancer support group where he offered guidance, hope, and compassion. He took pride in gardening, but nothing gave him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren and watching them thrive in their passions. Gordon’s silly sense of humor was a cherished trait, constantly brightening the days of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday, June 20, 2024 from St. Gerard’s Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Fr. Sathiadas Antony as the Celebrant. Lorne Wanner served as the crossbearer. Readers were daughter, Leah Jackson, granddaughter, Matricia Haridzuk and sister, Georgina Jackson. Gift Bearers were granddaughters, Makenna and Ciel Jackson. Gordon’s son, Warren gave a tribute and words of remembrance. Interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemane in Yorkton Memorial Gardens with grandsons, Jared Shwaga, Jayden Shwaga and Jaxon Wanner, grandson-in -law, Mike Haridzuk, sons-in-law, Jeff Shwaga and Steve Wanner serving as the casketbearers. Condolences can be sent to the family at baileysfuneralhome.com Memorial donations may be made in name of Gordon Jackson to the Lodge at Allan Blair Cancer Center, address 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 7T1 Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey’s Funeral Home.
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