Gordon Cheney

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother and friend. 
 

Gordon was born on the family farm in rural Saskatchewan. He attended a typical one-room country school at first and later completed his school years in Leask and Marcelin, SK. Gordon was a very bright but often mischievous student. He was always up for any escapade or adventure and loved to party in his younger days. Gordon’s love of animals was always apparent and all animals seemed to love him in return, including a family pig which he fondly remembered from the farm. He was also a “cat dad” once having 5 pet cats at the same time. One quality which was very important to Gordon was a “British sense of fair play”. This was ingrained in him as a youngster and he lived by it all his life. Things had to be fair. 

Gordon attended Normal School in Saskatoon and got his first job as a teacher in 1966. He earned his degree the hard way, attending night classes and summer school for many years. He spent 33 years in the classroom, both in elementary and junior high. The majority of his teaching career was spent at St. Augustine School in Ponoka from which he retired in 1999. 

Gordon loved poetry and could recite long passages from Shakespeare in his younger days. He also enjoyed driving and could spend hours exploring country roads. He tried many sports and was fairly good at them, even though he didn’t have many chances to play as a youth. The “Cheney Par” is still talked about by those he golfed with. He also loved traveling and was able to visit some very interesting places in his later years. Camping was also a major source of enjoyment for Gordon, especially when joined by his closest friends or family. 

Gordon passed away after a long and brave battle with Alzheimer’s. He will be lovingly remembered and forever cherished by his wife of 60 years, Doris of Ponoka; his son Lyle (Samantha) and two granddaughters, Raven and Jade of Red Deer. He also leaves behind his sister Gail (Leo) of Calgary; his sisters-in-law, Julie Minni of Ponoka and Linda Cheney of Vanscoy, SK; and brother-in-law Gerry Arsenault (Dianne) of Theordore, SK; many close friends in Ponoka; as well as many nieces, and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Sawisky for his compassionate care of Gordon. As well, we thank the staff at Centennial Center (Aurora House) in Ponoka and the staff of Rimbey Long Term Care. They treated him with the utmost patience and respect during his last months and it was greatly appreciated.

In keeping with Gordon’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. If anyone wishes to make a memorial donation, please do so to Old MacDonald Kennels (Ponoka) or the animal rescue of your choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gordon Cheney, please visit our floral store.