Gordon John Warlo

Eulogy for Gordon John Warlo 
Written by his sister, Lorrain Browning

Gordon John Warlo, 73, of Camrose, Alberta, passed away February 18, 2021. He was born on July 26, 1947 and was the 2nd son and 5th child in a family of 6 children born to Hans and Evelyn (Ferlin) Warlo.  He grew up on the family farm in the Rutherford community about 9 miles north of Tees, Alberta. He  attended Mecca Glen School from grades I to XI and then took his Grade XII at Mirror School. He was preceded in death by his brother Bernard, his parents, and his sister, June Semmler. He is survived by 3 sisters:  Joyce (Peter) Stryker of Saskatoon, SK; Carol (Ron) Sellers of Powell River, BC; Lorrain Browning (Frank) of Bend, Oregon. Also mourning his passing is a long time special friend in his life, Diane Patricia Reynolds Wilson, brother-in-law Gary (Evelyn) Semmler,10 nieces and nephews, and dear friends.  

Gordon’s childhood can best be described as humble, but full of adventure. He learned how to milk cows and take care of horses, pigs, chickens and, for a brief time, also a few goats. Of course, there were lots of baby calves, baby goats and piglets.  He also worked hard alongside his father and drove the tractor, threshing machine, combine and other farm equipment on the family farm.

Gordon’s father built a very tall swing which hung between 2 very tall trees for the children to enjoy. Undoubtedly, Gordon could swing the highest.  He climbed virtually every tree there was on the farm.  He fascinated his siblings by building stilts and learning to walk quite adeptly. There were a couple of ponds on the farm.  A number of beautiful and unique water birds would stop on their spring migration and raise their young on those ponds. Gordon and Carol built a raft and would pole it around on the nearest pond. The sounds of a variety of beautiful birds could be heard during the day and in the evening  the owls took over with their soft hooting. It was a magical place to grow up and his childhood was very happy.

Daily family devotions were an important part of Gordon’s family life as was the Ellice Free Methodist Church. Friday evenings was youth night with varied activities and always ended with a devotional. His father would sometimes give hayrides and snow sled rides behind the 2 Clydesdale horses.  In the summer, camp meeting in Alix in a tabernacle with wood shavings on the floor was a highlight for him and his family and his peers as were the quarterly youth retreats. Long lasting friendships were created. 

One Sunday, after the family came home from church and while his mother was putting the final touches on her amazing fried chicken Sunday meal, Gordon went to check on his gopher traps.  He arrived back home smelling absolutely horrid after being sprayed by a skunk. It took more than one bath and a few days before the odour disappeared.

When he was 17 years old, Gordon had the privilege being a part of a select group of students to take an educational trip to Niagara Falls, Ontario.

After graduating from high school, Gordon attended Aldersgate College in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.  After graduating, he pastored a small country church for a year. He then attended the University of Edmonton for 2 years. At that time he was considering a teaching profession. However, he went on to other types of employment: milk delivery, driving a semi truck, and farm employment.  Later, he worked for the Canadian Forest Service and planted tree saplings for one season in a burned out area. He really enjoyed this job.

For a time, Gordon owned a gorgeous 1960 Ford Galaxie Sunliner black classic convertible.  His sister Lorrain has a letter from Gordon dated February 16, 1972 in which he wrote, “I can’t get along without a car.  It is my castle.” Gordon visited his sister Lorrain in Bend Oregon several years ago.  He was treated to a ride in a 1966 Chevy SS muscle car, 540 cubic inch, 800 hp, capable of over 180 mph.  Gordon asked “How fast were we going?”  He was told 140 mph and asked if he would like to do it again?  Gordon smiled and said yes.

Gordon grew the most amazing organic garden on his acreage in Wetaskiwin.  The purple potatoes he grew were the best tasting potato, without a doubt.  At that time he had a beautiful Chesapeake Bay Retriever that was an important part of his life. At that time he had taken up running and was diligent in his training.  He ran several 10K’s, half marathons, and the Edmonton Marathon.

Gordon was a very caring individual, always had his winning smile to share, and enjoyed talking with friends.  He was always kind and gentle. Gordon was never heard to speak negatively about any person or anything.  For enjoyment, he sometimes liked to read the dictionary. He also memorized several chapters in the Bible and many verses. He loved the old hymns. His faith in God was always deep in his heart. He was loved by his family and will be very much missed.  Today, his family and friends celebrate his life and know he is now in Heaven with our Heavenly Father. 

Due to the current restrictions on public gatherings, a private family Celebration of Gordon's Life will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2021 at 1:30 pm at the Ponoka Funeral Home.  A live-stream broadcast will be available at service time and the recording of the service will remain on this page for 90 days.  The viewer is located at the bottom of this page.  The Interment Service will follow at the Ellice Cemetery west of Bashaw.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donations in the memory of Gordon Warlo may be made to a charity of your choice or to the Ponoka Rising Sun Club House Society, Box 4515, Ponoka, AB T4J 1S1. 

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