John Gordon McArthur, 1929-2008

Long time resident of McLennan John Gordon McArthur passed away on June 27, 2008. Gordon, the eldest son of WJA “Jack” McArthur and Hazel Hanson, was born March 22, 1929 in Edmonton. In 1934, his family moved to McLennan where his dad worked as a train conductor for the NAR. In 1946 Gordon joined the army. He was a private in the Princess Patricia Light Infantry until 1948. After leaving the army in 1948, Gordon began working for NAR as a brakeman and became a conductor in 1951. In 1950, Gordon met and married Doris Watmough. During their nine years of living in Rycroft, the first four of their six children were born: Wayne, Jack, Patti, and Becky Lynn. The family grew after moving to McLennan where the last two children, Douglas and Kelly, were born. The McArthur family’s home had been built in 1936 on the bank of Kimiwan Lake. In 1964, Gordon purchased the family home and remained there for the rest of his days. During these years, Gordon continued to work on the railroad, and he and Doris enjoyed time together golfing and taking Sunday afternoon flights in the Cessna. In October 1958, Gordon became a flight officer in the Royal Canadian Air Force Reserves and heavily pursued his love of flying. After his retirement from CN in 1985, Gordon spent time enjoying family and friends. In addition to the army and flying, he loved holidays, spending time with his grandchildren, ice cream, and chocolate cake. He was extremely proud of his Irish heritage. In 1998, he was able to fulfil a life-long dream to travel to Europe with Jack, Pat, and Kelly to see his beloved Ireland. In 1991, Gordon bought a trailer and got a lot at Shaw’s Point next to Jack and Pat and Vic and Jackie. This gave him a chance to develop an extra special bond with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Gordon is survived by his children: Wayne of Surrey, B.C.; Patricia (Jacques) Cloutier of Donnelly, A.B.; Kelly (Bob) of Grande Prairie, A.B.; and daughter-in-law Doris Bateman of Donnelly. He is also survived by brothers Ross and Gary and sister Arlene. He was very proud to have 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is predeceased by Doris Watmough-Pearson; his children Jack, Becky and Doug; his parents WJA McArthur and Hazel Hansen; and his brother Donald. Funeral services for the late Gordon McArthur were held July 3, 2008 at the Royal Canadian Legion in McLennan.