Gordon Alford

On April 26, 2015, Gordon Alford passed away peacefully in the Swan Valley Lodge at the age of 84.

Gordon was born on October 28, 1930 in his parents home in Swan Valley District. He was the fifth child of nine born to William and Margaret Alford.

He attended Swan Valley School to Grade 8 and then became a full time farmer, which was obviously his true calling in life. After the farming chores were done, fishing, baseball and curling filled his leisure time, until he met Clara Watson...and then his life changed.

Clara and Gordon were married on August 7, 1958 in the Swan River United Church. Three children were born over the next four years, Wayne, Wanda and Linda. During this time, he supplemented their farm income by hauling hay and logs from the north with his brother, Alvin.

In the fall of 1962 (during his very first visit to a doctor), it was discovered that Gordon had a major heart defect. His open heart surgery was the third such procedure performed in Manitoba. Despite the tentative prognosis, he thrived for the next 25 years.

In 1967, the family moved to the farm just west of the Swan Valley Golf Course. Months later, Sharon was born, and the family was complete. The family worked together to build that farm until they retired and moved too town in 1998.

Gordon was always involved in the St. Andrew’s United Church and was a long time member of the Ag Society. He and Clara loved to host card parties, square dance, and travel to visit family and friends across the country. However, his greatest joy came during time shared with his children and especially with his grandchildren.

Gordon took immense pride and satisfaction in his mixed farming operating. Even after “retiring” he continued to be heavily involved in assisting and advising in Wayne’s farming operation. His passion for farming was evident in virtually everything he did. In 2012 Gordon and Clara moved into a condo so that his declining energy could best be spent on the work he enjoyed most, more farming.

In October 2013 it became necessary for him to move in the Swan Valley Health Centre. He received excellent care and support from the staff and enjoyed the variety of social activities that were provided.

Gordon is survived by Clara, his loving wife of 56 years; his son, Wayne (Sharon) Alford and their daughters, Sarah (Brent Tiessen), Laura and Heather; his daughter Wanda (Charles) Watkins and their granddaughter Chloe and son, Leigh; his daughter, Linda (Morley) Kostecky and their sons, Mark and Ross; his daughter, Sharon McIvor; and siblings, Laura Poole, Marjorie Hart, Edwin Alford, Alvin Alford, and Dorothy Foster.

He was predeceased by his grandsons, Grant Alford, Lane Watkins, and Andrew Watkins, and siblings, Harold Alford, Roy Alford and Lillian Hitman.