LORANGER: Gordon Allen Loranger, We are here today to honour and remember, to reflect, laugh and to cry. We are here to say goodbye to Gordon Allen Loranger. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share some thoughts and memories with you about a man that meant the world to me. Gordon Allen Loranger was my uncle, he was born to Daniel and Jean Loranger on Feb 28, 1943. He was born in Cutknife, Saskatchewan and would go home from the hospital to big brother Robert and would later welcome two sisters Ida and Betty. Spring, the first season of the year can also be applied to Gordon's life. This season was spent growing up in Gallivan in the 1940's. It was a time of hardship and poverty in Saskatchewan and Daniel his father made his living working on the railway and thus provided his family with their humble beginning. One of Gordie's passions was born during this season. Gordie would go with his dad to auction sales and was often found mimicking the auctioneer. Of course his dad sometimes found this a bit frustrating as it made it hard to hear. He worked for Jack and Eve Bishop at the store in Gallivan pumping gas and stocking shelves. With his earnings he purchased a yellow Buick convertible. Did I forget to mention that it had pink roses painted ion it, or that he would give his sisters Ida and Betty rides, so long as they ducked down in the back seat whenever a cute girl was spotted. Not to be left out is the relationship between the brother. Gordie and Bob loved and fought with each other in equal measure. This first season of Gordie's life ended abruptly with the loss of his mother to cancer when he was 17 and his father to cancer when he was 18. This was made even more difficult by the separation of his siblings by marriage and his little sister being relocated to Barrie, Ontario. It would also explain why over 53 years the bond between Gordie and his siblings was unshakeable. They would see each other though thick and thin with a bond that transcended distance and time. From Cutknife Gordon moved to North Battleford working at Hunters Sport Shop selling motor homes until it burned down in 1993. Just as summer turns to fall the next season of Gordon's life brought change. He and Barb became life partners and they moved to Saskatoon after an accident necessitated Barbs need for rehabilitation and Physiotherapy. This move was a welcome opportunity to bond and spend time with his kids Brenda, Kevin and Jordon, and his Grandchildren in Saskatoon. The hours and hours spent together provided a lifetime of memories for everyone. Winter in the prairies can be beautiful with Northern lights and Hora frost, it can also be harsh and bitterly cold with ugly wind and wicked snow storms. The accurately defines the final season of Gordie's life. In 2007 he was diagnosed with Prostate cancer and so the moved home to North Battleford. The next 6 years were spent embracing life. Gordie enjoyed his time at home, he loved drawing, watching the news and curling on TV. It didn't even matter who was curling or which country the news was broadcast from. He loved his computer and Facebook because he could keep up with his families busy lives, seeing photos of kids, events and grandchildren. In this season of winter he came to see that if his kids were the rainbow of his life, his grandchildren and his great-grandson were hi pot of gold at the end of it. Gordie loved talking for hours on the phone to his brother often arguing politics. Gordie loved to drive and never passed up the opportunity to visit with family and friends always positive always stoic. Gordon enjoyed having friends and family, especially his kids and grandchildren pop in for a visit, whether for five minutes or five hours. He was often sought out for advise and guidance. Because of his life lessons he was a wise accepting man able to listen without judgment. Uncle Gordon taught me that God doesn't give you want he thinks you can handle, "he gives you strength, courage and grace to handle what life and circumstances throw at us. Gordon honoured us with his time, his unconditional acceptance, and his love. Never forget the love. On January 6, 2014 this remarkable man lost his battle with cancer but cancer didn't win, Gordon won. He left this world and moved on to join his parents Daniel and Jean, and his step-daughter Carol Sinclair. Remember that life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid i8n sideways, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming Woohoo, what a ride, " I don't know about you but it sounds right to me! ____________________________________________________
