GORDON KEELER EISENER

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GORDON KEELER EISENER Peacefully, with courage and dignity, Gordon passed away at Beacon Hill Lodge in Winnipeg, Manitoba on Saturday, January 27, 2007. Gordon was born on December 11, 1911 in Winnipeg, Manitoba where he received his education and lived most of his 95 years. His first wife Margaret; brother Gerald and sister Marjorie predeceased him. He will be lovingly remembered by wife Aline; sons, Ted (Dale), Don (Wanda); granddaughters, Jo-Anne (James), Lisa (Des), Kathleen (Kelly), Aimee (Mark); grandsons, Doug and Gordon; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, niece Wanda; four nephews, Frank, Larry (Inez), Wayne (Joan) and Garry; many cousins from the East Coast; brothers-in-law, Adrian (Joanne), Henry; sisters-in-law, Rose (Victor), Marguerite Terry (Ed), and Odile (Gilles). Gordon was an Eaton's man for 35 years. He began in the electrical department and advanced rapidly to manager and buyer. He also established the Eaton's automotive department. He treated people with respect and was appreciated for who he was. After his retirement in 1974, Gordon sold his house and realized a lifelong dream: with his wife, he traveled across Canada and all of the United States (except Alaska and Hawaii). For 15 years, the couple pulled their Airstream trailer south during the winter. By 1990, Gordon's travel logbook indicated 85,000 miles. Summers were spent mostly at West Hawk Lake, where he was free to enjoy and praise the Lord for the beauties of nature. He took pride in grooming his lot to perfection - adorning it with hanging flower baskets; and flowerbeds. After Margaret passed away, Gordon took up extensive power walks, and learned the art of cooking. Among his numerous hobbies, Gordon enjoyed reading while listening to soft music; having lengthy conversations with his good neighbors and friends. With his vast array of tools in his workshop at West Hawk Lake and at home in Winnipeg, Gordon found pleasure fixing; building almost anything, and helping others. Gordon re-married and he resumed his travels to Texas for four years with wife Aline. Together, they took up square- dancing in McAllen, Texas; cruised to Alaska and made several other trips. The couple also golfed in Texas, and at West Hawk Lake. Gordon was very proud of all his achievements, and very grateful for his long healthy years. He would often say: I've been so blessed; the Lord has been so good to me . A kind and generous person, Gordon also loved to make a contribution to others by serving on several committees; among his latest were the M.S.O.S., St. Vital Regional Council, Appleton Estates Seniors Club, and especially as a Fitness Class Instructor for over ten years. He was a source of light and inspiration to his family and friends, and he will be sadly missed. A special thanks to the obliging staff of Beacon Hill Lodge (especially the 7th Floor) for their care and compassion; and also to his devoted nephew Frank. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 2:00 p.m., at the Broadway -First Baptist Church, 790 Honeyman St., with Reverend Fred Rupert officiating. (Cremation has taken place). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Broadway- First Baptist Church, which Gordon attended for over 70 years. My deepest gratitude to Sisters Jeanne Boucher, Lucille Bonin, and Therese Ouellette, who gracefully donated their time and energy as Gordon's care-givers. A special Thank You to Reverend Fred Rupert officiating; soloist(s), Alphonse Fournier, and Yvette Carriere; Organist(s), Marie Fournier and Wes Elias; Broadway-First Baptist Church choir, and the ladies of the Broadway-First Baptist Church who prepared the reception.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2007