GORDON DRAPER

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GORDON DRAPER December 30, 1938 January 15, 2011 After a brief battle with cancer, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, Gordon Draper, at the age of 72 years. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Cynthia, stepchildren Linda and Matthew Reimer and Laura Zacharias, sister Beth McLeod (Bob), sister-in-law Doreen Draper, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his father Percy, mother Ella and brothers Fred and Lorne. Gordon was born and raised in Oak Bank, where he lived all his life. His working career began in construction with Sellen Brothers. Even as a young man Gordon was an entre-preneur. In his early 30s he purchased Sellen Brothers Hardware store, adding the grocery store, eventually becoming Oak Bank Family Fare. Gordon successfully operated the store for a number of years. In the late 1990s, Gordon saw the need for a Seniors Condominium complex in Oak Bank and, on October 3l, 1998 the first people moved into Oaks North. Gordon was instrumental in organizing the first Snowmobile Poker Derby in the area. He also was one of the organizers of the 400 Club, which raised money towards the building of the Oak Bank Arena. Gordon was on the Board of Directors for the Oak Bank Credit Union for many years and also served as a volunteer fire fighter. Gordon enjoyed hunting, piloting his own plane, golfing with the guys and riding his motorcycle. One winter, he and Cynthia spent 10 weeks touring New Zealand on their Goldwing motorcycle. After several winter trips to Florida, he and Cynthia spent the last 17 winters in Mesa, where he will be missed by his fellow snowbirds. Gordon will be remembered for his many acts of kindness. He willingly gave of his time and talents wherever he saw the need. In keeping with Gordon's wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Gordon's Life will be held on Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Oak Bank Baptist Church, 26033 Springfield Road, Oak Bank, with Rev. Dawn Ballantine-Dickson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a Charity of your choice. A special thanks to Dr. Jeff Wiebe, First Responders and the staff of N3E at Concordia Hospital for all their care.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 18, 2011