James Gordon Reid

REID, James Gordon

James Gordon Reid, a lifetime resident of the family Century farm at Cremona Alberta passed into eternal life on Friday, April 18, 2014 at the Bethany Care Center in Didsbury Ab. Gordon was born at Didsbury on June 30, 1924 to Boulter and Ethel Reid. Gordon grew up on the farm and enjoyed the companionship of numerous cousins and neighbors. He attended Atkins school, then High School at Old Cremona, graduating with many of the boys who became lifelong friends. He played baseball with them into his adult life; it was said that Gordon was never "struck out". On June 21,1947 he married Margaret (Peggy) Winslow Maier of Woodbury New Jersey. Their marriage of almost 67 years produced 5 children, John (Sandy) of Cremona, Richard (Kathie) of Cremona, Robert of Cremona, Nancy (Mark) Sagal of Marquis Sask., and Mark (Jette) of Cremona, as well as 14 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Gordon was predeceased by his parents  and his son-in-law Robert Froehlich,(Nancy). Gordon farmed with his parents and family very successfully his whole life until a heart attack in 2010.  He continued to live at home with his family until his declining health necessitated the move to long-term care in Didsbury in June 2013.

Over the years Gordon and Peggy enjoyed many vacations together, their travels taking them to new as well as familiar places and time spent with friends and family. Gordon's successes in life were due in large part to his attention to and memory for detail and thoughtful analytical deliberation.  His earnest, sincere long-suffering love for his family is what is most cherished. Gordon was a lifelong church member, Sunday School teacher and board member of the Cremona United Church. He was dedicated and instrumental in the formation and building of the Cremona Congregational Church. Gordon was a founding member, past president and director of the Western Barley Growers Association from 1977 till his passing. After 36 years of persistent work he saw western Canadian grain growers freed from the CWB and with a great sense of accomplishment for his country enjoyed Barley Freedom Day August 1, 2012. Gordon was an active member and director of the Federal and Provincial P.C. constituency associations. In 1971 he finally saw the first pavement laid from Cremona to Cochrane. He was a dedicated and active member and director of the Reform Party of Canada. He was an enthusiastic curler and loved the friendship and past time with the Cremona Curling Club. Gordon's cheerful countenance and uncomplaining gentle personality were an encouragement to many who knew him and his ready smile will be missed by all.

Funeral Service will be held at Cremona Congregational Church on Friday, April 25, 2014 at 2:00 pm. If desired donations may be given to the Cremona Congregational Church Memorial Fund.