Gordon Thomas Giles
April 18th, 2021
GILES, GORDON THOMAS FRANCIS
October 27, 1928 - April 18, 2021
Gordon (Gordy) Giles slipped away Sunday, April 18, 2021 with his wife of 70 years, Verna, at his side. Gordon was a mechanical genius with an affinity for metalwork. He was also a highly proficient woodworker and could fix or make just about anything. Born in Camrose, Alberta, he went to work at a young age, first fixing bikes and later as a certified machinist and mechanic. At age 40, after watching his employer’s garage burn to the ground, Gordon went back to school, completing first high school and then teacher’s training. For 20 years he taught small engine repair to sometimes challenging students at Shaughnessy School in Calgary. Later many of these young men thanked Gordon for his positive influence on their lives. Gordy was playful, gentlemanly, curious and genuinely interested in people. In his youth he played hockey, put together his own Model T roadster, flew planes and loved a good party. In later years he enjoyed playing with his great-grandchildren, whether at barbies or ‘wressling’. Gordon is lovingly remembered by wife, Verna, who has been his best friend for 75 years; sons, Mike (Anne) and David (Rita); grandchildren, Nathan, Michelle, Aura, Lisa (Kevin), Chris (Lori), Kelly (Craig), Diane and Teri (Patrick). He also leaves great-grandchildren, Margaret, Keira, Lexy, Jackson, Claire, Vada, Beau, Luke, Alyssa, Jake and Eric. Predeceased by his daughter, Betti; son-in-law, Ean Bittorf; daughter, Lori; and granddaughter, Alita. A virtual Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held at McDougall United Church on Friday, May 14 at 2 p.m. Link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_7mplguk2NAKiZ0zRl8iMg.
In lieu of flowers, donations to McDougall United Church (8516 Athabasca St. SE, Calgary AB, T2H 1S1) or The Alzheimer Society of Calgary (800-7015 MacLeod Trail SW, Calgary AB, T2H 2K6) in Gordon’s memory would be gratefully received.
Messages:
Sincere sympathy to Verna and family. I am re-reading the book "God, Mama and Wheels" by Norma Hall. She mentioned how inventive Gordy was when he built a car called "The Bug" which he used for dating Verna. He made it with second hand parts, it was shaped like a bullet, with a partial windshield, and the body was made of painted plywood splashed with graffiti. His technical abilities have seen him through many projects throughout the years. Thoughts and prayers with you, Verna and your families.
Our Condolences goes out to your family. Mr. Giles was a great teacher at Shaughnessy. I went to Shaughnessy. He will be missed.
Gordy was always there for his family and friends. He certainly had a great sense of humor and a warm smile was his daily gift to anyone who crossed his path.. You will be missed Gordy. Our sympathy's (Darren, Dawn, Emma, Steven, Kevin, Jane and I) go out to you, Verna and your entire family.
My deepest sympathy go out to you Verna and your entire family. Gordon was a colleague of mine at Shaughnessy Secondary Vocational School and was instrumental in much of the success we had as a team of teachers with our students many of whom I am still in contact with today. He was a leader in our Automotive Department not only with his technical ability but also with his compassion to not only motivate his students but give them the grounding for futures in the automotive industry. His life skills continue to live in the lives of his students today and are a testimony to the "pay it forward" attitude of a great teacher, father, grandfather and great grandfather! Rest in peace my friend.
Dear Verna and family: please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your beloved Gordie! Your love story of 70 years is remarkable and one to be treasured forever. Gordie’s Service of Remembrance was a lovely testament to a life so well lived!! Love, Colleen Matthewsrhsm9h