Gordon Gerdes
Gordon Gerdes passed away peacefully on January 18th. Dad was 92 and, in so many ways, lived a charmed life. Dad leaves his wife Joan, to whom he was married for nearly 69 years and his two sons: Gregg (Renee), and Brian (Cindy) and his only grandchild, Ryan. Dad will also be missed by many nieces and nephews, who he was very fond of. Gordon was predeceased by his parents William and Mary, his sister Velma Trickey (Joe), and brothers Norman (Ruth), Raymond (Vivian), and Harold (Marjorie).
Dad worked for Edmonton Telephones for 35 years. He loved his career and the people he got to know through ED TEL. In his retirement, he volunteered extensively at the Telephones Historical Information Centre which coincided with his passion for collecting antique telephones. Dad was also passionate about garage sales, if you had one, dad was likely there, if you came to one of his, you likely remember him and bought something! Early in his life dad was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping when not coaching his sons in hockey or baseball.
Our family want to thank the wonderful staff at MacTaggart Place Retirement Residence and St. Joseph’s Hospice, as well as Dr. Samycia, his family doctor.
Following Dad’s wishes he will be cremated and there will not be a service. We would love to hear your memories of Gordon if you would like to share.
My sincere condolence to you Joan, Gregg and Brian on the passing of your dear husband and father Gordon. I worked with Gordon for 35 years at Edmonton Telephones, to when we both both retired in 1984. Then we both volunteered to help set up the Telephone Museum, where we worked for 32 years, keeping in touch during our many lunches during that time.
Gordon was always happy, had a great sense of humor, and told many interesting stories we enjoyed.
I’m sure he will be missed by all the many people that knew him.
May he rest in peace.
Myron Solojuk
Gordon lived at Mactaggart place since we opened. He was such a gentleman, he would pull the chairs out for the ladies, he would help them to their rooms sometimes as far as helping someone who needs a TV fixed. We are happy we had the chance to meet such a selfless man, who gives his all as needed. He will be missed, he was a sweet soul.
Miss you Gordon we know your in a better place.
I recently learned of Gordie’s passing & wanted to share my memories of him & my deepest condolences.
I worked with Gordie at the Telephone Historical Centre during its first 3 years at The Prince of Wales Armouries (2004-2006).
I genuinely liked Gordie. He would come into the THC with such energy that I would feel the wind blow by as came in the entrance. Gordie was a man on a mission, walking at a hectic pace & looking to get stuff done.
Gordie was a good man. He helped me auction off a phone from my burgeoning telephone collection & helped me get restitution when I was cheated in an online box phone purchase.
I had the pleasure of visiting Gordie & Joan in there Sherwood Park home. I marveled at their phone collection display room & how many phones Gordie had stuffed into his workshop. I was sad when I went back to the visit the telephone museum a few years later & learnt that Gordie was no longer helping out because there was nothing for him to do.
As I was writing this, I wondered about Gordie’s religious beliefs, they had never come up at the telephone museum. But last night, I had a dream where I walked down a non-descript corridor & met Gordie. We spoke for a long time. Gordie looked as I had known him, but he was very relaxed, more than I had ever seen him. The second thing I noticed, was that he was wiser than any person I have ever met on this earth, in fact he seemed more like what I’ve experienced in my encounters with Jesus Christ than a man. When I woke, I felt traumatized by the wisdom that came from him, though I couldn’t remember anything specifically that he had said.
As I meditated & prayed about the experience, I realized this was indeed Gordie, he has been with Jesus & has been changed by the experience. His message is that he is alive, in heaven & it is real.
God bless