GORDON GRAHAM OSTLERE

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Peacefully on February 7, 2017 at Deer Lodge Centre, Gordon passed away in his 94th year.

Born on June 22, 1923 in Selkirk, Manitoba, he was raised by Fanny and William Ostlere with his sisters Ivy and Dolly on several family farms in Cromer, Scarth and Woodnorth. He attended school in Bardal. At the age of 18, he left home in Sinclair to join the R.C.A.F. and served four years in World War II. From 1944-45 he served in Burma as ground crew (mechanic) with the 435 Transport and Rescue Squadron. Upon his return to Manitoba, he took a job with a local drilling company but soon re-enlisted with the air force. He rose through the ranks to become Warrant Officer First Class. In his 40s he graduated from the U of M with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. After his retirement, at the age of 50, Gordon became a financial planner.

Our dad met the love of his life, the beautiful Elizabeth Sagal, at a Labour Day dance at the Winnipeg Auditorium in 1946. Married in 1948, they raised four children, Deborah, Kerry, Cathy and David, while living the military life in Macdonald, Mount Hope, Trenton and Winnipeg.

Dad was very social and loved being active. He curled with many leagues while he was in the service, winning several tournaments as skip for his team. He liked to garden, upholster and refinish furniture, make beer, and he built three rec rooms in three homes. He was a member of the Manitoba Model Railway Association and constructed a large layout in his home with vintage engines and interesting landscapes.

Family summers were spent camping or on long road trips across Canada and later at Lake of the Woods with the grandchildren.

After retirement, our parents made many trips across Canada, the U.S. and Hawaii reconnecting with air force friends. They also enjoyed visiting their daughter Cathy and grandchildren in Alberta, particularly Num-ti-Jah Lodge at Bow Lake. Their most memorable trip was to Britain where they drove with their son David and his partner, Sarah, through England, Scotland and Wales. Dad was always supportive of his children’s adventures and travels. Sadly, David and Sarah went missing in 1995 while sailing across the Atlantic.

Gordon has ten grandchildren that he adored immensely: Kyle, Victoria, Mark, Lee (deceased), David, Tim, Kris, Tegan, and Peter. In 2016 he became the great-grandfather of Brooklynn. He also enjoyed the company of his sons-in-law Ole Nielsen and Tim Whyte, daughter-in-law Debbie Ostlere, and niece Sharon Barnett. Some of his happiest moments were when the house on Pasadena Ave. was filled with neighbours and his children’s friends.

Dad spent the last two years of his life at Deer Lodge Centre, home for war veterans. He loved having visitors and always enjoyed looking at books about wartime aircraft where he’d name and describe every plane. The family is very grateful to the outstanding care at Deer Lodge, especially Andrea and Roselle who were his favourite angels.

Everyone in the family will miss Dad’s smile and excitement when we came to visit. He had the wonderful ability to make each one of us feel special and loved.

Everyone is invited to join the family to celebrate Gordon at a reception tea on Sunday, February 26th, 2017. Please drop in between 1:00 p.m-4:00 p.m. Dakota Lawn and Bowling Centre. 1212 Dakota Street. St. Vital.

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In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in loving memory of Gordon G. Ostlere to the St. Amant Foundation, 440 River Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z9 or by calling 204-258-7073.