Bateman, Gordon Robert
March 22, 1938 ~ January 5, 2011
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gordon Robert Bateman. He peacefully passed on, with loving care by the staff, in the ICU and Palliative Care at NRGH. He was predeceased by his father, William Ellis Bateman in March 1976; mother, Grace Jennie Bateman in December 1979; sister, Elsie Bateman in April 2002; and brother ,Leslie Bateman in December 2010.
He will be lovingly remembered by his family, partner of 30 years Myrna J. Riches,; children: Lyle of Medicine Hat, Jamie (Debbie) of Calgary; grandchildren: Jessica and Devon; siblings: Charlie (Pat), Ronald (Bella), Wayne (Leanne), Edna Wick (Otto), Marie Walker (Cecil), Jean Styler (Tony), Donna Torrance (Dave), Dorothy Bateman (Ron Jones), Carolyn Bjornson (Ingamar), Irene Bradley (Frank), plus numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Gordon will be remembered by his family and friends as a very easy-going, kind, generous, free-wheeling spirit, with a quick sense of humour. He was born in Trochu, Alberta, and lived his childhood in the Royalties area. Gordon moved to Calgary, working for Canada Post, and started his family there. He moved his family to Claresholm, to work as an electrician for Safeways Trailers, living in Stavely until 1975 when he returned to Calgary. He settled into a 23 year position as a truck driver for The University of Calgary, at Central Stores Shipping and Receiving Department, retiring in 1999. Gordon enjoyed his life of leisure rebuilding his Pace Arrow Motor home before travelling across Canada and the USA. Between travels, he enjoyed bowling, skiing and biking. Gordon documented his trips with his love of photography, sharing stories while relaxing on the deck of his Nanaimo winter home enjoying many bonfires with his neighbourhood buddies. Gordon lived on and travelled the Island from 2003-2011. He wrapped up his travels with a lifelong dream of making a trek to Alaska. His presence of goodwill and helpfulness will be greatly missed by all.
A Memorial Service will be held in Calgary in late March. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice or to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.
The family wish to express their grateful thanks to the ICU and Palliative Care staff at NRGH.
Sands ~ Nanaimo
(250)753-2032