THOMAS, Gordon Frank Celeste

April 6, 1929 — December 9, 2016

It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Thomas announce his passing on to be with the Lord. After a brief and mostly trouble-free battle with heart disease, Gord succumbed with his loving wife of 66 years, Helen, and family by his side.  Gord is survived by his “Number One”- his wife Helen; brother Alec of Fort St. John, his devoted little brother Jim (Cheryl) of Kelowna; adoring children Duff (Nathalie), Judy, Tammy (Stan), Russ (Jan), and Tracy (Don); grandchildren whom he loved with such gusto, Shayne (Kelly), Chris, Stacy, Shauna (Roger), Miranda, Brett, Thomas, and Teegan (Jeremiah); and his two great-grandsons Andrew and Rook.

Gord was a decent, caring, involved and all around good guy who lived and worked in Kelowna. He moved here from Saskatchewan as a toddler.  He often fondly recalled his childhood, growing up on farms “way out” of town near where Orchard Park Mall is, and near the Guisachan House.  He fell madly in love with a girl from Rutland.  They married.  He raised his family downtown, and eventually became owner/manager of Jenkins Cartage on Ellis Street.  He was a businessman and a truck driver, and from what was said often, an incredibly good boss.  Jenkins had Gord involved in transport and storage of various goods locally, including furniture, fruit and beer!  Also some longer hauls that would take him out on the road, which he loved.  Jenkins was also the first recycling and bottle depot in town, notably.

Gord was an active church member at ICC for the last 80 years. He was very proud to belong to the Knights of Columbus, volunteering his service to breakfasts and bazaars with much “umph” and success.  Gord was a great dancer and a great partier.  We had so much fun.

Gord was a long-time member of the Vintage Car Club and could often be found in the garage tinkering on the beautiful old cars that he would proudly drive around on summer days. A lover of all things old, Gord was a passionate antique collector.  He also loved his years spent out at Camp Dunlop as a cub scout leader.  He cherished the beach and the lake, and would go for “dips” every day he could.  Gord and Helen loved to seek the sun in Hawaii or Arizona.  He enjoyed many years of retirement travelling around in his motor home, babysitting, barbequing, teasing his kids and grandkids, and doing very little golfing.

A year ago Gord decided to move to the Village at Mill Creek so they would never have to shop or cook again. He didn’t like “handing over the keys” but he died a satisfied and happy man.

Thank you to the Village staff and anyone involved with his recent care.

The best husband, dad, father-in-law, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. The best Gord.  Our Gord.  RIP.  We will miss you.

Prayers will be held Wednesday, December 14^th at 7:00 pm and Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 15^th at 1:00 pm, both at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 839 Sutherland Ave., Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna SPCA, 3785 Casorso Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7.

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Service Details

The prayer service for THOMAS, Gordon Frank Celeste is scheduled for Wednesday, December 14th at 7:00 pm at located at 839 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC.

The service for THOMAS, Gordon Frank Celeste is scheduled for Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 15th at 1:00 pm.. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Immaculate Conception Church

839 Sutherland Avenue Kelowna, BC

Phone:

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Special Requests:

None.

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