Gordon Reginald Newman, beloved husband of Audrey (Kleis) of Medicine Hat, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home, with family by his side, on April 27, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Many thanks to the caring staff of the hospice unit. You are amazing!
He was the devoted and proud father of son David (Mary Jean) Newman, daughter Elaine (Rex) McCarthy and six grandsons Michael (Shenaigh), Anthony (Alyssa) and Andrew Newman all of Edmonton, as well as Peter (Angela), Stephen and Richard McCarthy (of Redcliff, Calgary, Medicine Hat respectively) and four great grandchildren, Judah, Elias, Nova Newman of Edmonton and Evelynn McCarthy of Medicine Hat. He is survived by sisters-in-law: Lorna Kleis and Evelyn Kleis and brother-in-law Harold Jacober and many beautiful nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Susanna, all siblings and many in-laws.
Gordon was born on the family farm near Onaway, Alberta. When he was five they relocated to Edmonton where he started school. He was self-motivated from a young age, and found his first job, doing light work and errands for retired missionaries who ran an agriculture business. In grade nine he left the city to work on a farm in Provost, Alberta. He joined the Army, after a chance encounter with an ex-military man. He served in South Korea as a gunner with the 1st RCHA for fourteen months and finished his three year term (1951-54) with his unit in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Not long after returning to Edmonton, he met Audrey Kleis, who had recently moved from Medicine Hat, at a popular music and dancing venue in Edmonton. They dated a little over a year and married on September 17, 1955, at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medicine Hat. Starting out in Edmonton they have “waltzed” between both cities for their 68 adventurous years together.
During their first stint in Medicine Hat, Gord got his journeyman ticket while working for a mechanical contractor on the Medicine Hat Hospital. He later started his own furnace installation business in Edmonton: G’s Universal Heating, which he later sold to some employees. Upon returning to Medicine Hat, he started and ran Key West Builders, overseeing many residential and commercial projects for over 30 years. He kept the operation smaller so he could devote more time to family, vacations and Christian service. The Lord guided and blessed their journey in life.
Over the years he enjoyed many sports: fishing, hunting, curling and golfing. He especially enjoyed family time activities: dinner and movie nights, camping, hiking, skiing and road trips. At one time he was active in politics, but that interest turned to attending church and bible studies once he discovered the goodness and love of Jesus. He eventually served his Lord and community as a church council member/chairman, prayer group leader, youth leader, confirmation teacher, and board member for Luther Manor. In his later years he re-joined the Legion, and was one of the founding members of the local chapter of Korean Veterans. He helped out with various Legion fundraisers.
As he retired he achieved a childhood dream to develop a piece of land. “Circle K Ranch” was the cow/calf operation he ran on a quarter section near RattleSnake Dam (Golden Sheaf Park) and later sold to his daughter and husband. Being adept in many trades he built and renovated many of the homes they or their married children lived in, especially the family home on Aberdeen Street. His craftsmanship was demonstrated in numerous furniture and gardening structures. A prized project was the strip-wood canoe constructed with his son.
He always enjoyed socializing with his buddies while participating in sports or committee work, and had many wonderful times gathering with extended family. He especially loved it when his kids and grandchildren came around to visit. He cherished his quiet times with Jesus and near the end looked forward to meeting his Lord and savior.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch #17 will conduct a poppy service for their departed comrade. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and then Gordon’s obituary page for the link. A private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery after the onsite luncheon. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts in Gordon’s memory may be made to St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 758-8th St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1M5, to your local Legion or a charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

• Date : 2024-04-27
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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