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It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Duncan McIntyre announces his passing on August 19, 2007 in Flin Flon, Manitoba. Gordon was born in Russell, Manitoba on February 9, 1924 and lived and went to school in Vista, Manitoba. In 1942 he volunteered for military service and joined the Winnipeg Light Infantry. Later that year he was chosen for the First Canadian Parachute Battalion and trained at Vernon, B.C., Shilo, Manitoba and Fort Benning, Georgia before being sent overseas. Gordon's first combat experience came when he jumped just after midnight into France, eight miles inland from Juno Beach on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Gordon also fought in Belgium and Germany before the end of the war. After being discharged from the army, Gordon returned to Manitoba, His first post-war job was with the Co-op store in Rossburn, Manitoba. In 1947 he married Phyllis Black and, with her assistance, he managed the Co-op store in Solsgirth, Manitoba before moving to Flin Flon in 1952. Gordon worked for the HBM&S Company in the Smelter for the next 30 years. During that time, he and Phyllis raised four children and he also involved himself in many sporting activities, including hunting and fishing, curling, bowling and baseball. He was a great pool player and won many trophies in the annual Legion tournament. Gordon devoted much of his time to community service. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 73 and served a term as president. He coached minor hockey, delivered Meals-on-Wheels and chaired the Jubilee Seniors Residence committee. He also put his carpentry skills to use doing countless jobs for family and friends. Gordon loved his family. He and Phyllis enjoyed many camping trips at Bakers Narrows with their children and grandchildren. We will all remember Gordon for his signature whistle, his unique sense of humour, and his love of music. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Phyllis; daughters Faye (Bruce) and Gale (Chris); sons Russell (Brenda) and Murray; grandchildren Aaron and Avery Wade; Misty Muyres, and Mandy McIntyre; Danielle, Delaney, and Michael McIntyre; his dear sisters Verna Hay (Ron) and Rita Wetteland; sisters-in-law Margaret Menzies, Mary Hamilton, Shirley Le Blanc (Bill), Ruth McIntosh, Zetta Berg (Wayne), and Adele McIntyre as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Duncan and Muriel McIntyre, brothers Ray and Ritchie, brothers-in-law Tom Wetteland, Red McIntosh, Joe Menzies, Ronald Hamilton and Douglas Black. Funeral services and burial were held in Flin Flon on August 24, 2007 at Northminster Memorial United Church with Reverend Greg Parker officiating. Honourary pallbearers were Sheila and Grant Adams, Reuben Hagan, Jack MacArthur, Doreen Murray, and Merle Sproxton. The soloist was Susan Lethbridge, accompanied by Mark Kolt on piano. The ushers were Jan Modler and Greg East. Memorial register attendants were Sophie Riehl and Jeannetta Smith. The remembrance of Gordon was given by his son-in-law, Chris Freeman. The trumpeter at the church was Bob Njegovan. The piper at East Hillside was Gordon's grandson, Aaron Wade. We would like to express our gratitude for all the cards, flowers, food, phone calls, visits and donations to the Canadian Cancer Society and the Royal Canadian Legion. Thank you to Dana, Darren and Bayley for your thoughtfulness, to the Legion Branch 73, to the Legion Auxiliary and to everyone who helped with the funeral service. Thank you to Dr. Relling and the staff at the Flin Flon General Hospital for your care and compassion. We also wish to extend a special thank you to Ruth McIntosh, Wayne and Zetta Berg and Grant and Sheila Adams for your kindness and support.
