Obituary for Gordon Henry Braaten
Gordon Henry Braaten
(1933- 2023)
It is with sadness that the family of Gordon Henry Braaten announces his passing on Monday January 23, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 89 years. The family is grateful for the recent time, at Christmas as well as the last few weekends, to say goodbye to our patriarch.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children, Barbara Banman, John-Paul Braaten (Brenda), and Robert Braaten (Ellen). He is also missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher, Angela and Caleb Banman; Cory, Michelle (with sons, Blake and Christopher), and David Braaten; Timothy, Daniel, Rachel and Benjamin Braaten. He is mourned by his sisters, Inger and Dian, and pre-deceased by his brothers, Jackie and Engvar and sisters, Norma and Frances.
Gordon was born to Gunvor and Arne Braaten on July 5, 1933 in Nanton, Alberta. He grew up in Turner Valley where his dad, Arne, worked as a machinist on some of the first oil rigs in Canada. He and his siblings were introduced to English when they started going to school, being immersed in Norwegian in their early years.
In 1960, he married Margaret Lyseng of Armena, Alberta. After a period of time attending university in Missoula, Montana, which included the birth of their daughter, Barbara, they lived in Edmonton, where John-Paul and Robert were born. The family settled in northwest Calgary, and Gordon built a life rotating around church, family times outdoors and various employment endeavors.
His employment was varied and interesting, including the military reserves, the Alberta Forestry Service, a period of time in Noman Wells Northwest Territories, entrepreneurship doing home insulation and insurance, as well as service jobs with Calgary Co-op and Handibus. A highlight for him was the many years that he and Margaret ran their own insurance brokerage out of their home. During this time many people were impacted by his honesty, integrity and personable service.
He taught his family many things: a love of music, the skill of fly-fishing, an appreciation of camping and the outdoors and countless lessons in faith and kindness. He is lovingly remembered for being a faithful and loving husband, a gentle father who sacrificed for the good of his children and an active grandpa who helped orchestrate park visits, road trips, and special babysitting times.
A huge part of Gordon’s life has involved his faith in Jesus Christ and his participation in the church. He greatly enjoyed the singing, sermons and community at both Faith Lutheran Church and later, at St. James Anglican Church. He also lived out his faith through volunteering with the Gideons International Association, attending men’s retreats, helping to lead ESL classes, and participating in Bible studies. His kindness and generosity was often evident. An example of this was during the Vietnamese refugee crisis of the 1980’s when he and Marg took an active role in sponsoring a family through the church. This sponsorship went well beyond the logistics of immigration support and resulted in an enduring connection with this family.
During his time at Bow View Manor Gordon was cared for and supported so well by the nursing and care staff there. The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude for the way Gordon was encouraged and looked after while he was in their capable hands.
There is a Memorial Service planned for Monday, January 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at St. James Anglican Church in Calgary (6351 Ranchview Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3G 1B5). For those who are not able to attend, there will also be a live stream of the Memorial Service via YouTube.
The link will continue to work after the service if you would prefer to watch it after January 30, 2023. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Gord, please visit www.choicememorial.com.
(1933- 2023)
It is with sadness that the family of Gordon Henry Braaten announces his passing on Monday January 23, 2023 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 89 years. The family is grateful for the recent time, at Christmas as well as the last few weekends, to say goodbye to our patriarch.
He is survived by his wife, Margaret; his children, Barbara Banman, John-Paul Braaten (Brenda), and Robert Braaten (Ellen). He is also missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Christopher, Angela and Caleb Banman; Cory, Michelle (with sons, Blake and Christopher), and David Braaten; Timothy, Daniel, Rachel and Benjamin Braaten. He is mourned by his sisters, Inger and Dian, and pre-deceased by his brothers, Jackie and Engvar and sisters, Norma and Frances.
Gordon was born to Gunvor and Arne Braaten on July 5, 1933 in Nanton, Alberta. He grew up in Turner Valley where his dad, Arne, worked as a machinist on some of the first oil rigs in Canada. He and his siblings were introduced to English when they started going to school, being immersed in Norwegian in their early years.
In 1960, he married Margaret Lyseng of Armena, Alberta. After a period of time attending university in Missoula, Montana, which included the birth of their daughter, Barbara, they lived in Edmonton, where John-Paul and Robert were born. The family settled in northwest Calgary, and Gordon built a life rotating around church, family times outdoors and various employment endeavors.
His employment was varied and interesting, including the military reserves, the Alberta Forestry Service, a period of time in Noman Wells Northwest Territories, entrepreneurship doing home insulation and insurance, as well as service jobs with Calgary Co-op and Handibus. A highlight for him was the many years that he and Margaret ran their own insurance brokerage out of their home. During this time many people were impacted by his honesty, integrity and personable service.
He taught his family many things: a love of music, the skill of fly-fishing, an appreciation of camping and the outdoors and countless lessons in faith and kindness. He is lovingly remembered for being a faithful and loving husband, a gentle father who sacrificed for the good of his children and an active grandpa who helped orchestrate park visits, road trips, and special babysitting times.
A huge part of Gordon’s life has involved his faith in Jesus Christ and his participation in the church. He greatly enjoyed the singing, sermons and community at both Faith Lutheran Church and later, at St. James Anglican Church. He also lived out his faith through volunteering with the Gideons International Association, attending men’s retreats, helping to lead ESL classes, and participating in Bible studies. His kindness and generosity was often evident. An example of this was during the Vietnamese refugee crisis of the 1980’s when he and Marg took an active role in sponsoring a family through the church. This sponsorship went well beyond the logistics of immigration support and resulted in an enduring connection with this family.
During his time at Bow View Manor Gordon was cared for and supported so well by the nursing and care staff there. The family wishes to extend their profound gratitude for the way Gordon was encouraged and looked after while he was in their capable hands.
There is a Memorial Service planned for Monday, January 30, 2023 at 2:00 pm at St. James Anglican Church in Calgary (6351 Ranchview Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3G 1B5). For those who are not able to attend, there will also be a live stream of the Memorial Service via YouTube.
The link will continue to work after the service if you would prefer to watch it after January 30, 2023. To view and share photos, condolences and memories of Gord, please visit www.choicememorial.com.