Surrounded by his loving family, Gordon Thomas Lucas passed away on October 4th, 2003 at the Vulcan Health Centre, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on August 29th, 1917 on the Lucas Homestead at Armada. Gordon was raised on the family homestead at Armada by his parents Thomas and Mary, and with his brothers Bill & John and sisters Mary & Cathrine. At just 10 years of age, his passion for horses shone through as he drove his first four horse team pulling a disk. This dedication continued in his youth as he rode his horse two and a half miles to Plateau School to light the fire in the old pot-bellied stove, for the sum of three dollars a month.
Gordon’s love of animals and farming was nurtured over the years through working alongside his dad and brothers. Gordon would boast about the fact that his dad always left him in charge of caring for the best of the horses because he took great pride and care in looking after them.
From October 1941 to the fall of 1945, Gordon joined in the Canadian Seaforth Highlanders and saw action in Italy, Germany, France, Holland and Belgium. On May 8th, 1945, his regiment was the first Canadian Regiment to enter Amsterdam to free the Dutch people after 5 years of German rule – how thankful we all are for his sacrifices for our freedom. In 1995, Gordon and Audrey returned to Holland to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland and were welcomed back with open arms, as he was once again a hero.
On November 26, 1946, Gordon married Audrey Henrickson of Armada and they resided at the family farm and together raised 5 girls and 2 boys. Gordon often talked about the crowded house and the one bathroom with all those girls.
Gordon would always keep busy outside on the farm and his knowledge and love for cattle made him an excellent cattleman. He raised registered Black Angus cattle for many years of which he was very proud.
He was a very active volunteer in his community. His 55 years as a member of the Armada and Vulcan Legion and 29 years with the Lomond 4-H Club showed the dedication and compassion that he had toward his community. During his time with 4-H, he chaperoned trips to Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Montana, and several camps in Alberta. He was involved with the Lomond Lions Club as president and zone chairman, and hosted Lions exchange students from Japan and Texas. Through the years he has been a member of various other organizations as well, some of these include: the United Farmers of Alberta, Lomond History book committee, L.C.C.A.S., Fire Association, Lomond Grazing Association, and the Lomond Drop-In, of which he was president.
Gordon loved being around people. He always had time to visit or play a game of cards. His pride and love for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren was second to none, and he looked forward to the times where he could take the opportunity to tease each and every one of them.
Gordon is survived by his loving wife Audrey of Lomond, Charlean (Allan)Fisher of Vulcan, Sheila (Alvin) Winch of Milo, Dorothy (Lyle) Braunwarth of High River, Wendy (Bill) Morton of Cardston, Roy (Gaye) Lucas of Lomond, Terry (Jim) Newton of Del Bonita, Allan (Kim) Lucas of Red Deer, his sister Cathrine Grant of Vulcan, sister-in-law Mildred Lucas of Vulcan and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Mary Lucas, brothers John and
William, sister Mary, and father and mother-in-law Sigurd and Dorothy Henrickson.
Celebration of Life service was held on Wednesday, October 8, 2003 at the Vulcan United Church. Officiating at the service was Lee Spice. The Honorary Pallbearers were the Vulcan Legion, Lomond 4-H and the Lomond Lions.
“We have been blessed with one of the best families—five girls and two boys. A gift that no man or woman can dispute. Some people are rich with
money, but what we have is the most precious family that no money can buy and no price could be put on it. A loving family is the most valuable
possession anyone can have.”
~ Gordon Lucas, 1994
Donations may be sent to The Tom Baker Cancer Research Department. 1331 – 29 st. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4N2 or to the charity of your choice.
Vulcan Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.