It is with sadness the family of Gordon Delmer Paton (Del) announce his passing, surrounded by his family, on Monday, September 11th, 2023 at the age of 76 years, after suffering a stroke. Del was born on October 3rd, 1946 in Ponteix, Saskatchewan to Lydia Fenell Paton and was later joined by sister Lynn Chernoff and brother Gerry Paton.
Del grew up and attended a one room school in Lake Valley, SK with his siblings, taught by his mother Lydia. He later attended Brownlee School, where he met Karen Lindell, and after graduating high school he went on to become an electrician. He was a skilled electrician, having owned M&H Electric in Moose Jaw for many years after working in mines in Manitoba and British Columbia. For the final 25 years of his career, he was an Electrical Project Manager with Flint Corp, Pyramid Corporation, PTW Energy and finally Canadian Natural Resources Limited working in the oil field in southeast Saskatchewan.
Del and Karen married in 1968 and settled back home to Moose Jaw after returning from Port Hardy, British Columbia in 1975. Del and Karen were constantly hosting family and friends for parties or sitting on the deck having a drink with whoever stopped by. In 2018, Del and Karen celebrated their 50th anniversary with a party at the Rowletta Civic Centre – the location of their original wedding reception, which was packed with numerous long-time friends, family and of course a band.
If the house happened to be empty Del would be on the phone with his late-night calls catching up with distant old friends. He looked forward to his annual trips down to Phoenix, Arizona, insisting on driving down and back each trip. It was not a true vacation unless he had something to build, repair or install during the trip. No matter the time or place (including the beach in Mexico) he was sure to be wearing his cowboy hat, vest, and cowboy boots with a drink (or two) in hand. Del was forever working on a project or assisting others with endless tasks and did not hesitate to put the needs and asks of others before his own. That was his way and no request or task was “too big a deal” to handle. Del was a very skilled wood worker and spent many years as a member of the Moose Jaw Shrine Equestrian Club building carriages and buggies for use in the Shrine Parades. He was a lover of (loud) classic country music and music filled the home and all areas of his life.
He was predeceased by his wife, Karen; mother, Lydia; brother, Gerry; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Edwin and Lyla Lindell; brother-in-law, Mike Chernoff; sister-in-law, Bonnie Lindell; and nephew, Jay Lindell. Del is survived by two sons, Darin (Kim) of Moose Jaw, SK; and Jason (Mayleen) of Calgary along with three granddaughters: Kayla (Lee), Taylor (Alex) and Kelsey; as well as 3 great-grandchildren: Brooklin, Ty and Cal. Del will also be lovingly remembered by his sister, Lynn Chernoff; sister-in-law, Carol Paton; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Jean Lindell; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Sherry and Randy Belay; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.
A special thank you to the Medical Staff at the Neurology Unit at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary for making his last days comfortable.
A Come and Go Time of Fellowship will be held on Saturday, September 16th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Harvey Room at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. Del will be buried in Brownlee Cemetery in Brownlee, SK, reuniting him with the love of his life Karen who passed away on March 25th, 2021. Together again. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Del Paton may be made to the Village of Brownlee or Rowletta Civic Centre. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Michelle Ellis, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com
