HEGGIE, Gordon
Posted: August 10th, 2016
HEGGIE
GORDON FAWNS HEGGIE (86) passed away peacefully on July 27, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Born January 8, 1930 in Raymond Alberta Canada to James Velv and Lauretta May Fawns Heggie. Dad attended school in his hometown of Raymond and then continued his education at Brigham Young University. His love of the gospel lead him to serve a mission in the Perth Australia Mission. On March 18, 1953 he married his grade school sweetheart, Aneta McBride in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Together they raised 9 children: Wendy (Rick) Excell, Washington, UT; Randy (Patsy) Heggie, Del Bonita, AB; Darcey (Delores) Heggie, Porterville, CA; Tammy (Robert) Brandley, Seattle, WA; Sonya (Chris) Wilcox, Las Vegas, NV; Tonya Meyer, Henderson, NV; Todd (Laurel) Heggie, Claresholm, AB; Tedd (Julie) Heggie, Ely, NV; Mark (Mona) Heggie, Cardston, AB. They were blessed with 35 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren. Dad spent his life as a ranch manager on ranches in California, Oregon and Alberta. This lifestyle allowed him and Aneta to teach their children the benefits of daily chores, responsibility and hard work. Family was very important to dad and he taught us that our best friends lived under the same roof. As grown-ups we are still best friends. Dad supported us in many ways and built a strong family bond while helping us in the rodeo arena, conquering school projects, competing in school sports or spending days in the saddle teaching us about horsemanship, husbandry and hard work. Dad had a love for long days in the saddle on a young horse and working with good dogs. Aneta passed away on May 6, 2007 and he later married Ruth Graham Swinney. Together they split their time between their homes in Las Vegas and Claresholm spending time with family in both places. He is predeceased by his wife Aneta McBride, Grandchildren Natasha Meyer, Jedd Heggie and Travis Excell, brothers Max, Doug and Dean and his sister Romona Geremia as well as his parents. He is survived by his sister Evelyn (Steve) Prokop. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE, Raymond, Alberta on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
I was lucky enough to become friends with Gordon & Anita . I worked at the Bayshore Inn @ Waterton and got to know Anita well . She invited me out to have supper with Gordon and her at their home on the Palmer Ranch where Gordon looked after the cattle . Their home was located where the old church ranch head quarters where and the house was once a bunk house . It was the prettiest little spot in the valley . I was also privileged to live there a few years later and rented the house from Max Main . I went and spent a few times out at the ranch helping Gordon move bulls and AI’ing cows etc . I had a blast and Gordon taught me so much . I recall spending an evening watching Calgary Stampede videos that Gordon had recorded and he gave me a play by play on why certain rides or ropings failed or where success’s . Anita had purchased a print by a well known Alberta western artist and Gordon pointed out the mistakes with the tack on the horses . Anita laughed and said , Gordon just don’t look at the rigging and enjoy the art ! “ To this day I have many fond memories of them both and they where just an ideal comple who complemented each other so well . They truly did love times spent with family and I recall the many stories shared of their visits . I was lucky enough to meet some of their children and Grandchildren. I sadly lost track of the two of them after they had moved to Millarville . Anita had tried to get a visit in a couple of times where I worked but I was sadly off hiking or on a trail ride . I know I am probable long wined but I just wanted to share my memories of the two of them . I was a lucky young man to have had had the privilege of knowing them both and am so better for it . I also know my heartfelt condolences to their Children , Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren along with extended family is still sincerely given even though they both have left this earthly plain so long ago . RIP Anita & Gordon 💐