GORDEN LORNE ZACHARIAS

GORDEN LORNE ZACHARIAS September 25, 1945 ~ October 8, 2026 Gorden’s family are saddened to announce his passing which occurred in Medicine Hat on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the age of 81 years. Along with Edna, his loving wife of over 57 years, Gorden’s memory will be cherished by his family: three children, Coralee (Chris) Wiebe, Dion (Charlotte) Zacharias and Blaine (Charlene) Zacharias; six grandchildren, Peyton (Tristian) Graham, Chandler Zacharias, Nathan Wiebe, Natasha and Corissa Wiebe (Twins) and Dastan Zacharias; six siblings, Glenis (Harvey) Schapansky, Evelyn Wiebe, Alvin (Barbara) Zacharias, Gary (Shirley) Zacharias, Ernie (Jackie) Zacharias and Frieda (Jim) Wiebe as well as other relatives including Keith Anderson and his aunt Ruth (Albert) Robillard. He was predeceased by his parents, Irvin and Mary Zacharias; brother, Wesley; sister, Bernice; brother-in-law, Alfred Wiebe; Edna’s parents, Jake and Mary Martens; grandparents, John R. and Anne Zacharias as well as Peter and Elizabeth Funk. Gorden Lorne Zacharias was born the middle child of nine children to Irvin C. Zacharias and Mary P. (Funk) Zacharias. He attended school in Turnhill and Main Centre, Saskatchewan. Gorden was baptized by Reverend Buhler on May 15, 1968, at Stonehill Church near Glen Kerr, Saskatchewan. His faith and involvement in church activities remained an important part of his life. On June 20, 1969, Gorden married Edna B. Martens in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, beginning a life together filled with family, hard work and many cherished memories. Gorden’s love for the cowboy way of life began while working for his grandfather, J.R. Zacharias and on Elvenous Hermanson Ranch. From that time on, he was always a cowboy at heart. Throughout his working life, Gorden wore many hats and developed a wide range of skills. He worked for several farmers and held positions as a telephone lineman, drywaller, trained mechanic and truck driver. Over the years, he also worked for Nowsco, MacDonald’s Consolidated, Medicine Hat Wholesale Foods, Lubex, Kulpe Lumber, Sobeys and Big M Ford. A true jack of all trades, Gorden took pride in his work and accomplished much throughout his career. He was a meticulous man who took great pride in caring for his vehicles, his yard and his home. He had a keen eye for detail and enjoyed keeping everything in good order. Outside of work, he was passionate about rodeos, chuckwagon races, country music, camping, the outdoors, photography and cars. He enjoyed fishing, skidooing and watching hockey (especially when his Edmonton Oilers were playing!). He also enjoyed participating in church activities and spending time at the pistol club. Above all, family held a special place in Gorden’s heart. Among his most treasured life experiences were his baptism, the births of his children and the many family gatherings that brought everyone together. Birthdays were especially memorable occasions, providing opportunities to celebrate and make lasting memories with those he loved. Gorden will be remembered as a hardworking, resourceful man, a cowboy at heart and someone who could turn his hand to just about anything. His love of family, his many talents and the memories he created throughout his life will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.Funeral CelebrationCook Southland Funeral Chapel901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB.Thursday, October 15, 2026 ~ 2:00 p.m.Visitation Will Be Offered Between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.Interment Will Follow At Hillside CemeteryPastor Murray Jaster officiatingReception To Follow In The Funeral Home Reception FacilityThe service will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the celebration may visit the Cook Southland Funeral Chapel website and select the Live-Streaming button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Gorden may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, Bay 4, 602A Clay Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 3K2. Honoured to serve the family isCook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”