Gordon Alfred Dye

On November 10, 2024, Gordon Alfred Dye, a kind and gentle soul, slipped peacefully from this life after a brave battle against COVID vaccine injuries, with Joan, his wife and partner of over 70 years, by his side.

Born April 18, 1931 to Albert and Verna Dye in Elnora, Alberta, Gordon was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, brother and friend who supported his family with quiet consistency.

Gordon was a natural athlete who excelled in the skill sports, even shooting under par in one of his first golf games using a half-set of clubs he bought at a garage sale. He was also a scientist with endless curiosity about all things, especially meteorology and electronics.

At heart, Gordon was primarily an artist, an incredibly talented guitarist who entertained thousands of party and concert goers over the decades across the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Alberta with his signature vintage Framus guitar and Fender and Traynor amplifiers. For four golden hours from 7:00 to 11:00 on most Friday or Saturday nights during the long dark northern winters, people of the town forgot about the cold and isolation, dancing and singing while exalting in the sweet, fleeting miracle of being alive. Gordon and his bandmates would power through hits of the 60’s and 70’s, like “Time is Tight,” “Proud Mary,” “Joy to the World,” “Candida,” “Walk Don’t Run,” and “Wipeout,” interspersed with ballads, like “Biding My Time,” and “Song Sung Blue.” And, of course, they would include a butterfly, a three-person dance that alternated between a lively polka and a hop-skip, three-four waltz…with a few fakeouts thrown in by Gordon to playfully fool the dancers.

Music was Gordon’s passion and sanctuary. Regularly his children drifted off to sleep with the soft tones of “Freight Train” and “Wheels” rolling gently through the home. Creating music with their father remains one of the greatest joys of his children’s lives.

As officer in charge of the meteorological station in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Gordon was an understanding manager who worked alone Christmas mornings to ensure that Met employees could spend the special day with their families.

Gordon and Joan’s adventurous spirits took them to Canada’s farthest reaches and around the world, including trips to China, Thailand, Europe and Mexico. Gordon’s understated tenacity and compassion combined with his intrepid desire to see what lies beyond distant hills continues today through his grandchildren, who seek to make a difference in their communities in the Northwest Territories, Asia, and some of the poorest regions of Africa and South America, where the charitable efforts of his granddaughter contribute to providing resources and training for the personal and societal success of women in need.

Gordon showed that a strong humble man surrounded by a loving family can set an example that changes the world one person at a time. He travelled through life spreading joy and grace, and did it all while never uttering a single boastful word or hurting anyone.

When asked a few years ago about the best decision he ever made, Gordon replied without hesitation: “My decision to ask Joan to marry me.”

Gordon is survived by his loving wife Joan Dye; his children Desiree Loutitt (Charles Loutitt), Gordon Dye Jr., and Dale Dye (Beverly Dye); his grandchildren Rae Loutitt (Wendy Daniels), Crystal Loutitt (Gord McSwain) , Alexandra Dye, and Rachel Dye (Ken James); his sisters Rosemary Cuassade and Frances Wood; and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews..
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Gordon was predeceased by his parents Albert and Verna Dye; his sister Verna; brothers John, Lyle, and Al; his grandson Garry Loutitt; and his great-granddaughter Coral Desiree Loutitt.

Gordon was a lifelong champion of the underdog who believed in a quality life for all of God’s creatures. In this spirit, if you wish to remember Gordon, please make a donation in his memory to The Salvation Army or your local animal shelter.

Upon Joan’s passing, Gordon’s and Joan’s ashes will be interred jointly in the memorial garden of The Anglican Parish of Christ Church in Edmonton – together forever.

A memorial will be held at that time.

He can make you love
He can make you cry
He will bring you down
Then he'll get you high
Somethin' keeps him goin'
Miles and miles a day
To find another place to play

“Guitar Man” by David Gates

Fear no more the heat o’ the sun,
Nor the furious winter’s rages;
Thou thy worldly task hast done,
Home art gone, and ta’en thy wages

Cymbeline by William Shakespeare

You have multiplied the nation And increased its joy
Isaiah 9:3