Gordon Peter Hougard

The family of Gord Hougard regret to inform you of his passing on Wed., April 5, 2017 at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary at 74 years of age.
Gord was born in Edmonton, Alberta on December 19, 1942. He grew up on the farm in Rimbey with his parents, Peter and Ruby.
Gord worked in construction most of his life but he also worked as farm hand for several farmers in the area helping out during seeding and harvest.
He was a licensed sheet metal mechanic and worked for Propak in Airdrie for almost 20 years. During his time at Propak he went to work in both Argentina and Poland. He lived in B.C. for a time until he settled in Irricana, Alberta in the mid-seventies. Irricana soon became home to him where he quickly became part of the community. He was a very social person with a passion for volunteering and helping his neighbors. Gord was a devoted member of Lions International for 37 years and volunteered tirelessly in every community he lived in.
His favorite thing to do when he was not working or volunteering in the community was camping and fishing. He and Shirley travelled all over Western Canada and the Northern States with the 5th wheel.
He also took great pride in his yard and spent hours gardening and maintaining the yard wherever they were living. At Christmas he spent a lot of time putting up Christmas displays for everyone to enjoy. On December 24th for several years in Irricana, he would serve hot chocolate to anyone who happened by or were on the hay ride with the Irricana Volunteer Fire Department when they held their Christmas Eve Candy Cane Run.
In 2007, when he retired, he and Shirley sold their home in Irricana and moved to Central Butte SK where he transferred his Lions membership and became a member of that club. In the summer of 2010 he suffered a stroke and in October of that year, Shirley passed away from cancer.
In November of 2012, he moved back to Alberta settling in Acme, Alberta. He transferred his membership back to the Irricana Lions Club. In August of 2016 he moved into the Rockyview Lodge in Crossfield, AB. He enjoyed his time there immensely. Especially not having to cook for himself and there was always someone around to visit with.
In February of this year, Gord was diagnosed with Mesothelioma and his health quickly deteriorated over the next few weeks until he passed on April 5.
Gord is survived by his daughter Tina, his son Bradley and 2 grandchildren, Dalton and Paisley as well as a sister, Judy and several nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
He was predeceased by his son Raymond in 1977, his father Peter in 1982, his mother Ruby in 1999 and his wife Shirley in 2010.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at the Irricana Lions Club (200 1st street T0M 1B0 Irricana at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gord's name can be made to the Lions Eye Bank.