May 11, 1940 - January 4, 2021
Gordon Jeffs, born in Nelson, B.C. May 11, 1940 to Charles and Hazel Jeffs, passed away January 4, 2021, with his wife Sandi, of 54 years at his side.
He was predeceased by his parents, Brother Ronald, Parents-in-law Frank and Philadelphia Aikins, brothers-in-law Greg Couston and David Aikins and nieces Kerry Couston and Lisa Aikins.
He will be especially missed by his Veterans Service Dog and faithful companion Sammy, wife Sandi, daughters Colleen (Mark), Lorraine (Skip), Reanne (Brad) and son Stacey (Amanda), 'adopted daughters' Hiroe (Ryo) and Yukako, as well as grandchildren Dustin (Felica), Steven, Brandon (Kyla), Chloe, Alyssa, Brody, Mariah (Michael), 'adopted granddaughters' Ashley and Kate.
Also missed by great grandchildren Jackson, Kaeden, Christopher, Vincent, Alexander, brothers Bob (Laurie) and Dale (Lena), sisters-in-law Christine and Katy and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mrs. TJS Ferguson was very influential in his young life. He loved to sing in the Nelson Boys Choir and participate in the Kootenay Music Festival where he competed for and won the Penoyer Cup. The piano was a different matter...not liking to practice; he would rather be outside playing baseball.
Gord was an athlete and loved to play hockey, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, soccer and golf as well as swimming across Kootenay Lake in his teens when he was a Lifeguard at Lakeside Park.
He joined the Military after graduating from LV Rogers Secondary School and served with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery overseas, both as a peacekeeper and hockey player.
Returning home, he worked for BC Highways for 30 years before retiring in 2000, in Salmo.
Gord coached Minor Hockey, Baseball and Soccer and loved to interact with kids of all ages, talking over their problems and skills, always leaving them with a positive thought about themselves; one of his many talents. He especially enjoyed having Junior hockey players Marcel, Mike and Kevin billeted with the family.
As a member of the Royal Canadian Legion he was elected to the positions of Executive at large, Secretary, Vice President, President, Past President and served both the Branch and Zone as Veterans Service Officer, assisting veterans, which was his passion, as he himself suffered with OSI (PTSD) and understood their particular troubles and suffering.
Gord took the problems and suffering of others to heart and helped out wherever and whenever he could.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A Celebration will be held at a later date.
Many thanks to 3rd Floor staff of Kootenay Lake Hospital, Dr. Helena Czubernat, Dr. Marisa VanDerVyver, Dr. Brandon Tuvel and Dr. Philip Malpass for their wonderful care. Special thanks to Pastor Sara Westnedge of First Baptist Church for your prayers and support.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kootenay Lake Hospital Foundation, Cockerel House in Trail c/o Royal Canadian Legion Foundation, or Courageous Companions (Veterans Service Dogs).
Thompson Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.