Gordon Frizzell

It is with heavy hearts and enduring love that we share the news of the passing of our Dad, Grandpa, Brother, Cousin, Friend, and Hero: Gordon Frizzell of Spruce Grove, Alberta. He left us peacefully on November 17th, at the age of 81 following a long battle with cancer.

He was the bravest person we’ve ever known.

He will be forever cherished by his children, Rhonda, Craig, and Lindsay; and his brother, Garry. He also made possible 5 adoring grandchildren, Morgan, Jalen, Kristen, Emma, and Olivia; as well as 2 great grandchildren, Austin and Lukas Gordon. Too numerous to mention are the family and friends who have supported him on this difficult journey, but we would like to send some extra love to his cousin, Wayne Wright, who is also the greatest friend a family could ask for.

We would also like to warmly acknowledge Dr. Quincy Chu at the Cross Cancer Institute, as well as the amazing teams at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, and Westview Homecare.

There were a hundred remarkable things about my father, but I think the one I admired most was his dedication to living life on his own terms. He was so incredibly wise, and equipped with a sense of humor that often caught people by surprise. And he loved his family with everything he was.

But he also had great affection for his work. His career driving the big trucks, and the connections he formed over those 50 years, meant so much. There was something regal about the way my dad worked, and his commitment to excellence. He had a whole life before cancer; one that – although full of
challenge – contained a million beautiful moments. He was a brilliant singer, an athlete, a car expert, and usually the coolest guy in the room.

His granddaughter, Kristen won’t forget how “he always made her feel accepted and loved.” And another granddaughter, Jalen, recalls how “he would playfully give the ones he loved a hard time, and a wink and a smile afterward. Although he could be a rascal, and he had a tough exterior—he also had a tender soul and a soft spot for furry creatures.”

And I can’t help but think he’s in a better place now.

Somewhere in the Yukon in his truck (spotless of course) high above the earth, with Lefty Frizzell’s voice in the air. He probably just stopped at some little diner and had coffee and a sandwich with fries – and made the waitress blush a little with his swagger and good looks.

And he’s happy.

If you knew him, we’d like to invite you to a Celebration of Life in the spring, where Dad will join his parents, Webb and Melleta, back in Lacombe. He was also predeceased by his wife, Betty, and infant daughter, Tracey. He was not a fan of ceremony, or tears, so instead—we’ll share memories of a well- lived life and sing some songs in his honor.

Rest peacefully and painlessly now, Dad.

We’ll love you always – and miss you already.
Rhonda