Gordon Samuel Kobylanski

Gordon was born the 3rd of 5 children to Sam and Nettie Kobylanski on October 15, 1953. He grew up on the family farm and he attributed his work ethic throughout his career to his upbringing on the farm. After graduating high school in Spirit River, Gordon travelled alot for work to many remote northern communities while completing his apprenticeship. After getting his journeyman plumber certification Gordon decided Grande Prairie would be home base. He set out on his own and started GK Mechanical Ltd. He also married his long time girlfriend, Judy Thompson and in 84 they welcomed their daughter Courtney into the world.

Being a business man seemed to come naturally to Gordon and through his disciplined approach, GK Mechanical grew to be an integral part of the building construction scene in NW Alberta and NE BC. When asked he would always say the employees were the ones responsible for the success of the business.

Sadly in 2005 Judy passed away. Later Gordon met Marcy Kassiones and they were married in 2009.

Throughout his life, Gordon had an insatiable desire to travel as often as he could. From family Christmases in Hawaii to going on safaris in both Africa and Brazil, and later many more destinations throughout Europe. In 2012 Gordon sold his beloved GK Mechanical Ltd and that allowed him time to pursue some other lifelong ambitions.

They built a beautiful villa in Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and that presented another opportunity to get a boat and fish. With his final boat there he had the good fortune to enter the annual Bisby Tuna Tournament. He was honoured during his years living in Cabo to be able to host at his home several famous “Chili Cookoff” fundraisers which benefitted local animal rescues. A very good cause and also a lot of fun. Most of all it was the friendships made there that will be eternal for him.

From snowmobile rallies out to the Stagger Inn, to hauling camp into Bordertown with the piston bully and the kakwa crew. He cherished his many years as a Swan City Snowmobile club member and comradery between crews from different camps

Gordon’s next great passion was boats, and he had a few over the years. Well more then a few. He had a few lake boats and river boats but after a trip with Rod, Nick & Gene to Kitimat, his love for fishing the west coast really took off. Bigger adventures and pursuit of bigger fish resulted in some amazing boats over the years with his favourite being his yacht called Safari. He also loved to share these trips with as many guests as he could, making sure their limits for everything were full. Gordon loved the West Coast and spent a good portion of his life navigating these waters.

Gordon’s next adventure was to fulfill a childhood dream of having his own tractor. So they found 200 acres in Pritchard and put their touch on it and called it the Diamond K Ranch. They then settled in Kamloops along the South Thompson River.

Gordon was well known for his quick wit and sense of humour. He was always the life of the party, which was usually at their place every second Friday. Having a house full was El Gordo’s happy place.

In the quiet moments he would often reflect and have immense gratitude for being able to fulfill so many of his dreams that began as a little farm kid from Rycroft.

His energy, love and sense of fun will be deeply and forever missed.

Gordon was pre-deceased by his parents, Sam and Nettie , his first wife Judy and his eldest sister Shirley. He is survived by his loving wife Marcy, his daughter Courtney, sister Patsy and Mickey, brother Jim and Debbie and brother Norm and Michele along with numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends from far and wide.

Gordon has asked that we wait to do the celebration of life until the spring