He left peacefully, surrounded by his wife of 50 years Kathy, and his six children, Chenoa, Shandra, Eric, Graydon, Isolde and Christine. Gordon is also survived by four grandchildren, his brother Don and sister Doreen.
Born to Harold and Dorothy Nielson, Gordon grew from a precocious child into a complex, well-educated and successful man. He travelled the world seeking new experiences and developed a love for plants that he shared with Kathy. He enjoyed a long career as a resident plant expert with the University of Alberta Devonian Botanic Gardens.
Gordon’s passion for plants was evident in his personal life as well. He and Kathy tended sprawling gardens thick with flowers, herbs and vegetables on their acreage property and passed their knowledge on to their children.
Gordon approached life with an open mind and loving heart. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of truly knowing him.
His family will hold a private ceremony at a later date.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HainstockLeduc.com for the Nielson family.
