I recently learned of Gordon's passing via the U of A New Trail publication. As a consulting engineer, I had the opportunity to work with Gordon over many years on a variety of civil engineering projects and other Provincial/industry initiatives. Gordon was consistently a voice of reason and fairness, and approached each project and challenge in a calm and professional manner. The Province and the Department were very well served by Gordon choosing Alberta Transportation as his engineering career home.  Taken way too soon from his family and friends.

I was fortunate to have known little clips of family & work Gordon. I knew work Gordon as the go-to walking encyclopedia to Ab Transp & Civil Eng. It wasn’t about the historical events he knew though; he knew about the people within the walls, had a soft spot and a story to tell for each one.  He was a sort of “work dad”; I always knew he was a safe place & genuinely cared.  He introduced me to who I needed to know and would always follow up to make sure everything was going as it should...and of course to stay in the know ;).

From playing sports with his daughter to seeing him a proud grandfather at his grandchildren’s sports - he always lit up when it came to his family.  Easy to see that good ol Gord has left a heavy print on many hearts & will be deeply missed. Hugs to his beautiful family who is left with such a sudden void & to those who have many stories to tell of their musings with him.  Keep sharing those special memories of him just as he would❤️✨

Sherri Ganske Fyculak & family xo

Dear Lori and Family

Anna and I are so very sorry and saddened by your loss. We are sending our heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Gord was our "token" Chinese curler at our biennial Intercity Chinese Bonspiel.  It really tickled him and he took great enjoyment with that unique status.  He could not believe that there were enough Chinese  curlers in Edmonton to hold a bonspiel.  I still recalled at one curling  banquet where you and Gord won so many door prizes that I thought you needed a truck to haul your loot. 

I always enjoyed working with Gord at Alberta Transportation.  With his calm demeaner, and his fount of knowledge, nothing fazed him.  He was always telling me that I worry too much and that I took life too seriously, advice that I tried to espouse.    

At our monthly retirees breakfast Gord always stirred up the pot with his  comments about the  Oilers and City of Edmonton   shenanigans.  I shall miss his bantering and trash talks  at  these breakfasts.

My condolences to Lori, Meghan, Caitlin and Taryn, you lost a dear man. He was so proud and thought the world of you. 

Gordon hired me to work in his group at the Twin even though I showed up at the interview wearing a Christmas sweater (or maybe because I did).  I thoroughly enjoyed working in his group, he made everyone feel included. He was a gentleman and an amazingly low key professional who dealt with day to day business with knowledge infused with humor.  I still miss him passing by my desk on the way out, when he would pat the doorframe and say goodnight.

Thank you for sharing him with us.

Adrienne Kisko


When I think of memories of Uncle Gord, I few always come to mind that make me smile and bring back positive thoughts. I always think back to when I was a little boy and driving to visit the family, we would get out of the car and walk in to be welcome by the comments “did you pee on my highway?”. I would immediately laugh and not really understand what he meant by “his” highway but of course always admitting the truth to the fact we regularly did when we travelled.  Or met with comments around “who’s your girlfriend?’ or “I heard you have a girlfriend?” all in hopes to play around with us and have a laugh. 

I use these memories as key examples of how he was a fun example of what an uncle should be. As an adult you regularly look back in life to example of great people to emulate when you end up in similar situations or roles in life, he was a great example for me. As an adult, I truly enjoyed sitting with Uncle Gord and discussing his career and learning from him as a mentor. His stories and opinions have been a great source of learning for me, as we both worked in the Government. He was always someone I looked to as an example to strive towards in my career and used his experience as positive role model for me.

Thank you for the great memories and mentorship, you have had and will always have an impact in my life in some way and you will truly be missed by all of us. To the Zack family, I am so sorry for the loss of your Father, Brother, Son and Husband. 


My heart goes out to you and your family, Lori, with love and deepest sympathy - a devastating loss as your mourn your beloved Gordon, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Gordon’s rich legacy as a loving family man, a dear friend, a wonderful boss and colleague, and so much more will be treasured in the hearts of everyone who knew him. Gordon’s death reaches far and wide and he will be deeply missed. As you mourn, I give thanks to God for Gordon’s life and love and everything he meant to each one of you. Precious memories! Eternal love!

God of comfort! I pray that God will reveal Himself in powerful ways that I can’t even imagine or ask for. 

With love and prayers and deepest sympathy, Cheryl and Rob Balay, Athabasca 

Dear Lori and family, 

I am another one of Gordon’s former colleagues at the Twin. I’m sorry to hear of this very sad news. It was such a privilege and joy to work with Gordon and see him every day. We used to joke near his retirement that our division’s goal was to find a way to download the entirety of Gordon’s brain before he left us. He was so knowledgeable and warm and funny, and always willing to impart wisdom and assistance to younger ones like me, and we were all very lucky to get to know him. I send my wishes of comfort and love to you and the family. 

Jinting 

My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather.
I knew Gordon throughout my career with Alberta Transportation at the various postings that Gord had.  I was one of "those" people from the Twin Atria but Gordon always had time whenever I showed up on inspections or other business.
I shall remember Gord especially when he came into the Twin especially last early morning coffees'  when a number of us discussed pensions, politics,  families and even occasionally
work 
 When the board cribbage commenced it was always a scramble to make sure that you got there before other staff to make sure that you were able to play.  And the trash talk that went on during the games was awesome.  Gord held his own with the best of the trash 
 talkers.  
When the "retirees breakfasts" started it was always great to see Gord there as he could keep us entertained  and he liked to push a few buttons on certain topics.  I was looking forward to seeing him again at these breakfasts once Covid 19 had subsided.
He was very proud of his family and I could see that he was a great husband, father and grandfather.




Dear Lori and families 
We were so sorry to hear of Gord’s passing!  We remember such good times in Hees Estates. Heather and Megan had a close friendship. From curling to pranks with the old station wagon, Gord enjoyed life and was a good friend. He will be missed by all who knew him. Take care of yourselves. We are thinking of you!💕

To Lori and Family,

I was deeply saddened to have learnt of Gordon's passing.  

It seems like yesterday we were together at the U of A computer building  late into the night trying de-bug some Fortran output looking for "0"s which were supposed to be "O"s.

For me, Gordon made student life a bit more more bearable no matter how late we were with our assignments, or how obscure  the subject matter was or how  little had we prepared ourselves  for the exam next day.    I will always cherish these memories.

My heartfelt condolences to Lori, your daughters and their families.  

Marv Cherniawski
Class of '78, U of A Civil Engineering

We were very shocked and saddened to hear of Gord’s passing.  We will sincerely miss his friendly presence  at the Petroleum Club.  Our warmest condolences to his family.  

So very sad to hear of the loss of Gordon Zack and express our deepest sympathy and condolences to his whole family. We are all praying for you.  

We have so many fond memories of our time as next door neighbours in Athabasca on Champagne Drive.  No fences between homes and always welcoming and friendly to our whole family, we remember Gordon as a loving neighbour, family man and human being.   May he rest in peace and may your family be comforted during such a difficult time.  

Sincerely, 

Wan Mo, Myung Soon, Andrew and Jonathan Chung


Uncle Gord, heaven is lucky to have you, though, for us, it feels far too soon. I know that you have all of the angels laughing with your “good” dad jokes- I still find myself in awe that they never repeated.
I will forever cherish the visits and laughs I got with you. I feel so blessed to of had you as an uncle and been able to receive the love you shared with the ones around you. It does not do it justice to say that you will be forever missed. 

Auntie Lori, Meghan & Brian, Caitlin & Matt, and Taryn & Kevin, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Love 
Robyn Coon

My sincerest condolences to Gord's family.
I knew Gord from the Twin and we sometimes curled together and against each other, he was fond of telling me what I was doing wrong!
Gord always had a twinkle in his eyes and a mischievous smile.
He loved to banter with everyone and was always fun to be around.
Taken too soon.
 Rest in Peace Gord, you were  a special man.

Georgina Carmichael



Condolences to the Zack family from Gords’ old Athabasca curling buddies.

To Gordon's family:  I had the pleasure of working with Gordon for several years at Alberta Transportation in the mid-2000s.  He was a helpful and supportive colleague who was always willing to meet with me, listen to my comments, answer my many questions about the business and help in any way he could.  My sympathy on the loss of this kind and generous man.

The news of Gordon's passing was a complete shock. I met Gordon when he came to Athabasca back in the mid eighties. We travelled to Wabasca a few times  for work  on  projects there, plus we we were involved on other projects for Alberta Transportation. Gordon always was  a voice of reason and common sense .  After my retirement , which Gordon attended on behalf of the deputy minister I managed to see Gordon once in awhile. We always had our war stories to discuss where we could always have a laugh.  I will miss those unscheduled meetings and those  talks.  I had a great respect for Gordon and his opinions. I wish to express my sincere condolences to Gordon's family and may he rest in peace. 

Big Brother,
Gone way to soon, what are we going to do now. I suppose I'll have to go out a buy a Bruins Jersey and support them in your memory(cant believe I just said that). Who am I going to have a beer with next time I'm in Stony. I understand their is a fresh case waiting for us to share in your memory. It was supposed to be with you when you got better. It will still be with you as we sit around and share all the great memories. I'll remember all the advice you gave me, how to be a good dad, take care of my family you always said. I can only hope I do half the job you did with yours. If I do that I have a done a great job. You trusted me even though I was the crazy Uncle to your kids. Driving to Athabasca to take Meghan and her friends to see Meatloaf in Edmonton. Still cant believe you let me do that! Our trip to Aggie land I will never forget. Golfing at the petroleum club. So many great memories. There should have been so many more to be made.No matter  where life takes us now you will always be there, beside me and guiding me.
Rest in Peace

What a shock to hear of Gordon’s passing. I first got to know Gordon when he became Operations Manager in Athabasca while I worked in Barrhead Regional Office. He went on to work out of Stony Plain as Operations Manager and then on to “The Twin”.  Although we didn’t know each other well, he would always ask how I was doing and ask me to “bring him up to date” on everything in Barrhead.   He was a great listener and always talked about his wife and kids and their achievements.   Gordon will be deeply missed by so many former colleagues that his memory will always be remembered.  My sincerest condolences to Lori and extended families. 

Strewth. Utterly shocked and saddened to learn of the news. 

I was privileged to have been taken in by the family during my exchange year in Canada (30 years ago!) and it was not only an experience that gave me fond memories , but was a time which helped me witness the amazing bond of togetherness that came from a respectful and joyful family unit I felt fortunate to be part. 

I’m not going to be unique when I say Gord was a humble, jovial and witty bloke all rolled into one thoughtful package. I saw him as the ideal role model of what it is to be a loving husband and dedicated father, and I can only hope to replicate that as I go about my own journey. He certainly epitomised all the values, principles and approach to life that more people should strive for. 

He introduced me to the delights of throwing a rock down a sheet of ice and showed me there was more to a broom than meets the eye; although on the flip side I’m not sure he ever believed you didn’t need some sort of safety kit to play rugby or Aussie Rules – probably even less convinced after getting him to come along to a Wallabies match.

My heartfelt condolences to everyone across there, my heart hurts with you all. I know you'll always carry the special moments and cherished memories with you (and there are bucket loads!) - he lived life so beautifully and is never more than a thought away.

Toodle-oo Gord, I’ll raise several pints in your honour.

My deepest condolences.  
It didn’t matter if you were having a bad day or not, Gordon would always make the day brighter
Rest In Peace!

Hello Lori,  We were sad to see Gordon's obituary in the Edmonton Journal.  You may not remember us, but we were your neighbors in Hees Estates in Athabasca.  Our daughter, Lynne played with Meghan and you tutored Lynne for a while.  
Ivan remembers a story about Gordon and the guys in that neighborhood.  Gordon, Arnold, Ivan and Don Bruce were to attend a party, (at Arnold and Millie's house) but Don did not show up (he was a little ill from a party the night before).  So, Gordon, Arnold and Ivan went into Don's garage and turned his car sideways right close to his garage door.   Next morning, when Don was ready to leave for work, he had to inch his car back and forth until he could drive it out.  The guys had a good laugh about what they had done.  I remember what good neighbors you and Gordon were in Athabasca, and the good times we all had,  but eventually everyone in the group left.  
We wish to let you know how sorry we are to see that Gordon passed away at such an early age.  Please accept our condolences.  

My sincere  condolences to all of Gordon’s family.   

Gordon was a guy who knew how to laugh yet take his job seriously. Always enjoyed the short stops by the front desk to say hello or share a joke at AT. No doubt will be missed by many who shared his time.

 It is often said that the good leave us far too early and this has never been more true than with Gordon's passing. I met Gordon at Alberta Transportation where I was privileged to meet and work with many very kind, caring, and supportive people. Gordon was one at the top of that list. He had a quiet, unassuming manner but there was no doubt about how much he cared about people. His calming influence was ever present no matter the situation or the difficult times that we had to navigate through. It was always evident how much Gordon loved his wife and family and never more so than when he proudly shared the accomplishments of his daughters.   The memory of this man and his quiet dignity shall remain with me and all who had the fortune to encounter this man in their life journey.  My deepest sympathy and condolences to the Zack family. You have lost a precious soul who graced us all with his presence.  

Uncle Gord you will be forever missed! I can’t help think of the many times growing up our family would come visit and the first thing you would bug me about was if I had any girlfriends! It was very embarrassing, especially when I was 24. 

When Mel and I got married it didn’t take long before your charm worked on her as well. We were fortunate enough to have you and auntie Lori come to Mexico to celebrate our wedding with the family.

Uncle Gord m, you will be always in our hearts.  Auntie Lori if you, or anyone from the Zack family needs anything please let us know. You have our deepest condolences.

Love,

Darren and Melanie Coon

I met Gord at the Petroleum Golf Club. He introduced himself to me one morning and we became good friends quickly.  Gord brought out the trash talker in me. I've never enjoyed golf more than when I played with him. Whether we were hassling staff at the club or each other the course, it was always fun and in good fun.

I will miss him dearly.

 Lori, I am so so sorry for your loss. A great guy gone way too soon!

Grew up with Gordon in Peace River where my brother and him were almost inseparable. Dave and Gord were Best man at each of their weddings. Gord was so much more than work and he will be missed at the curling rink and on the golf course.

Rest In Peace Gord, you will be missed.

Deepest condolences to Laurie and all the Zack family.

Gordon and Lori moved their young family to Athabasca in 1983 when Alberta Transportation appointed Gordon as District Transportation Engineer, Athabasca District. He was my boss until his departure to Edmonton head office in 1995 as Executive Director. His warm and invigorating personality and "unique" management style quickly pulled together a great team in Athabasca and away we went for the next 12 years.  He was a respected representative of the department and contributed much to this community through his volunteer work. He was a charter member of the Rotary club of Athabasca and sat on numerous boards such as the golf club, curling club (of course). His positive impact to our community cannot be overstated. We had some great times at AT working with Mr. Z in Region 5, Distict9 and he will be missed.

Howard Peterson

I am saddened to hear of the sudden loss of life of such an amazing father, husband and more.  I'll always remember Mr. Zack and his happy go-lucky annual weekend visits to Aggieland with his brother.  I don't think I would be overselling it if I said he was Canada's greatest fan of Aggie Athletics.  I along with others won't ever forget the fun filled weekends and the way he would spoil Meg and her friends at the football games and at meals around town.  For these and many more generous moments, I am grateful.  Prayers for peace and healing for the entire Zack Family. Sent with love and appreciation for a life well lived.   Clara

I am greatly saddened and shocked by Gordon's passing. I had the priviledge of knowing Gordon through our work together at Alberta Transportation and our many years of curling together.  While we didn't have a lot of success at the curling rink we almost always had a good time and shared a pint or two after the games.  My deepest condolences to his family and friends.  He will be missed.  

What can I say about Gordon.  I  knew him for all of my career with Alberta Transportation.  

When someone said "Go talk to Gordon", no matter where you were in the department you knew who they meant.

I was fortunate enough to work with him on a number of projects and he was always dedicated to the work.  He always had a myriad of stories to draw on and an endless list of people he knew.  He was extraordinary and utterly humble about himself.  

He was extremely proud of his family, his daughters, grandchildren and of course his wife Lori.  He was very dedicated to them and he always shrugged off his efforts, whatever it was, with that silly grin of his.  As if to say, 'Yeah, I know but I love doing this'.

Nobody EVER had anything but positive remarks about him.   Just a super solid man.

He was my supervisor from time to time, a valued mentor and advisor, an occasional nuisance (a role he treasured)  a close colleague and a true and loyal friend.  He was absolutely a role model to copy.

I missed working with him when he left the department but he and I kept contact as best as we could.   I miss him more now.

God Bless you Gordon, and thank you.

In my 35 year career with Alberta Transportation and the ensuing 7 years contracting back to various AT offices, I had the privilege to work for a number of excellent “bosses” who were more like team mates. Gordon Zack was one such person who was also a tremendous human being. When I started working in Stony Plain District office in 1997, Gordon (or Zack as he was affectionately known), was more of a mentor than a boss. Prior to then, I knew of Gordon, but it was after that day that I really grew to know Gordon. As many others have noted, his guidance was based on calm, reasoned approach as he always tried to find a way through challenges rather than overcoming them. His love of Lori and his children seemed unmatched - and then he became a grandfather. His ever present smile whenever I encountered him at the office in Stony Plain or later in the hallways of “The Twin” were almost always followed by friendly teasing and banter about “those oilers of yours” vs. my “mighty Bruins”.
When I remember Gordon, I will not remember how he passed so much as I will remember how he lived - with calm dignity, mischievous fun and love of family. Kids Sport is a fitting charitable organization to choose in lieu of flowers - typical Zack. 


I was sad to hear of Gordon’s passing. I worked with his father years ago and always found Gordon to be a very conscientious and loyal employee. I believe I was partially responsible for getting him his job with Transportation. It was wonderful to see many of the old familiar names sending their condolences to Gordon’s family. I still miss you all.
Leon Root

I was so shocked to learn of Gordon's passing and the first thing to come to mind is how unpredictable life is and how much he loved and often spoke about Lori and the kids.  He was my boss when he first became Executive Director at the Twin and I could always go to him for advice or just to chat even after a rough day. I don't ever recall him getting upset no matter what and he was always a calming and go to person.  I am so sorry to hear of Gordon's untimely passing.  Rest in Peace.

My deepest condolences  to all of Gordon’s family.  His passing was a big shock; he will be missed.

Rest easy my cousin. - Our family history search will continue.  

I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Gordon's passing.
I met Gordon when I started working with Alberta Transportation & Utilities in 1994.  I worked in Human Resources and Gordon was working out of the Athabasca office.  Over the  next 12 years, he and I worked on many projects together.  There were difficult projects and very rewarding projects and through them all Gordon took a very balanced approach, always remaining calm and supportive.  He had a wonderful sense of humour and was such a pleasure to work with.  He was the "go to guy" if I needed assistance on any  number of issues.
Even after I left Alberta Transportation, Gordon I  managed to keep in touch  (including the retirees breakfasts) and we always had a good visit and got  caught up on our families and retirement life.  He was so very proud of all of his family.  
I am grateful for having the privilege of knowing Gordon and I shall treasure the memories. In the days ahead I am hoping that your many happy memories will give you comfort.  May Gordon rest in peace.



My deepest condolences to you on your loss.  I was shocked to hear of Gordon's passing.   Your dad hired me with Transportation and I worked with Gordon for years.  He will be missed.


My sincere condolences to Gordon’s family for his untimely loss. 
I first met Gordon up in High Level when I started out as the Office Administrator and he was always able to offer sound advice.
After a few other postings, Gordon became the Operations Manager in Stony Plain and his mantra was always “Don you worry too much!” And he was right.
We had a rivalry going with me bring a fan of the Oilers and he was a fan of the Boston Bruins. Had some good laughs over this.
As most everyone has said, Gordon cared deeply about his family and would often give us updates about their accomplishments,

Gordon rose through the ranks and eventually became an Executive Director in the Twin Atria.

I’m happy to say that I rarely thought of Gordon as a boss, but more as a friend who would listen no matter what the problem was

Gordon will be sorely missed by this old guy and I know that I will think of him
often in the coming days and years

Rest easy my friend....

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Gord's passing. 
There are so many memories of Don's time working with Gord at Transportation,  and on the ice at curling. 
Know our thoughts our with the family at this time. 

I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Gordon’s passing. 

Gordon hired me in Stony Plain as an MCI where he taught me so many thinks about work and the importance of family. I will never forget his caring and compassionate ways as well as his great sense of humour. I left his office many times laughing and scratching my head. Even after his move into the “Twin” he always had time to meet for coffee and genuinely ask about my life and family. I will never forget the great and caring man he was. 

My deepest condolences to Gordon’s family and friends for their loss. 

I am so sorry to hear about Gordon's passing. Please let me know if there is anything that Joan and I can do to help.

Leith

It is really  sad news to hear of Gord's passing.  

I first met Gord at the U of A in the early 70's with an introduction from his brother Bruce who was a floor mate of mine in residence.  

Little did I know we would become colleagues many years later in Grande Prairie.  We both transferred there after the retirement of the long term District Engineer in a challenging economic time.  His calm, unflappable demeanor coupled with excellent judgement, common sense and sense of humor always resulted an a better outcome for the challenges we faced.  I was extremely please when Gord won the promotion to District Engineer in Athabasca.

I was also pleased when we once again we became team members for the highway maintenance contracting project.  The team motto was "This is an impossible task; that is why we were asked to do it".   And the project was delivered successfully; due in no small part to Gord's abilities and talents.

Since then, I think about Gord regularly and how much he has contributed to and shaped my life.  You will be missed, both as a friend and a colleague.  

I remember Gordon as being a kind and patient man with a contagious laugh, who took the time to listen and provide advice on work related or personal issues. 

Years ago while visiting the AB Transportation office, he pointed out my cell phone and told me to treat email like regular post mail. That I shouldn’t always respond as quickly as it arrived. That we were human and employers can’t expect us to be available 24/7.    He told me to enjoy life and not let work consume me.  Wise words from a wise man. 

My deepest condolences to his family and friends for their loss.    May all of  your treasured memories of Gordon remain in your hearts forever. 



So sorry for your loss.  Gordon was a good man.

Spent many an evening with Gordon at Grouard reviewing the days classes and planning the following day over a glass or two of whiskey.  I can see him sitting across the room starting his conversation with “all I can say is”.

And later when they had moved to Stony Plain getting out and about to different golf courses for a weekly golf outing.

Gordon was a great guy, loved his family very much and talked about their accomplishments constantly.   He was proud of all of them.  And he was a pretty good golfer as well.

Rest In Peace.  



I got to know Gord first at the cribbage table in 2010 (oh, the competitiveness and trash talks at that table were hilarious!) and then worked under him for 3 years before his retirement in 2015.  He was the Executive Director while I was a lowly young engineer with a young family. He often told me about his time as district engineer, knew everything, broke all the rules, gave funny career/family advices, etc.  He was just so funny, so approachable, never got offended with anything. Even after retiring, he still got in touch and went for lunch with me and his staff a few times a year. I always had a great time with Gord. It was my privilege getting to know and be friend with such a gentleman.  I miss him dearly.

Attached is a cribbage table with all the players.  He is of course the King!

Gord's poised and calm demeaner gave him the uncanny ability to settle nerves so that folks around him could be their very best.  I will forever remember his humour and candor when he welcomed "this Brit" into Regional Services Division.  

Rest in peace Gord.

So sorry for your loss. Gordon's laughter, and smile and easy going personality made him an amazing person and boss.  He will truly be missed.

Wendy from Alberta Transportation.

OBITUARIO

Gordon David Zack

Falleció en 3 NOVIEMBRE, 2020

Parkland Funeral Services

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