Gordon Ernest Platt was born at the Calgary General Hospital on November 25, 1940. He was second son to Jerome and Lorraine Platt. Gordon was predeceased by both of his parents, and his siblings, Weston, Ray, Reed, Richard, Reva and Robin.
Gordon lived in various places across Alberta for most of his early life, graduating from Taber Composite High School, where he met the mother of his children, Marilyn Zelenka. He then completed the U of A teacher program, and taught school in small town Alberta, then moving with his young family to Calgary, where he completed the SAIT drafting program. He stayed in this profession for a few years, then returned to U of C to complete his Bachelor of Arts, and he eventually started his own business, Gordon Platt Realty.
Gordon enjoyed a successful career in real estate, property development and renovation for many years, working in Calgary, Saskatoon and Vancouver. He finally landed on his all consuming passion; training his beloved racehorses. This work led to his residency in many places in the US, which he dearly loved, but ultimately he returned to Canada to be with family.
Gordon always said he had a horse sense, and sometimes he was better at communicating with these grand creatures than he was with people. His daughters can attest to that – he could reel off the lineage and racing stats of all of his horses, but often forget daily details.
Remembering one of the last times we three girls were together with dad, he was thrilled to have us by his side. We recounted many happy memories, and we thanked him for all the joy and laughter he brought to our lives, and especially, for teaching us to see the goodness in ordinary things.
Gordon Ernest Platt marched to his own drummer. While he was highly intelligent, well spoken and always exercised proper manners, he was not one to follow convention. We can all recall so many stories of his wild and crazy antics. He was fiercely proud of his children and grandchildren, and will be dearly missed.
Gordon leaves behind his three daughters Kim (Rico), Sherri (Wayne), and Michelle (Ken); and his grandsons Michael and Sean; as well as his first love, Marilyn.
Special thanks to the staff at the Brentwood Care Center, where due to serious health concerns at a relatively young age, he lived for the past 15 years. As well, thanks to the many friends and family who visited him, and especially to Lydia Green, who was by his side for so many of those years.
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