Obituary of Gord Roxsbey Henchall

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gord Henchall at the age of 83 years.  He is survived by his wife Loesha, daughters Shairole (Malcom Albery), Sandra (Len Desmet), Donalie Henchall, and Loreya Montayne; his sister Greta Parker and sister in law Doreen Henchel.  Also left to mourn are grandchildren, Sierra Albery, Bryce Albery, Taggart Desmet (Jeanette), Tristan Periard (Mike), Braden Desmet (Tracy), Keenan Desmet (Kylie); great grandchildren, Timbree, Weston, Shelby, Dasan, Maizan, Kroy, Rhys, Jolie, and Rhett as well as many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his son Gord Jr., brothers Gerry Henchel, Clarence Henchel and his wife Loretta, sister Lorna and husband Gene Price, brother in law Bob Parker, and his parents George and Louise Henchel.
 

Dad was born in Medicine Hat Aug. 22 1935 to parents George August Henchel & Louise Marie Charet. He was raised on the ranch NE of Medicine Hat and was schooled on the ranch with neighboring families and ranch hands. He told of many fond memories growing up with his brothers and sisters. I remember stories told where his dad was commissioned to provide horses for the US army from his vast herd. He had a grey mare that had a bell around her neck and she would lead the other horses across the river, then they would send her back across and they would continue on the trail to the rail line in Medicine Hat. There were also the stories of using the Henchel stock for the Medicine Hat Stampede and trailing them there.

Dad married his high school sweetheart Loesha Loran and moved to Calgary to work for Westinghouse. He was transferred to Edmonton where they had Shairole in 1954. They then moved back to Calgary where they grew their family, Gord Jr. in 1957, Sandra in 1959, Donalie in 1961. They had many foster children over the years and they must have thought the house wasn't full enough so came Lorea in 1970 and she became the glue to our family.
Westinghouse, once again in the mid 70's took him back to Edmonton for a few years then back to Calgary, where he decided with his brother in law Bill Shields, to open their own electrical wholesale business, Zeal Electric. That was a family affair as, mom worked in the office, Sandra drove delivery truck and we all went in after hours to clean. Dad & Bill sold the business and dad not able to be idle for long started another business, Western Canadian Agency. Dad & Mom moved to Vancouver where they ran a small business and both got their Real Estate License. It wasn't long and they returned to Calgary and semi retired until Dad decided to help out Shairole and Malcolm at ZIRCO selling oilfield equipment. He was on the road every week and was unstoppable in his efforts to provide everything and anything customers were needing. 

They spent many happy years at their winter home in Mesa with Gerry & Doreen, and Greta and Bob Parker.

Dad and Mom were always close by when the grandchildren started arriving, to babysit or cheer on their sports teams. Sometimes even having to play goalie for a lawn game of soccer or a hockey game in the kitchen. Dad came out to the Desmet farm on occasion to help with the harvest and both he and mom were on hand for brandings. They never missed a birthday or special occasion. Dad coached minor league football and hockey, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, he loved playing cards, golfing, he was known for his dry wit and humor, but loved most, spending time with family and friends.

After son Gord Jr.'s passing, Dad's health started to fail and he was moved into Sagewood Care Center in Strathmore. He passed away peacefully.

If you wish, you can make a donation to Dad's favorite charity, the Alberta Diabetes Foundation (www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com or 8602 - 112 Street, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E1)

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Strathmore United Church at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon and celebration of life to follow.