KROON, Gordon Franklin

KROON,Gordon Franklin

Born August 10, 1922. Died February 11, 2024

We are sad to announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather Gordon Kroon.  He left us suddenly on Sunday evening February 11th in his residence at the Prince of Peace Retirement Village.  He was surrounded by many members of his family.  Gordon was 101 years old.

Gordon was born in Standard, the second child of Frank and Hannah  (Schmutte) Kroon.  He is predeceased by his parents, his two brothers, Jean, and Babe (Harris) Kroon, his sister Wilda (Pashak), and his wife Thelma.  He is survived by his children Gerry, (Ruth) Kroon, Gail (Bryan) McKenzie and Gwen (Arthur) Tellier, his grandchildren, Sebastian, Cai’lin, Kimberly, Pamela, Chelsey, and Pascale, and great grandchildren, Isla, Daphne, Cody, Sarah, Riley, and Gage.

Gordon left home at age sixteen and worked at various jobs across the prairies over the next 16 years.  It was during this time that he met his future wife Thelma Long, in Winnipeg.  They were married in 1952 and had a wonderful marriage of 64 years until mum’s death in 2015.  Dad moved his family back to Standard in 1954 after buying the Massey Harris dealership in town.  This was the first of many successful businesses he started over the next 50 years.  He was also a real pioneer and an early proponent of continuous cropping in the area. He was very instrumental in introducing liquid fertilizer to Alberta agriculture through his company, Cascade Fertilizers.  He loved cattle and the land and was able to live his dream of ranching and farming.  

Gordon was also very community minded and served as town councillor and mayor for many years.  He was a charter member of the Standard Lions Club as well as the Big Horns Club.  Hunting and fishing were his main hobbies and he continued to do both into his nineties.   He also loved golf and was able to “shoot his age” many times.  Pretty good for a guy with only one eye!!!  Thus his nickname “Weakeyes!”

Dad was a great family man and he spent a lot of time with all of us at his cabin in Hidden Valley as well as the home at Speargrass.  He made friends easily and was always greeted with familiarity wherever he went.

The family will be having a Celebration of Life on April 6, 2024 at the Standard Community Hall from 2:00 to 5:00 PM. All are welcome.

Anyone caring to make a donation in honor of Gordon can contribute to the Wheatland Area Hospice Society at Wheatlandhospice.ca