Gordon Modien

Gordon Ross Modien of Swift Current, and formerly of Simmie, surrounded by family passed away on 2021 March 14 at The Meadows.  Gordon will be missed by his wife of 57 years (Elizabeth LEONA Miriam, née Schwartz), his 3 sons:  Landon/Monti (Tesfaye Hunde) of Calgary; Shaynee of Swift Current [Hayley, Carson (Saskatoon)], and Niki (Krista Dueck) - Addison, Leahana of Saskatoon; elder brother, Lawrence of Edmonton; and his many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Gordon is predeceased by his 2 elder brothers, Minard and Edwin (Eddie).
Gordon was born 1935 August 20 at the Ross Nursing Home in Shaunavon to Tora (Thora) Helene Brække [Brekka, Norway] and Arthur (Modin) Modien [Comstock, MN]. Gordon was raised on the Norin Farm, and attended Stone Farm School and Klara Lutheran Church. Growing up together, Gordon was life-long friends with his cousins, Earl and Glen Modien, and his side-kick, Gordie Olson. Gordon's first job off his Dad's farm was working for Gust Bäckström. In 1957, Gordon moved to Swift Current to work with a number of construction firms including Rittinger's and Knutson; and helped construct many of the major buildings in Swift Current and area. In 1959, Gordon began carpentry at the Saskatoon Technical School and completed at the Moose Jaw Technical School. In 1962, Gordon obtained his journeyman carpenter's and inter-provincial licence. Gordon married Leona on 1963 Oct 11 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church. They soon moved to be hired hands at Earl Nicholson's farm (Morse). In 1966, they moved to Simmie where Gordon delivered bulk fuel for the Simmie Co-op, and later worked for the R.M. of Bone Creek. In 1973, the family moved to Swift Current where Gordon came to own and operate Humphrey Alumiglaze (window and screen door) Mfg. Later, Gordon worked for the SK Liquor Board Store in Swift Current, Allied Hardware, hardware department of Pioneer Co-op, and maintenance department of Swift Current Mall. He very much enjoyed working at the Mall, and continued part-time, relief work until he was 82. Gordon's work also included the MacLeod's store in Meadow Lake; construction crew by Burstall; farm labourer, drove school bus, had his own carpentry business undertaking countless renovation contracts and building yard fences, and even sold Fuller Brush products.
To know Gordon was to appreciate his Scandinavian humour and jokes (punny!!) and that he very much appreciated time with friends and family, especially on his daily coffee rounds. In his younger years, he attended many local dances and community events. He actively supported the school and extra-curricular activities of his growing boys. Whether in town or in the country, he always did enjoy taking long drives around to see what was new. In his later years, Gordon was always on the go keeping active with card games, taking the casino bus to other places, auctions, garage sales, refinishing furniture, camping, and attending community events from parades, picnics in the park, the kite competition, and ice-cream and pie at Doc's Town. 
Both Gordon and Leona were very active in the lives of their grandchildren, Hayley and Carson, attending school events and being school transport. In his last years, Gordon particularly enjoyed the visits of his youngest granddaughters, Addison and Leahana.
At Gordon's request no funeral will be held. Gordon said he just wanted people to share a smile and a good, heart-felt laugh over a coffee/tea. At a later date a picnic will be organized in the Southside Park (Swift Current). Gordon always expressed how much he appreciated staff at The Meadows and in particular how amazing everyone in Pod 21 cared for him and Leona.  Memorial donations in Gordon's memory may be made to Doc's Town, c/o Swift Current Ag and Ex, Box 146, Swift Current, SK S9H 3V5.
 Warren's Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy on the family tribute wall.

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