FRANCIS *GORDON* MIRTLE
"POPS"

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of "POPS" on Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at the Kamloops Hospice House.

Gordie is survived by his wife June, of 65 years, sons Gary (Sharon) and Brian (Susan), daughters Lynn (Alec) Hawkey, and Penny (Glen) Lamont; his grandchildren Brett (Tracey) Mirtle, Jennifer Mirtle, James (Vanessa) Mirtle, Derrik Mirtle, Michelle (Tim) Teshima, Chris (Lilac) Hawkey, Graham (Anna) Lamont, and Candice (Ben) Lamont. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren.

Gordie was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on February 4th, 1926 to Henry and Rose Mirtle. He met June in Vancouver while he was working at Dairyland. They married in 1946 while he was playing for the Vancouver Whitespots Hockey Team. Gordie's passion was playing hockey. He later played for the Kelowna Packers. He played hockey in Washington and Los Angeles. With young children on the way, he realized that he needed a full time job to support his family. Gordie started a career with the CNR in Kamloops in 1952. This lasted until his retirement January 10, 1986.

Gordie enjoyed many years of curling at the Kamloops Curling Club, as well as being out in the sunshine at the Kamloops Golf and Country Club. He shot his age (72) at the Kamloops Golf Course (quite an amazing feat that few have ever managed). Gordie and June spent many years going "south" to their "Arizona Abode" where Dad continued to golf, play shuffleboard, square dance, play pool and enjoy the many "happy hours"!

Gordie was a Lifetime Member of the Kamloops Elks BPOE. He was also a long time member of the Kamloops Golf and Country Club and the Kamloops Curling Club.

The family would like to thank Dr. Howie for all his compassion, care and guidance. Also many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House.

A "Celebration of Life" for Gordie will be held on Saturday, March 17th, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the Schoening Funeral Chapel with the Reverend Sandra Sugden officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops, BC, V2E 2S9 would be appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at www.schoenings.com

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, 513 Seymour Street.