Dr. Gordon George Beesley
June 22, 1909-May 5, 2009
After a long, productive and fulfilling life, one month short of his 100th birthday Gordon passed away Tuesday May 5th peacefully and surrounded by his family. He was born on the family farm in the Marlborough district north of Moose Jaw the son of Billy and Stella Beesley. He spent his early years on the farm until his father suggested he should pursue interests other than farming. That was the beginning of a long and rewarding career in dentistry. He pursued his dental degree at the U of Toronto graduating in 1932. He spent the next two in post graduate study at the Eastman Childrens’ Dental clinic in Rochester NY further honing his skills. He returned to Moose Jaw in 1934 and established his practice. When World War II broke out he enlisted in the Canadian Dental Corps and was stationed in Regina and Camp Borden. Eventually he met and married the love of his life Janet Marlatt in 1943, the beginning of a wonderful 53 year marriage. Gordon was a dedicated professional and his patients were his focus. He was a past president of the Moose Jaw and District Dental Society on several occasions and was a proud Life Member of the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan having practiced for a total of 57 years retiring at the age of 79. One of his dreams was to build an office building with the latest equipment and office design on the market. At the age of 68 he was the driving force behind the financing and construction of a new dental office that he enjoyed for another 11 years. He and Janet were avid duplicate bridge players and attended many tournaments in Canada and the U.S. They also spent many happy times traveling and vacationing in Cuba, Maui, the Barbados and the southern states and Mexico where he introduced the grandchildren to Puerto Vallarta which became a very special place with all of our family. He spent many hours at the Hillcrest Sports Center and was an avid golfer until he had to give it up at age 89. As one of the original settlers on the south shore of Buffalo Pound Lake his cabin became a special place of refuge that to this day is revered in our family. We all have special memories of many fun times at the lake culminating with his 99th birthday party last year with all of his family present. Gordon was a firm believer in life long learning and applied education. As a strong willed person he freely offered his opinion without being asked. Sometimes shocking in his remarks, he always told the truth from his perspective. His wisdom could be summarized in a few thoughts: get a good education and enjoy what you do; work hard and look after yourself; let your kids struggle a bit before you step in and help them out; stay current on world events and sports and speak up for what you believe in; create opportunities for your family to stay connected. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, his dear wife Janet (1996), and his sister Helen (Harold) Holdsworth. He is survived by his sister Jean (Bill) Pipes - St. Thomas, his sons Paul (Linda) and their children Jeff (Robbie) Jana (Ben); Craig (Darlene) and their children Arin (Brandy), Alyce (Nick), and his very special great-grandchildren Ethan, Morgan, Parker, Marcus and Elijah, as well as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 2p.m. in the W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Chapel, 106 Athabasca St. E., Moose Jaw. Della Ferguson will officiate. Memorialization will take place privately at Rosedale Cemetery at a later date. Those thinking of a memorial gift to honor Gordon’s life may consider a pledge for the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, Family First Radiothon, 455 Fairford St. E., Moose Jaw, S6H 1H3. In living memory of Gordon, a tree will be planted in Besant Park by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Donald Jones/Kerri Jones Funeral Directors