Gordon was born on September 26, 1927, in Tisdale, Sask., the youngest of six children born to Albert and Lizzie Davidson. His parents moved to their quarter section at Forest View District when he was two years old. As any child growing up in those times there weren’t many luxuries, but he had many fond memories of his youth, including time spent with his family and friends made while attending Forest View School.
On November 16, 1953, he married Mary Schneider and they began their life together running a mixed farm. As many couples of this time; they worked hard physically to build up their farm and create a better life for their three children: Corinne, Cal and Tim. Gordon played an active role as a father by attending school and sporting events. Many miles were crossed transporting children and foster children to baseball, curling, and hockey games. He loved hockey, and attended many local games.
Gordon and Mary opened their home to mentor children and teenagers for 40 years. He instilled values of fairness, kindness and hard work into all his children, and later on his grandchildren, Shaun, Sarah, Lee-Anne and Tyson.Like any farm family, everyone had their chores - whether it was feeding cattle, fencing or maintaining farm equipment, there was always work to do on the farm. If you knew Gordon, you’d remember that patience was not always his best virtue. This was especially the case when herding cattle. Or if it was late night in combining season; you would dare not fall asleep, in case you missed the flashing lights of the tractor to indicate that he was ready to unload grain from the combine. But Gordon’s moments of frustration were always short lived. He was a determined man who worked hard and always took pride in accomplishments done around the farm.
Gordon was proud to have lived and raised his family in a caring farming community. He felt fortunate to have lived alongside good neighbours. He believed in a rural lifestyle. It saddened him to have witness the closure of local businesses and schools, as well as youth not being able move back to take over the family farms. He dedicated many hours to the R.M. of Bjorkdale, serving as a councillor for 18 years and Reeve for 2 years. In 2005, he received the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan honouring his many years of community work.
Gordon’s first memory of playing an instrument was at Forest View Rural School Christmas Concert with his father at age of 13 years. Social gatherings allowed him to cross paths with many musicians, including Mary’s brother, Carl Schneider in 1942. Gordon and Carl formed the C & G Boys. In 1953, this band and Montana Steve joined with E. G. Casey Shows. They toured South Eastern Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The C & G Boys had the opportunity to take their show further into the states but decided that the hard life of touring on the road was not for them and returned home.
In 1956, Gordon & Carl were reunited and a new band “The Midnite Ramblers” was formed. This band has played for countless weddings, anniversaries and dances. Over the years Gordon played and sang with too many musicians to count. Some were regulars of the band, and some just filled in. His musical career spanned over 74 years. His last music session was this past July, where he entertained at New Market Manor Nursing Home. He sang nonstop for one hour and all songs were sung from memory.
Gordon was predeceased by his parents Albert and Lizzie; his sisters Helen, Dorothy and Violet; his brothers Allan and Percy; and son Tim.
He is survived by his wife Mary; his children Corinne (Richard) and Cal (Debbie); his grandchildren Shaun (Jessie), Sarah, Lee-Anne, and Tyson; and nieces and nephews.