Twa, Gordon Lloyd
1944 – 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gordon Lloyd Twa of Coronation, Alta. on Fri. Jun. 7, 2019 at the age of 74 years.
He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.
Gordon was born on Sept. 1, 1944 in Coronation, Alta. to John and Grace Twa, the second oldest of 11 children.
He was raised on the farm in the Talbot District and attended schools in Talbot, Brownfield, Coronation and Clive.
Gordon married Lynda Milne on Jan. 20, 1967 in Coronation, Alta.
After moving to Pincher Creek, Alta., Gordon and Lynda moved to Red Deer where their first son, Talbot was born.
The family then relocated to Calgary where Gordon purchased his first welding truck.
Here, they welcomed the birth of their second son, Lee.
In April 1969, Gordon and his family embarked on a new journey to High River, Alta, opening his first welding shop and finally coming back home to Coronation in September 1970.
Another welding shop was opened shortly after, operating until 1984.
Twa’s Welding was a well-known and respected business, providing service to the surrounding area and Gordon was involved with the Coronation Elks, fire department and various community projects.
Gordon joined the Elks in 1974 and was a member for over 40 years, even serving as the Exalted Ruler from 1978-1979.
He was a volunteer fireman for 35 years, receiving a special award from the Country of Canada for his service and was one of only 180 firemen in Canada to receive this award.
Gordon continually donated time and resources to the development and upkeep of the Coronation rodeo grounds and instilled the community spirit in all his employees.
Gordon continued to operate a portable welding truck, working all over Western Canada, until 2005.
He transitioned to a consultant position and began the next chapter of his life.
Gordon and Lynda continued to travel in the United States, primarily in Arizona and Texas.
After the passing of his first wife, Lynda, in 2011, Gordon met the second love of his life, Leah Jansen Norris in Arizona.
They were married on Oct. 24, 2014, continuing to live in Coronation.
Their winters were spent in Arizona, enjoying the company of many good friends they met in Arizona, as well as fellow ‘snowbirds’ from Canada.
He enjoyed camping, fishing and playing cards and table games with family and friends.
After a lengthy battle with cancer, Gordon is now resting in peace. Although sickness robbed him of a future, he will always be remembered by those he encountered as a strong man, with a love for life.
Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Leah Twa; sons Talbot Twa of Ponoka, Alta. and Lee (Tracey) Twa of Blackfalds, Alta.; stepdaughter Shannon and two granddaughters, Danea and Shania.
He will also be fondly remembered by his three brothers, Stewart (Marjorie) Twa of Veteran, Alta., Lyle Twa of Alix, Alta. and Wayne Twa of Ponoka, Alta.
He is also remembered by his three sisters, Bernice Clausen of Stettler, Alta., Bonnie (John) Twa of Bentley, Alta., and Sherry (Doug) Twa of Ponoka, Alta., two sisters-in-law Margaret Twa and Elvia Twa, as well as multiple nieces and nephews.
Gordon was predeceased by his wife, Lynda Twa; his parents, John and Grace Twa, and his brothers, Robert, Kenneth, Charles and Stanley Twa.
A celebration of Gordon’s life was held at the Coronation Community Centre on Thurs. Jun. 13, 2019, at 1 p.m.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Arrangements were in care of Coronation Funeral Home,
Coronation, Alta. Phone: 403.578.2928.
