Gordon Bettles passed away peacefully at Piccadilly Care Centre in Salmon Arm, B.C. on July 28, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Born in Seaforth, Ontario, he married Helen in 1952 and they went west to BC shortly after. They arrived in Haney in 1954 planning to stay for a short while that somehow turned into 15 years before moving to Salmon Arm in 1969.
Self-employed for most of his working life Gordon was a big strong hard-working man with a loud voice and piercing whistle that made the kids come running. Trained as a finishing carpenter, Gordon built and renovated countless houses at the coast and in the Shuswap. He did it all from foundation to roof including design and cabinetry, and later branched out into subdivision and gravel pit development. He and Helen also operated a fibreglassing business for 8 years, weatherproofing many sundecks in the Shuswap. In 1992 they moved to 108 Mile Ranch for 6 years before returning to Salmon Arm.
Gordon was an avid hunter and fisherman, often providing wild game and catches for the dinner table. Helen and Gordon spent many happy hours with family and friends camping in everything from tent to motorhome, with most travels focused on discovering the many sights of Canada.
Gordon is survived by Helen, his wife of 64 years, children June Stewart, Brenda Mason (Lorne), and Brian (Jane), grandsons Jeremy Anderberg, James Stewart (Lauren), Gordan and Andrew Bettles, granddaughter Ashley Stewart, and great-granddaughter Sadie Stewart.
No service by request but an afternoon social will be held on Saturday August 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Salmon Arm Lawn Bowling Club, 691 28 Street NE to exchange stories and memories of Gordon’s life. He will be remembered by the Bettles subdivision and Bettles gravel pit in Gleneden that bear his name.
The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Piccadilly Care Centre for their care of Gordon over the last 16 months. Donations may be made to BC Wildlife Federation in his memory and condolences can be shared at fischersfuneralservices.com