1950 - 2007
Longtime Cariboo resident Gordie Brownell passed away peacefully April 28, 2007 after a very brave battle with cancer. His indomitable spirit never wavered and inspired his family and friends through the trying times of his illness. Gordie was born in Surrey, B.C. on Jan. 26, 1950, but soon felt the lure of the Cariboo and moved to Williams Lake, B.C. in 1976. Still looking for nirvana, Gordie and his soulmate Paulette found their bit of paradise in Bradley Creek, B.C. in 1978. One move was still in store when they eventually built on Ruth Lake, B.C. He was a great sportsman and had the special knack of enticing all varieties of fish to bite his hook. The coho and spring salmon at Bella Coola will be in a quandary this year when his famous flies fail to appear. Gordie started with Safeway in 1966 and had enjoyed 32 years of employment when he and his now workmate Paulette decided to become entrepreneurs. They became B.C. Park Operators and didn’t look back. When you had a conversation with Gordie, you always walked away feeling optimistic about everything. Gordie was a dedicated family man who will be greatly missed by his wife Paulette; children Anna, Wayne (Carey), and Andrew; brothers Pat and Bruce and sisters Barb, Wanda and Marilyn. Gordie loved his grandchildren and will always be known as Papa to Geordyn, Jarrett, Jeremy, Haylie and Ethan. He is also survived by his mother Mrs. ‘B’ and was predeceased by his father Edwin. A celebration of his life will be held on May 12 at 1:30 p.m. in the Forest Grove Community Hall.
No flowers by request. Donations in Gordie’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.