Obituary of Gordon Paul Kaun

1930 – 2022

It is with heavy hearts and fond memories we say goodbye to Gordon Kaun who passed away peacefully on January 16, 2022, just a few weeks shy of his 92^nd birthday. Gordon was the second youngest of seven children born on the family farm near Middle Lake, SK. Gord worked hard on the farm right from a young age, learning skills he would take with him into adulthood. As a young man, Gord left the farm with his brother Stan, and they travelled across provinces to go work in various industries in Ontario. He eventually found his way back to the prairies after gaining work and life experience. 

Dad met the love of his life, Irene Paulson, in Saskatoon while apprenticing to be an electrician. Irene was there attending nursing school. Dad literally swept Mom off her feet as they danced the night away the evening they met. They married on July 5^th, 1958. Gordon and Irene moved to Mom’s hometown of Cranbrook in 1961 where they raised five children. Mom and Dad have been blessed with 11 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who have all been fortunate to enjoy special relationships and quality time with their “Poppa and Nana.”

Gord was proud of obtaining his electrical ticket, despite only completing formal education up to grade 8. He eventually formed and ran his own company, “Key City Electric” for years in Cranbrook. He loved his trade and enjoyed discussing his years of work long after he retired. 

Dad always said he had three families: his wife Irene, children and relatives, his church family, and his sports family. Gordon was a founding member of Cranbrook’s Mt. Zion Lutheran Church and was active his entire adult life, enjoying golfing, bowling, and curling right into his late 80’s. 

Gordon was always there for his family, his main priority and joy in life. Every year he made sure we went on a long holiday, usually to visit relatives in Alberta and Saskatchewan, piling into the family station wagon often pulling a trailer behind. A highlight we all remember was going to Disneyland one summer. The hours of videos he captured over the years prove that his family was his true focus in life. 

Dad had a passion for learning. It amazed all of us how well he could navigate the Internet. He enjoyed “keeping his mind sharp” by enjoying YouTube, checking out Facebook, watching Jeopardy and Family Feud, and doing puzzles, namely Sudoku. Gord also enjoyed listening to music and had a natural talent for playing the accordion, guitar and harmonica. 

Gordon is survived by his wife Irene; children Lori (Bill), Darrell (Joan), Barb (Les), Brian (Diana), Sandra (Pat); grandchildren Amy (Noll), Jake (Josh), C.J. (Sheena), Jenn (Kjol), Tegan (Andrew), Brett, Sarah (Sean), Melissa (Simon), Daniel, Taylor, and Katie (Ryley); and great-grandchildren Brady, Ayla, Lochlan, Axen, Avaya, Huxley, Hailey, Erik, Jayce, and Ryker; brother and sister-in-law Vaughan and Karen Paulson, sister-in-law Faye Younghusband and many nieces and nephews.  

In Dad’s last year he especially looked forward to and appreciated the drives with his buddy Jack Sandberg, who holds a special place in all our hearts. We are thankful for those who cared for Dad during his final hours at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital. We know he felt blessed and at peace. We will all miss Dad’s positive outlook on life, his never-ending encouraging words, and his infectious smile. 

A Celebration of Dad’s Life will be April 2, 2022 at Mount Zion Lutheran at 11:00 am In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com