Obituary of Francis-Eugene-Xavier Jordan

JORDAN , Paddy 1921-2009 One of the happiest most positive men in the world passed away on the 7th of October, 2009. Paddy is survived by his loving wife of sixty years, Edith; his son Mike and his wife Lori; cherished granddaughter Erin and daughter-in-law Vera. He was predeceased by his son Rick in 1996. Also mourning his passing are sister, Margaret Tehan; brother, Jim Jordan and cousin, Mary Agnes Coffee as well as sister-in-law, Sharon Buck who suddenly lost her husband Wayne while she was staying with Edith, during Paddy's last days. Paddy will be fondly remembered by his numerous nieces and nephews, other family members and countless friends. He was born Francis Eugene Xavier Jordan on the 28th of November, 1921, in Marlbank, Ontario. He joined the RCAF and served as a physical fitness and drill instructor during WWII. After the war he left Ontario for Alberta, looking for adventure. He worked as a shot hole driller in the seismic industry and later sold drill bits, traveling throughout western Canada, the U.S. and the far north, making lifelong friends wherever he went. He married Edith in 1949 and after Rick and Mike were born, they established a home in Athabasca. Paddy left the oil patch in the mid-eighties. He started guarding prisoners for the RCMP and continued as a guard for twenty-two years, finally retiring at the age of eighty-five. Paddy was active with the Royal Canadian Legion serving in the color party for several years. He had great faith and regularly attended St. Gabriel's Church. He enjoyed the fine art of conversation with or without a glass of wine or two. He loved life and everything was always "just grand". A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on October 13, 2009 at St. Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church in Athabasca. In lieu of flowers, donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital would be appreciated. ATHABASCA COMMUNITY CHAPEL in care of arrangements. Telephone: 1-780-675-3996. Published in the Calgary Herald on 10/10/2009