Gordon Ernest Achter

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Gordon (Gord) at age 77 on the afternoon of Saturday March 13^th 2021 at St Vincent Hospital in Ottawa, with his family by his side. He was a loving husband to Betty Achter (Kearney) for 51 years, cherished father to Lisa Achter (Chris Smith), Brad Achter and Kristy Achter (Andrew Major) and beloved Poppa to grandsons Brayden and Kyler Major. He was a dear brother to Marilyn Gropp (deceased), Ronald Achter (Deceased), Alan Achter, Donald Achter, Shelly Carton, and Dale Achter (Deceased). He was predeceased by parents Gerhardt Achter and Erma Achter (Besler).

Gord joined the RCMP in 1962 while living in Saskatchewan. He played several musical instruments but was most notably known for playing the Tuba with the RCMP Musical Band (10 years). Gord was fortunate to play in many cities and countries with the band, including Montreal for Expo 1967.  In 1968, he was transferred to Ottawa and assumed an administrative position with the forces. In Ottawa, he also met his future wife Betty whom he married in April 1969.

In 1995, after celebrating 33 years with the RCMP, Gord took an early retirement. He wanted to keep busy and sought work first at the local Home Hardware and later at Home Depot, putting his hard-working skills in action. He followed in his father’s footsteps and took a job in the plumbing department where he earned countless badges for excellent customer service and exemplifying the company’s core values.  People continuously sought him out for sound advice.  He had a passion for building and fixing many things and was always the first to volunteer to help out family and friends and the first to be called when something broke down. He would always help his kids and grandkids at a moment’s notice and often without having to be asked.

Gord was just as active in the church. He volunteered as treasurer for Mount Calvary Lutheran Church for years.  He was a regular blood donor to the Canadian Blood Services.  Gord was equally passionate about curling and often played Skip for his team. He served as the Cumberland Curling Club President for one term. He participated in countless bonspiels and curling nights. Each year, he knew when every Scotties and Brier tournament was held and which teams were playing. He also united his birthplace and Ottawa by being an avid fan of both the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the Ottawa Senators.

Gord was also very creative. Everyone looked forward to the annual tole painted Christmas ornament designed by Gord and tole painted by Betty. Many nights, he could be found covered in sawdust, sitting in a dim, non-insulated garage by a faded light bulb for hours. Over the years, they made dozens and dozens of ornaments and decorations. Somehow, they always managed to keep their annual project a surprise until the big reveal Christmas morning. They loved doing this activity together for friends and family for many years until Gord was diagnosed with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP- a rare Parkinsonian disease) in 2016 which prevented him from having the motor skills required to continue.

Gord stoically accepted his diagnosis. Rather than slowing down, he continued to challenge himself and turned to doing complex jigsaw puzzles and other crossword games. He would always have a deck of cards or a game of Sequence ready.  He loved nothing more than spending time with his family.

Gord was an extremely patient, kind-hearted and passionate man whose gestures impacted all those who met him. Nothing ever had to be mentioned twice before Gord would spring into action to lend a helping hand. Up until his passing, he was always humble, never wanting anyone to fuss over him.  He may not have been a chatty guy but he lived by the sayings “actions speak louder than words” and “there is a reason God gave us two ears and 1 mouth” (be a good listener).

Gord will be greatly missed by his family and countless extended family members, friends, neighbours and force members. He will always hold a place dear in our hearts.

A Private Family Service will be held followed by a celebration of Gord’s life later in the year. Extended family and friends may pre-register at the website above to join the family for the livestream of the Funeral Service on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. In memoriam donations to Parkinson Canada.