Gordon Lloyd Twa

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Mr. Gordon Lloyd Twa of Coronation, Alberta on Friday, June 7, 2019 at the age of 74 years. He will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Gordon was born on September 1, 1944 in Coronation, Alberta to John and Grace Twa, the second oldest of eleven children. He was raised on the farm in the Talbot District and attended schools in Talbot, Brownfield, Coronation, and Clive. Gordon married Lynda Milne on January 20, 1967 in Coronation, Alberta. After moving to Pincher Creek, Gordon and Lynda moved to Red Deer, where their first son, Talbot was born. The family then relocated to Calgary; where Gordon purchased his first welding truck. Here, they welcomed the birth of their second son, Lee. In April 1969, Gordon and his family embarked on a new journey to High River, opening his first welding shop; coming back ‘home’ to Coronation in September 1970. Another welding shop was opened shortly after, operating until 1984. “Twa’s Welding” was a well-known and respected business, providing  service to  the surrounding area  and being involved with the Coronation Elks, Fire Department and various community projects. Gordon joined the Elks in 1974 and was a member for over 40 years, even serving as the Exalted Ruler from 1978-1979. He was a volunteer Fireman for 35 years, receiving a special award from the Country of Canada for his service and was one of only 180 firemen in Canada to receive this award. Gordon continually donated time and resources to the development and upkeep of the Coronation rodeo grounds and instilled the community spirit in all his employees. Gordon continued to operate a portable welding truck, working all over Western Canada, until 2005. He transitioned to a consultant position and began the next chapter of his life; as he and Lynda continued to travel in the United States, primarily in Arizona and Texas. After the passing of his first wife, Lynda, in 2011, Gordon met the second love of his life, Leah Jansen Norris, in Arizona. They were married on October 24, 2014, continuing to live in Coronation. Their winters were spent in Arizona, enjoying the company of many good friends they met in Arizona, as well as fellow ‘Snowbirds’ from Canada. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and playing cards and table games with family and friends. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Gordon is now resting in peace. Although sickness robbed him of a future, he will always be remembered by those he encountered as a strong man, with a love for life. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Leah Twa; sons, Talbot Twa of Ponoka, Alberta and Lee (Tracey) Twa of Blackfalds, Alberta; stepdaughter, Shannon and two granddaughters, Danea & Shania. He will also be fondly remembered by his three brothers, Stewart (Marjorie) Twa of Veteran, Alberta, Lyle Twa of Alix, Alberta, and Wayne Twa of Ponoka, Alberta; and his three sisters, Bernice Clausen of Stettler, Alberta, Bonnie (John) Twa of Bentley, Alberta, and Sherry (Doug) Twa of Ponoka, Alberta. Two sisters-in-law, Margaret Twa and Elvia Twa, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his wife, Lynda Twa; his parents, John and Grace Twa; and his brothers, Robert Twa, Kenneth Twa, Charles Twa, and Stanley Twa. A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held at the Coronation Community Centre, 4820 Government Road, Coronation, Alberta on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Coronation, Alberta. Phone: 403.578.2928.