Gordon Lane

1931 - 2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Robert Lane, beloved husband to Lorraine. A father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and a friend to many. Gordon passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in Bow Island at the age of 95 years.

Gordon was born on April 28, 1931, in Peace River, to Henry and Jessie Lane, and spent his first years in nearby Nampa. He was the second eldest of seven children. In 1938, the Lane family moved to Burdett, where Gordon would put down roots that would remain with him for the rest of his life.

Gordon grew up working alongside his father and brothers on the family farm, learning early the value of hard work, honesty, and doing things right. He married Audrey Clark in June of 1954, and at that time took over the operations and management of XL Bar Ranch, working alongside his father-in-law, Raymond Clark. It was there that Gordon’s passion for farming and ranching grew deep and became a defining part of who he was.

Gordon and Audrey were blessed with six children. In March 1982, Gordon re-married to Lorraine Ziebart, and for forty four years together they built a life filled with love, family, friendship, travel and many good memories.

Gordon was a hard-working man in every sense of the word. From sunup to sundown, and often well beyond, he could be found working the land, tending to the cattle, or making sure there was always something done that needed doing. He was honest, dependable, and straightforward, you always knew where you stood with Gordon. But beneath that hardworking exterior was a wonderful sense of humour and an ability to enjoy the simple things in life.

There was, however, one weather forecast that could change Gordon’s plans. If rain was in the sky, he would look up and say he saw “beer clouds.” That was the signal that perhaps the work could wait, and it was time to take the boys to the local pub for a couple of cold ones and a well-earned break. Those “beer clouds” became one of the many little Gordon-isms that his family will remember and smile about for years to come.

Gordon loved farming and ranching, and even after he retired, the farmer in him never did. He loved the cows and continued to take a keen interest in the ranch. Every spring, he wanted to know when the first calf of the season had arrived. Every fall, when the combines rolled into the fields, Gordon would beam at the sight of those red machines working their way through the harvest. Farming wasn’t simply his occupation, it was his passion, his way of life, and a part of him that remained right until the end.

As Paul Harvey’s saying goes, “And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, ‘I need a caretaker’; so God made a farmer.” Gordon was that farmer.

Away from the farm, Gordon enjoyed curling with friends during the winter months and playing ball in the summer. He was awarded his sixty five year membership pin to the Bow Island Elks Club recently, and loved serving the community in many ways through the Elks over the years. He and Lorraine also looked forward to travelling to Arizona each year, escaping the cold and enjoying some time in the warmth and sunshine together.

Above all, Gordon’s greatest legacy is his family. He leaves behind a remarkable dynasty, eight children, twenty grandchildren, forty four great grandchildren, along with all their spouses. His family was his greatest accomplishment, and the legacy he built will continue for generations to come.

Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lorraine; his children Terry Lane (Marlene Lawrence), Gail (Lee) Lane-Gibson, Natalie (Dale) Thacker, Robin (Sheila) Lane and Darcy (Lana) Lane; son-in-law Cliff Drader; step-daughters Dana Cook and Michaeleen Moline (Neil Bailie). He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren Shane (Tina) Lane, Jessa (Aaron) Addison, Brenna (Evan) Douglas, Chantel (Everett) Timmons, Kyle (Kelly) Thacker, Gavin (Anita) Thacker, Brianne (Cole) Aylwin, Carmen Drader, Kendall Drader, Dennis Drader, Chandra Lane, Lyndsee Lane, Braydon (Kristen) Lane, Miranda (Ben) Eskeland, Brandon (Meghan) Lane, Kayla Cook, Aimee (Cam) Baker, Gloria (Graeme) Cruickshank, Edana Cook, Taliesin (Emely) Cook, Zack (Brooke) Moline, Max (Nadalena) Moline and Ty Moline, along with their families. Gordon is also survived by his sisters Margie Smith and Marilyn Hitshew, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

He was predeceased by his son Dennis Lane; daughter Donna Drader; daughter-in-law Debby Lane; sisters Dorothy Clements and Thelma Froese; and brothers Ronald Lane and Wesley Lane. Gordon leaves behind more than a family tree, he leaves a legacy. A legacy built through hard work, honesty, laughter, family, and a deep love for the land. His hands may have finally left the work of the farm, but his influence will remain in the fields, in the cattle, in the stories shared around family tables, and most importantly, in the generations that follow.

He lived ninety five years, spent a lifetime doing what he loved, and left behind a family big enough to carry his stories for generations. Rest peacefully, Gordon. Your work here is done.

The Burial Service was held at the Burdett Cemetery on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.

The celebration of Gordons’s life was held at the Burdett Community Hall, 311 Main Street, Burdett on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 2:00 P.M.