Obituary of Gordon Staseson

STASESON, Gordon

1926 - 2019

Gordon Wesley Staseson was born in Regina, SK on May 9, 1926. The son of Romanian parents, he grew up in Garlic Flats and traveled every inch of the city on his bicycle. His adventures in Regina started at a very early age due to his curiosity and enterprising nature. He sold newspapers on the street corner, he hauled bags of flour heavier than himself for pennies, proving to his uncle he was capable of being a delivery boy, even if very small. Because of his size, and his willingness to work, he was hired to jump out of a suitcase during the magic shows between film screenings at the old Capital Theatre. He met his future wife, Valerie Mae Hurd, at the roller rink, where he worked tying the skates of teen skaters. Too young to go to war, he was a soldier-in-training in Maple Creek, and started a uniform ironing service so he could earn money to get back to Regina to visit Valerie. These early endeavors, fueled by fortitude and focus, illustrate the character qualities that continued to define who Gord was, and how he led his life.

He was a star junior hockey player, playing for the Regina Abbotts and the Caps. A scrappy centre, he was fast and tough, and was mentored by the great Dick Irvin Sr. He moved to the USA during the war years to play hockey in Boston, and had further mentorship by Frank Boucher, among others. Gord married Valerie in 1947 after he returned home from the USA. He went into business with his father, running a painting company that later turned into Staseson Decorating, and then became Staseson-Klein Decorating. He ran a very successful business, and had incredible painting and plastering teams who worked on some of the greatest houses in the city as well as the Holy Rosary Cathedral, among other historic buildings. In the 1960s Gord moved into a new role as a land developer, and with his partners, he developed Albert Park, University Park, University Park East, among others, and he managed Harvard Developments new subdivisions. Among many other professional initiatives he envisioned and ran one of the most successful pavilions at Expo 86, was the CEO of Casino Regina, Executive Director of Regina Economic Development Authority, and sat on numerous local and national boards, including Vancouver Port Authority.

Committed to sports excellence and community efforts, Gord was immensely involved with the Wascana Winter Club, the Regina Riding Club, Regina Pony Club, and the Pelican Boat Club at Lake Katepwa. For many years he ran one of the best indoor horse shows in Western Canada, the Regina Light Horse Show, and inspired many on how to run a smooth, tight event that was well-timed and highly organized. His commitment to mentoring youth started in the figure skating and equestrian years, but continued with coaching peewee and midget hockey. He developed a very successful junior golf program at Wascana Country Club, highlighted by the Print West Junior Classic, which attracted top junior golfers from the three Prairie Provinces. His commitment to the Cougars Women’s Basketball team at the University of Regina was famous, and along with his ‘partners in crime’, they never missed a game and supported the girls, most particularly the international students. He helped to create Adopt-a-Cougar and raised significant funds to support the team. The Saskatchewan Roughriders were very dear to his heart and his involvement with the club spanned decades. His leadership as the club President has left a legacy, including helping to develop Rider Pride. For years many at home Rider games will remember fondly his laminated rosters that he handed out to friends sitting nearby. He certainly went through a few laminating machines over the years. We are sure they will also remember his familiar yell as soon as the ball was snapped “Hurry Hurry!”.

Fondly known as “Sport Pop”, Gord was an extrovert who made friends everywhere he went. He was genuinely interested in people and was an amazing story teller. A skilled historian, he knew more about the city of Regina, the architecture, and the families who lived here for decades, than most. He also loved a practical joke or two, and had a few regular characters in his repertoire. Gord was probably one of the few fathers who kept a trunk of costumes, wigs, and beards in his basement storage area! One of his most elaborate jokes was setting up speakers in the basement of a friend’s newly built house the day before they moved in. On their first night in the house, in the middle of the night, he started a recording of saws buzzing, hammers banging, and the voices of a construction team. Quite the welcome! He laughed about that one for years.

A dedicated and proud family man, Gord loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with all of his heart. The little ones always brought a great smile to his face and he was fondly nicknamed “GG”. He also had many ‘adopted’ children who he was also proud of, and supported all with his endless enthusiasm and good humour.

Gord was inspiring, he was a mentor, and he was a leader. He was a great teacher and coach, he was a community builder, a visionary, and one of the best producers around. We all learned so much from him, those who are his family, but also those he worked with, collaborated with, and those he hired. We all were touched by his energy, his sharp focus and attention to detail, his savvy marketing ideas, and his ability to inspire and promote. Of course he also had a remarkable ability to get folks to take out a cheque book to support a cause or project! He raised a lot of funds over the years for numerous initiatives and causes, including the Mackenzie Art Gallery and the North Central Community Play Project. He was truly a great fundraiser. He was recognized on numerous occasions for his skills, leadership, and community engagement, and is in both the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame as well as the Regina Sports Hall of Fame. He was most proud to have received an honorary doctorate from the University of Regina, join the Saskatchewan Order of Merit, and become a Member of the Order of Canada.

We love you Sport Pop, you have left this world a better place, and will be forever missed by so many. You were indeed Mr. Get It Done and Mr. Regina.

Gordon was predeceased by his wife Valerie, his parents, Wes and Helen Staseson, his in-laws, Les and Lyla Hurd, and his son-in-law, John Griffin. He is survived by his children Gaye (Bill) Taylor, Rae Staseson, Tom (Marilyn) Staseson, his grandchildren Jeff (Richele) Staseson, Brittney (Travis) Wetsch, and his great grandchildren, Jordyn Staseson, Emily and Carter Wetsch.

Gordon also took pride in the extended family he inherited, Dallas Taylor and Ryan Williams (Ethan and Tia), Chad Taylor (Georgia and Harrison), Jacob and Page Wetsch.

The family thanks the team at College Park 2, Bill Horbach, Jessica, Minu, Ashraf, and his amazing caregivers, particularly on the 2^nd floor, for all their kindness. At Dad’s request, a private service for family will be held. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Gord, to the Regina Humane Society, Box 3143, Regina, SK, S4P 3G7 would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be shared on the Speers website www.speersfuneralchapel.com