Regimental Number: SM 17637
Rank: Craftsman
Gordon, born on January 9, 1929 at Gananoque, Ontario, was the 2nd oldest in Roy Edison and Hazel Isabel (nee Deano) Heasler’s family of seven children. He had an older brother Hubert and four younger brothers; Stanley, Bernard, John and Keith and one younger sister, Winona. The family later moved to Lansdowne.
In the fall of 1949, Gordon and two friends came to the Peace River District on a harvest-excursion program. He worked for Percy Clubine and Harry Beaver in the Bezanson area. During the winter months, Gordon worked in various sawmills.
On May 7, 1951, Gordon enlisted with the Army (RCEME) Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers at Calgary. He was transferred to Kingston for further training. On a three-week leave, Gordon returned to Bezanson and married Isabel Stark. The young couple travelled to Kingston where Gordon was stationed. Gordon embarked from Quebec City on November 12, 1951 and arrived at Rotterdam, Holland on November 21st. In October 1952, Gordon successfully completed courses to become a Qualified Driver (wheeled) and a Qualified Vehicle Mechanic (wheeled) Group 2. Gordon embarked from the UK on Nov 15, 1952 and arrived back in Canada on November 25th and was stationed at Calgary until August of 1953 when he was transferred to Kingston and then back to Calgary on November 14, 1953. Craftsman Beryl Gordon Heasler served in Canada and Continental Europe and was honorably released on May 6, 1954.
Once Gordon arrived back in the Bezanson area, he rented the Coney farm in 1955 where they stayed until 1958 at which time he bought the S ½ 2-73-3-W6 from Oscar Albaniti. He later bought the NE 3-73-3-W6 from George Laverick. Gordon farmed during the summer months and worked at lumber camps during the winter months. In 1964, Gordon became the first high-school bus driver from Bezanson to Grande Prairie; a position he kept for seven years. Isabel and Gordon had two children; a son, Terry, and a daughter, Catherine.
The Heasler’s enjoyed camping, fishing and curling. From 1978 to 1981 Gordon served as president of the West Smoky Legion No. 244 at which time he was heavily involved in the construction of the addition to the Legion “Hut”. He was granted Lifetime Membership in 1997.
Gordon and Isabel have three grandchildren; Matthew, Tina, Jesse and one great grandchild Madison.
Isabel passed away in 1991 and Gordon on May 29, 2008. Both were buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
Terry Heasler (son)
Family Search website