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Gordon M. Toole

Oct 20, 1925 ~ Nov 9, 2018

Gordon M. Toole

Gordon was born and raised in Wawota, SK. Unable to obtain his parents’ permission to join the air force, Gordon became a weather observation specialist with the Canadian DOT.Posted to the Yukon in 1943, it was here that his passion for the great outdoors with hunting, fishing and trapping blossomed.

It was the winter of 1947, while posted in Snag, Yukon, that Gordon’s name would become world famous.  On February 3rdhe recorded the coldest temperature in North America, -81.4F (-63C), a record that still stands.

In the summer of ’47 Gordon took a posting to Pat Bay, B.C.  Little did he know that this would set the course of life for the next 70 years.  Through a mutual friend he met the love of his life, Rose, and they would wed in May of 1949. 

With a promise of “only two years” Gordon took Rose back to the Yukon, to Watson Lake. They would never leave the Yukon.  Watson Lake became their forever home. The beautiful log house, that Gordon built for Rose, on the shore of Watson Lake, was filled with the memories of raising four sons and two daughters.  

Gordon found the time to accomplish what many of us could only wish for. He obtained his pilot’s licence and became a founding partner of Watson Lake Flying Service. He built a fishing lodge on Stewart Lake. He pioneered a world class big game outfitting business. These ventures hosted clients from around the globe. In Watson Lake, to support his horses, he developed an award winning hay farm.

Always dedicated to, and respected by his community, he took on the roles of Justice of the Peace and Coroner. Recognized by the Yukon Order Of Pioneers in 2003, Gordon and Rose became Mr. and Mrs. Yukon.

Through all of this, his yearning for life on the trap line was the strongest.  It was there that Gordon, with Rose as his assistant, said life was the best. 

Devoted to his family, Gordon will forever be remembered by Rose, his loving wife of 69 years, and their children:  twin boys Ronny(Lena) and Donny (Donna), Bobby (Debbra), Debbie (Darwyn), Patti (Brian), Jamie (Anne)

“There’s a land where the mountains are nameless,

And the rivers all run God knows where;

It’s the great, big, broad land ’way up yonder,

It’s the forests where silence has lease;

It’s the beauty that thrills me with wonder,

It’s the stillness that fills me with peace.”

                                                                                                                                                                           -Robert W. Service

Comments (26)
  • 15 November 2018

    Sending loving thoughts and healing prayers to you all. Your parents love for one another shone so bright. I really enjoyed visiting them in their “log home on the lake” Husky Hugz Melanie and Darrell Peters

  • 16 November 2018

    Condolences sent to the Toole family. Gordon was a true pioneer, hard worker and a gentleman.

  • 16 November 2018

    my condolences to Rose and the family. I have fond memories of Gordon, he was a truly a remarkable man.

  • 16 November 2018

    My heart is sad for all who loved Gordon.. his children losing their dad I send my love and hugs .. his wife of 69 years such a forever love…I send you comfort ❤️R.I.P.

  • 16 November 2018

    Yes a life well lived….may the family find peace in the way he lived that life and treasure the memories they made

  • 16 November 2018

    Sorry to hear of Gordon’s death.Rest in peace Gordon. Condolences to you Rose,Patti ,Jamie

  • 16 November 2018

    We are sorry for your family’s loss RIP Gordon.

  • 16 November 2018

    What a wonderful life.
    Our condolences to the family.

  • 16 November 2018

    Deepest Condolences to the Toole family.
    Trapper & Carol Bates

  • 16 November 2018

    Condolences to the Toole family for your loss of a remarkable man, he will be forever missed.

  • 16 November 2018

    So sorry to hear of your loss. We have many wonderful memories of Gordon and his facinati ng stories about his life..

  • 16 November 2018

    Our heart s ache for the Toole Family! Go rest high on that mountain Gord, a life lived!
    Hugs to all.

  • 16 November 2018

    Very sad news , Thinking of the family in this time of loss. Such a great a remarkable person

  • 17 November 2018

    Condolences to Gordon’ family. Have many memories of Gordon. He discovered downhill skiing, got involved with the Watson Lake Ski Club becoming the club president and is responsible for the development of our Bunny beginner run. He will be missed.

  • 17 November 2018

    Our condolences to you Rose and family. A true pioneer Yukoner and gentleman has departed to the Watson Lake “round” table of colourful 4% ! Thank you for your public service as Mr and Mrs Yukon and all the historical things you were part of!
    Lorraine Nixon & Dennis Fentie

  • 17 November 2018

    Our condolences to the family. What an amazing life Gord lived. May you find comfort in your memories.

  • 17 November 2018

    Condolences to the family. Gordon was a great man.

  • 17 November 2018

    So sorry for your loss, deepest condolonces to you all. Gordon will be sadly missed. Hugs!

  • 17 November 2018

    Rose our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
    Gordon was always fun to share stories with . We will miss him .
    Thinking of you
    Pauline and Dave

  • 17 November 2018

    So sorry for your loss, condolences to all.

  • 17 November 2018

    Our sincere condolences to you Donny and Donna. Treasure those wonderful memories of your Dad. Big hugs my Dear Friends.

  • 19 November 2018

    My sincerest condolences to Rose and family on Gordon’s passing.

  • 20 November 2018

    Very sorry for your loss, my condolences.

  • 20 November 2018

    Our thoughts and prayers to Rose and the family. You folks were the greatest neighbours. We share so many great experiences . Many wonderful memories.

  • 8 December 2018

    I have many wonderful memorys of Gordon and the times we spent together in the mountains back in the guideing camps .I remember the smell of his pipe tobacco as we rode down the trail. He was a great boss and a wonderful friend.

  • 2 August 2019

    We are sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing just aweek ago when we were in Whitehorse visiting after we left Watson Lake in 1965! ,I ,,Keith worked with Gordon in W.L he was in weather,I was in Radio. we were neighbors at the small base.Then also both had a experience or more,but this one great !, carrying Helen Klabben inthe med section at the airport after she was lostin the woods for 49 days,and her pilot Flores./ see pic at transportation museum in Whitehorse.,,,Our sympathies goes out to Rose and all the family which we knew at that time.

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