Obituaries

HARTLEY, Gordon Dadwell

August 30, 1931 - July 27, 2017

Gordon was born and raised in Trail, BC. taking all his schooling there, which included Grade 13. He went from there to UBC in Vancouver, where he entered the School of Architecture. He and Wilma were married after he completed his 3rd year. He had a special pair of hiking boots
made for her by Mr. Kovaks, who had a store on campus. Gord led her on a North Van trip up Crown Mt., presenting her with an engagement ring at this high place. It was joined by a wedding ring when they were married in St. Anselma's Church on University Boulevard on July 2,
1954. They moved to Kelowna in 1956 where he started working for John Woodworth.

In 1960, Gord started his own practice working on civic, commercial and housing projects. He loved working on houses and frequently exclaimed what a wonderful site people had. The challenge was to do justice to the site in the design of the house. As a member of the Central Okanagan Heritage Society, he was involved with the Benvoulin
Church Hall, the restoration of Guisachan House and the authenticity of houses and buildings claiming heritage status. He received the Anita Tozer award as Kelowna Citizen of the Year in 2006.

In his personal life, Gord loved photography, sailing and hiking, especially in high places. Lake O'Hara became a favorite camping spot and offered many wonderful trails to higher viewpoints. He led various groups of photographers to special places in BC. and Washington state. For a number of years, Gord and photographer friends enjoyed exploring and photographing in the Four Corners area of the US South West; notably in parks such as Bryce, Zion, Arches, Death Valley and Canyon Lands.

Wilma, son Doug (Terry) kept vigil with Gordon in the hospital and then in Hospice House, where his sister Anna Zielinski and sister-in-law Linda Taylor joined them. On July 27, he peacefully left them on his next journey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hospice House at 2235 Ethel Street.

A memorial will take place in September.

Condolence Messages

Aug 28, 2017
Gord and I commenced our partnership in the early 70's. and Derek Crawford came on stream in the early 80's. Prior to Derek joining us we designed a number of significant buildings including a $10,000,000 expansion to Orchard Park, with Gordon Campbell ( future premier) of Marathon Realty, the Kelowna Main Fire Hall and a multitude of other significant Buildings in the Valley.

Gord was a gentle man, an excellent partner, who loved details. It was an excellent combination. A number of years ago, I hosted a dinner at my residence with Gordon, Uldis Arajs ( also a previous partner ) and Derek. It was a very special evening. By situation, we went our separate ways. The memories will remain.

Peace, my Professional Friend.

Robert Turik
Aug 27, 2017
Dear Wilma and Doug, so very sad to hear of Gordon's passing. We didn't realize he had been ill though commented we were missing you at our favourite cafe in Kelowna. Such a kind, thoughtful and amazing talented creative man. He will be missed by our community. Hopefully will see you in September. Brian & Sue James
Aug 22, 2017
Sorry to hear this, Wilma. I remember fondly our interactions when I lived and worked in Kelowna. All the best to you and Doug.

John Bunge, Victoria
Aug 20, 2017
Wilma and Doug,

Randy and I were truely saddened to hear Gordon passed away. Both of us have many fond memories- Christmas, sailing, camping, photography. Our hearts go out to both of you.

Claire and Randy Booth
Aug 18, 2017
Mrs. Hartley and Doug, our sincerest condolences. I will always remember him with fond memories - your cool house, his photos, your Christmas cards adorned with his photos, and our family Christmas dinners.

Fiona, Darrin, and Elly Helsel
Aug 11, 2017
Wilma and Family, my most sincere condolences to you. Gordon will always be remembered by the many who knew him, including those of us at the Central Okanagan Heritage Society.

Gretchen Aird Dawson
Aug 11, 2017
Wilma and Doug,: Really sad for you to have lost such a grand person who was truly loved in our Poplar Point neighbourhood. Even our dog, Oreo loved Gordon. As soon as he saw Gordon on his way to take him for a walk, he would run up and down the balcony wagging his tail. When Gordon arrived, he would say "all athletes should have a drink before exercise"...Oreo would slurp up some water from his bowl, wag his tail, and he and Gordon would walk off to Paul's Tomb. We had many memories of Gordon and Wilma as our neighbours and always enjoyed the quiet way he had in discussing items of interest with us both. Treasure your memories...With love to you both. Pat and Ron Reiter
Aug 11, 2017
Wilma and Doug, our thoughts are with you at such a sad time.

Nancy & John Sharples
Aug 11, 2017
The world would be a much better place with more Gordon Hartley's on it. Though it has been ten years since I left Kelowna, I fondly remember working with and for Gordon on many construction projects over the years. As others have mentioned, words like gentle and kind described this man very well. Warm hugs to the family and friends left behind. Goodbye Gordon... I will look for your star above.

Trevor Moelaert

(TNT Plumbing)
Aug 10, 2017
Gordon was the best neighbour one could ever have. He was more than considerate with the trees on his property and how they might affect our view and he would constantly check with us to ensure that everything was in order.

We always loved waving to Gordon as he would walk around the neighbourhood and he would always throw us a 'great big smile'.

We loved coming into his unique and interesting home and talk with him and Wilma about the many photographs that are mounted in their house. A wonderful conversation would always entail about the photo and the curious history of the location. It was very clear that Gordon and Wilma had a special connection through Gordon's photography.

Gordon was a very caring and considerate person whom we shall greatly miss.

All our love at this difficult time to Wilma, Doug and Terry.

Dennis and Heather Semeniuk
Aug 09, 2017
I worked with Gordon on the Public Art Committee he was the gentlest of men, and had such a critical eye of everything submitted. Such a sad loss to us, but he is in a better place now. My condolences.

Barbara Rhodes
Aug 09, 2017
Gordon contributed much to Kelowna and was multi-talented gentle person whose company we always enjoyed. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at this sad time.

Ray and Beryl Norman
Aug 09, 2017
Wilma and Doug, I have just heard of Gord's passing. Such a loss for family, friends and community. He designed our first house, introduced me to sailing and sharpened my photographic instincts. Gord was a gentle husband and father with many talents. He will be greatly missed. His final journey will be interesting.

Harvey MacMillan
Aug 08, 2017
Wilma and Doug, my condolences expressed.... Doug was one of the most interesting persons I have ever met. We were opposites in many ways, but our love of sailing and photography made us brothers. Many wonderful conversations at the yacht club will be remembered. Phil Gunhouse, Rock Creek BC
Aug 08, 2017
Another sad moment.. Worked along side Gordon on many a project years ago. The last few years have been hard for Gordon, last sat with him at the Art show in Lake Country last year. Condolences, but the pain is over.

David Langton

Competition Glass
Aug 08, 2017
Wilma and Doug, We are saddened to hear of Gord's passing. We will remember him as a good and honest friend with whom we shared many aspects of our life. Please know that our thoughts are with you as you grieve the loss of your beloved husband and father. Neil and Dee MacGibbon
Aug 08, 2017
Doug, sorry to read of your Dad's passing. I knew him well during my years in business in Kelowna and always found him to be unique, and interesting.... someone to aspire to. My thoughts are with your mother, and with you. Ron Buddo, Sooke.
Aug 08, 2017
He made Kelowna a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Domenic and Lina Rampone