Monday, January 17, 2022 at 12:00 a.m.
Chalmers, Gordon
GORDON ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at home on January 7th, 2022 at the age of 87 years.
GORDON ALEXANDER CHALMERS of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at home on January 7th, 2022 at the age of 87 years.
Gordon was a humble, selfless and kind individual who always put the wellbeing of others above his own. On most weekends, and up until his last day, you could find Gordon visiting his family and many friends. Though Gordon's health had been declining for the past ten years, he continued to smile and rarely ever complained.
Gordon was born on May 19, 1934 to parents Duncan and Alice Chalmers in Lethbridge, AB. He was an amazing older brother to his sister Beatrice. With the support of his parents, Gordon received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Guelph Veterinary College in 1961. His career began in Edmonton at the Provincial Veterinary Laboratory as a pathologist and animal disease investigator. He later transferred to Lethbridge to work for the Alberta Department of Agriculture where he performed similar work. He remained in this role for the majority of the next 30 years before retiring in 1991. Gordon was known among his colleagues for his dedication to his work, often going out of his way to help in any way he could.
Having a keen interest in all aspects of raising and breeding racing pigeons, Gordon was an active member of the Lethbridge District Pigeon Club and a lifetime member of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union.
He will be deeply missed by his nephew Jerry (Sharon) Cook; nieces Carol (Nick) Toth and Jackie (Adam) Keen; brother-in-law Donald Cook, great nieces and nephews Ashleigh (Dave) Young, Jeremy Toth, Chrystal (Alex) Forbes, Brittany (Will) Toth, and Ainsleigh (Sid) Toth, Steven Medaris, Nicole Medaris; and 9 great-great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Duncan and Alice Chalmers, and sister, Beatrice Cook.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, an invite-only memorial service will be held on Monday, January 17 at 11 am. A livestream of the service will be available via his obituary on the Cornerstone Funeral Home website.
In honor of Gordon, please consider visiting a family member, taking a friend for coffee, or going bird watching. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
Guestbook (27)
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Thank you Dr Chalmers for all your work and dedication to helping pigeons all these decades. I remembered you talked about publishing a book on pigeon veterinarian medicine and diseases back in 2018. Rest in peace Dr Chalmers.
On Gord's birthday (May 19th) we graduated from the Ontario Veterinary College together in 1961. He was a good friend from the day we met and indeed everyone who knew him could say that. He was a decent, kind, gentle man and the world needs more like him. RIP old friend.
Rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you for the many great memories, and for just being you...
Rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you for the many great memories, and for just being you....
We loved Gordon and always enjoyed our time with him at Ted and Gayles. My kids remember walks around the yard, sitting on the poach talking pigeons and his loving cheeky conversations around the table. He always had funny informative stories. We will miss him greatly. Love Phil, Alanna, Zeke and Joy Jacobs
It has been a priviledge knowing Dr. Chamlmers. We first met him in the 80's when we were traveling through Lethbridge. He would always visit with our family whenever he came to Toronto. Of couse, he was only a phone call away to discuss anything and everyhing related to pigeons. We will miss you dear friend.
A great man to work with. Shared many laughs. May you rest in peace Dr. C.
I knew Gordon for many years as I worked for Alberta Agriculture in the Edmonton laboratory for 26 years and as i regularly travelled the province i user to visit tne Lethbridge laboratory. Sincere condolences to the family.
Gord was known and loved by all the Veterinary Pathologists In Canada and probably many others too. He was a committed editor of scientific journals and straightened me out on proper English grammar a few times, specifically the correct use of personal pronouns. May he Rest In Peace.
I first met Gord when he helped me with a case of a sick pigeon in practice. I have always remembered how helpful and kind he was. Rest in Peace.
Gordon was a very valued friend and veterinarian. He contributed greatly to diagnosis of animal disease diagnosis in Alberta for many years.
Dr. Chalmers was a mentor when I was just starting out in practice, so kind in sharing his knowledge and skills in the lab. I am grateful for his tutelage.
I got to know Gord through pigeons. I think he was retired by then but I was told if I had some questions about the care, feeding and diseases of pigeons to contact him. He was always so helpful and patient with my questions and I was able to help the client so much better with his input. Some people you get a feeling that they are exceptionally good people - and that is how I felt about him. I will not forget him.
My condolences to family and friends of Gord. I did not get to know him until his later years (after retirement) when he come into work every morning at Alberta Agriculture to keep up to date on Alberta livestock industry. He had a great wealth of knowledge and it was always pleasure to talk to Gord to gain his perspective.
During my short time working in the Lethbridge Animal Health office, I found that Gordon always had time to share his knowledge and experience with anyone who asked. He was a kind and gentle person who I really admired.
My condolences to Gordon's family and friends. These gentle heroes of the veterinary community paved the way for so many in this field, and we are so grateful for their contributions. God speed Gordon.
My condolences to the family. Gord was a friend to everyone. His involvement with the sport of racing pigeons was life long and his kind generous nature was something that should be remembered for a very long time. Rest in Peace my friend.
May your next journey be a blessed one
Rest In Peace my old friend!
Gordon Chalmers was one of the best. His obituary speaks only a small honor to such a great man. He was such a great supporter of the Canadian Racing Pigeon Union his knowledge of the sport and the racing pigeon was invaluable to us. We will miss our dear friend. Rest in Peace it was our privilege to know you.
Gordon will always be remembered as a Icon as he taught my Dad everything there was to know about homing pigeon's. He will be missed
Thanks for the many years shared in pigeon racing with Larry. We enjoyed our friendship with you .
We lost a kind, gentle, intelligent man. My life was brighter for Gord being in it.
You were a long time family friend - watcher of our pigeons and a person who had a huge influence on me. I am so glad that we reconnected a bit of time ago. Certainly a legend in my life. Soar high Dr. Chalmers, Soar high!
Dr. C Truly one of the special men in my life that guided me and gave me opportunity to be man that I am today. God bless you a quiet ,brilliant, humble man who's friendship was treasured by so many !
Dr Chalmers was such a nice man, I will miss him. Rest in peace Dr. C
Goodbye my Friend. I will miss our chats.