Dec. 17, 1952 — April 30, 2024
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gilbert Lloyd Gunderson. Lloyd passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at the age of 71 years.
Lloyd was born in Shaunavon, Sask. on Dec. 17, 1952, to Gilbert and Rosemary Gunderson. When Lloyd was eight, he moved with his family to Claresholm. In 1975 Lloyd attended SAIT while working at Henson Motors as a partsman.
In 1991, Lloyd married Connie Dersch. They built a home down on Willow Creek near Fort Macleod where together they raised their six children, Amber (Trevor), Brad (Irene), Barry (Anna), Landon (Jenna), Ty (Skylar), and Ashley (Decker). Lloyd was Papa to nine precious grandchildren: Brett, Genessie, Carter, Lucas, Pryce, Langley, Bennett, Avery and Montgomery. The years were filled with family gatherings, camping, fishing, and cheering on their children and grandchildren in baseball, basketball, volleyball, rugby, hockey and 4-H, making for many precious memories.
Lloyd left to his children and grandchildren a legacy of dedicated work ethic. He divided his labours between driving school bus for 33 years, his upholstery business, and ranching.
Lloyd loved classic cars and spent his lifetime meticulously rebuilding and restoring many to their former glory. Lloyd loved travelling to car shows and spending time with his many friends in the classic car community.
Lloyd was a skilled craftsman. His workshop was always a busy place. Lloyd took up woodworking as a hobby and built furniture, which will be treasured for generations to come. Whether it was woodworking or auto restoration Lloyd was always happy for opportunities to share his knowledge and skills with the children whenever they expressed an interest in joining him in the shop to take on projects of their own.
Lloyd found peace and solitude on the riverbanks artfully casting a fly in pursuit of the perfect catch. He shared his love of fly-tying and fly fishing with his family.
Lloyd also enjoyed team roping and made many life-long friends who shared the challenge of this team event.
As an avid reader, you could often find Lloyd in his armchair lost in a book.
Lloyd leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife, Connie, their children, and precious grandchildren. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters Karen (Don) Needham and Lori Gunderson as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Lloyd was predeceased by his brothers Allan and Lenny, and his parents Gilbert and Rosemary Gunderson.
Rest in eternal peace, Lloyd. You will live on forever in our hearts and memories.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to a charity close to your own heart. The Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Canadian Cancer Society are charities close to the Gunderson family’s hearts.