Gordon William Tocher

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon William Tocher, on September 18, 2022, in Hinton, Alberta. Gordon was born on September 10, 1934, in Edmonton, Alberta to Margaret (McMurdo) Tocher and Norman Tocher. Gordon learned the value of hard work, loyalty and integrity from his parents, which he demonstrated throughout his life. He was born with a sense of adventure and a curious mind, which he embodied until his last days.

Gordon met Lorrane Krys in 1955 and they married on September 20, 1958, in Edmonton, Alberta.

After his schooling Gordon worked for the CN Railway as a telegraph lineman from 1952-1955. He spent most of his time in the mountains where he had many adventures and mishaps on the line from Brule to the Fraser Valley; stories which he loved to share with his children and grandchildren. He then had a successful 26-year career with Alberta Government Telephones. His work took him and the family to the then very remote community of Fort Smith, NWT and later to Whitecourt, Medicine Hat and Edmonton.

In February 1976, Gordon and Lorrane purchased the Tara Vista Motel and moved their family to Hinton. Gordon and Lorrane opened a Smitty’s family restaurant in 1981, which is still family owned and operated today. Gordon loved the customer services aspect of the businesses. He enjoyed getting to know people, hearing their stories and sharing his with them.

Gordon expressed a deep value for service, community building and volunteerism. While in Whitecourt he became active in the Kinsmen Club, serving on the executive of that organization and becoming the district governor. His involvement in the service club continued in Medicine Hat and Edmonton. Gordon was also very active in the Hinton Chamber of Commerce, eventually serving as President. While there, he successfully advocated that an educational facility, the Yellow Head Consortium, be brought to Hinton.

Gordon’s desire to contribute to his community resulted in a decision to become involved in municipal politics in Whitecourt, where in 1969 he served on the Whitecourt council until he was transferred to Medicine Hat. In Hinton, he again became involved with municipal politics with a successful run for the mayor’s seat in 1982.

Upon retirement, Gordon and Lorrane travelled extensively with their motorhome throughout Canada and the United States. They also spent considerable time at Yellow Point on Vancouver Island. Gordon enjoyed sharing fond memories of the sites he saw, but more importantly, the people he met along the way.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife Lorrane, his children Steve Tocher (Hinton), Annemarie Tocher (Ian Gammack) (Cochrane), David Tocher (Sherelynn) (Hinton) and Laura Tocher (Edmonton), his grandchildren Alexandra Koszegi (David Armstrong) (Burnaby), Stephen Koszegi (Coquitlam), Beau Tocher and Tate Tocher (Hinton). Gordon is also survived by his sister Glenora Robertson (Edmonton), as well as nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Hinton Ambulance first responders and the many nurses and doctors at the Hinton Healthcare Centre for the compassionate care they provided to Gordon these past several months.

In loving memory of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gordon William Tocher, (1934-2022),

a celebration of life will be held on November 13, 2022, 2 p.m. at the Hinton Golf Club.

Donations can be made in Gordon's memory to the Hinton Healthcare Foundation: hintonhealthcare.ca (#11107 Swanson Drive, Hinton, AB, T&V1H1) or to the Hinton and District SPCA (209 Kelley Road, Hinton, AB T7V 1H2).

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