Gordon Edward Formo
October 8, 1931 – September 2, 2023

It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Gordon Edward Formo 91 years of Quill Plains Centennial Lodge Watson formerly of Spalding on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at his residence. 

Gordon Edward Formo was the sixth child born to Olaus and Esther (nee Langseth) Formo on October 8, 1931 in Spalding.  He grew up on the Formo Homestead in the Naicam area.  Gordon attended school at Brightside Country School.  At a young age Gordon left the area and headed to Ontario to work at a mine. 

Gordon met the love of his life Merle Rohne on her family farm while working in the field.  He had commented that when he saw her he knew instantly that he wanted to marry her.   On May 18, 1962 they were wed in Rose Valley. They were fortunate to have a long happy life together.

Gordon went to work for Quinn Construction operating heavy machinery in The Pas, MB until he could save enough money to buy their farm in Archerwill area.  They lived on the farm and were blessed with three children.  Gordon loved farming and never complained about any part of it.  It was truly his calling and passion and he worked very hard. 

He served on the R.M. council and was on the Hospital Board in Rose Valley. Gordon and Merle did some traveling.  Some memorable trips were to Disneyland, Oregon, Nashville, Yellowknife and Alaska.  Papa cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was never too busy to play,  go for a ride (and …… letting them drive), listen to their stories or rock them to sleep if needed.

Gordon’s health was giving him some trouble in 2001, so they rented the farm out and moved to Naicam.  He continued to work for farmers in the area and really enjoyed that.  Gordon especially enjoyed swathing.  Once a farmer always a farmer!  Gordon and Merle were involved with the senior’s group and made many friends there. Gordon spent a lot of time with his pet dog Cookie, they were very tight! In 2020 Gordon had a massive heart attack which landed him in the Quill Plains Centennial Lodge in Watson.  He was well taken care of, and they gave him a home and family when covid took that away from him.  We are thankful for each and every one of them for the wonderful care he received there. 

Gordon didn’t have many hobbies, he always said “I should be working” so some days became very long for him.  He enjoyed his outings with his family every Sunday, especially having a meal with the family and visiting.

Gordon will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years Merle Formo of Watson; three children, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren:  Wanda (Barry) Wielgosz and family Matthew (Candace) Wielgosz and children Taylor, Bree and Gavin all of Kindersley; Cheryl (Lonnie) Hurion of Watson and family Ryley (Kristen) Hurion and children Sophie and Olivia of Watson, Callum Hurion of Spalding and Amber Hurion of Watson; and Curtis Formo of Rose Valley and daughter Brook (Luke) Vogrinetz of Kelowna, BC; brother Elmer (Loretta) Formo of Swan River; sister-in-law Patsy Formo of Edmonton; nieces, nephews and members of the Rohne family. 

Gordon was predeceased by his parents Olaus and Esther Formo; grandchild Danielle Wielgosz; daughter-in-law Candyce Formo; six siblings: Russell (Bea) Formo, Leslie (Violet) Formo, Iola “Tootsie” (Raymond) Jackson, Violet (Wesley) Quallie, Gladys Jackson, and Edward Formo.

Gordon always loved his Ford vehicles and we found out at this time of his passing that he was truly “Built Ford Tough”.   We will all miss him so much; we know he is at peace and not suffering anymore.


Go rest high on that Mountain Dad, your work on earth is done.
Love you, Dad!

Your Family

A Private Family service has been held. Interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations in Gordon’s memory may be directed to Quill Plains Health Care Foundation (Box 277, Watson, SK, S0K 4V0 - http://www.qphcfoundation.ca/).

This notice placed courtesy of
Malinoski & Danyluik Funeral Home & Crematorium
Phone: 682-1622