Obituary of Mrs. Aileen Upton

Aileen Bernice (Morrison) Upton Aileen Bernice Upton was born on August 3, 1930 and passed peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Monday, October 5, 2020. Aileen was one of eight children with five older siblings: Ann, Bert, Gretta, Hilda and Maisie, born in Northern Ireland, with two younger siblings: Clifford and Colleen. born in Canada. The family attended Central Tabernacle in Hamilton, Ontario where Rev. J. H. Blair was the pastor. Aileen attended Eastern Pentecostal Bible College graduating with the Proclaimers class in 1951. Aileen met Gordon in 1948 at the wedding of her sister Maisie to his brother Roy Upton. A discreet courtship later developed. Gordon graduated in 1950 and became the Assistant Pastor and music director at Calvary Temple, Winnipeg. Their courtship was largely through “Canada Post.” They were married in August 1951 and spent two further years in Winnipeg before moving to pastor at Bethel Temple in Regina, where they remained for four years, and where their daughters Judy and Linda were born. They were then called to Bethel Tabernacle in Ottawa for the next sixteen years. Aileen followed her husband’s ministry journey through the next twenty years as Superintendent of the Eastern Ontario and Quebec District (now Nunavut) and subsequently the National Director of Home Missions and Bible Colleges and Men’s Fellowship for The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, “retiring” in 1992. For the next thirteen years, Gordon served in an Interim Pastor’s role at churches in transition, and one year, to fill an unexpired term as General Secretary-Treasurer of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Aileen was a spirited Irish girl with a keen sense of humor and sparkling smile that lit up every room she entered. She labored side by side with her husband throughout their entire ministry. During the latter years with Gordon’s lengthy absences from home, Aileen was an avid reader and also busied herself by developing beautiful china painting skills, painting and firing them in her own kiln. Many of her painted plates and vases have found their way into the homes of family and friends. We have lost a gem, but heaven has gained one! In lieu of flowers, friends may give to the Living Memorial Fund of The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, 2450 Milltower Court, Mississauga, Ontario L5N 5Z6 www.paoc.org Donate