Born in Ealing, London, UK, in 1939, Gordon (Gord) passed away peacefully at the Southlake Regional Health Centre in Newmarket on November 12, 2023 surrounded by loving family. He succumbed to complications related to an aneurism. He was very active and determined to not let a series of recent strokes slow him down. He persevered and lived life to the fullest right up until his final days, sharing his love and humour that will resonate with us all forever.

Gord will be dearly missed by his wife Brenda, Mildred (former spouse) and all of his children; sons Douglas (Cynthia), Gordon (Allison), and Ian, and daughters Jackie, Samantha (Jeremy), Christy - deceased (Chris), and Alie (Sean). As well as his grandkids Beti, Marleigh, Andrew, Mattie, Avery, Owen, Georgia, Macey, and Rachel who will miss their grandpa and popop.

Gord was a generous and caring educator and affected the lives of many through his work with the Etobicoke Board of Education as a teacher, Vice Principal, and retiring from his role as Principal in 1997. He was an avid singer and musician, performing up until recently with the Queensmen choral group, and in the past as an active member of the Salvation Army during many stages of his life.

As a teenager he emigrated to Canada from the UK after WW2 with his mother Olive and father Frank and was quickly welcomed into the Salvation Army’s Earlscourt Citadel Corps community in the St Clair neighbourhood of Toronto. Through the worlds of public education and brass band music, Gord was able to travel to many parts of the world and share his love of teaching and affinity for building strong relationships all towards creating a long and fruitful life in Toronto.

Gord was joyful and fun and knew how to bring out the best in people. He loved working with others, collaborating, networking and passing along recommendations. He was generous and patient and was always interested to better understand someone else's perspective. He loved playing golf, spending time with family and friends in the backyard pool, attending, and even participating in, regional theatre. He was a dedicated dad, grandpa, teacher, coach, advocate, partner and friend. He championed the interests of his family and friends and instilled an honest and courageous love of learning. Seven kids provided him many opportunities to challenge the openness of his mind and introduce many new ways of doing things in an ever changing world.

Gord will live on through his family and the memories he has given all of those who have known him. He was a strong advocate for being true to oneself and leaves a legacy of generosity and care for the value of family and friends.

We love you Gord! You will be dearly missed and we will watch for you in the smiles, laughter and cheers of all of those you have inspired during your time with us. Keep smiling!

Friends may call at the Turner & Porter “Peel” Chapel, 2180 Hurontario St., Mississauga (HWY 10 N. of Q.E.W.), on Friday, November 17, 2023 from 5-8 pm. A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at 3 pm. Reception to follow.

In Gordon’s memory, please consider a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada or a charity of your choice.

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