Eight Bells: Gordon (Gord) George Evanoff, 78, of Mississauga, Ontario, crossed the bar peacefully at Ian Anderson House Hospice on Friday, November 7th, 2025. Sailor, skier, coach, brother, devoted husband of 50 years, loving father and grandfather, and friend to many, his presence will be deeply missed.

Gord is survived by his wife: Cathy; his son: Cameron (Heather) Evanoff; his beloved grandchildren: Alyssia (Steven Pereira), Mackenzie, and Declan; his brother: Tom (Peggy) Evanoff; his sisters: Jan (Barry) Grisdale, and Lori Hand; close family: Louise Gamble; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Gord was born in Hamilton, Ontario, on October 21, 1947; second child of George and Jesse Evanoff. His life was shaped by family, church, working in his father’s store, and sports. At Westdale Secondary School he was introduced to theatre production, competitive swimming, rowing, skiing and football, playing with the Hamilton Hurricanes in the Canadian Junior Football League. A graduate of the Hamilton Institute of Technology (Precursor to Mohawk College), he would begin his career focused on early computing, working for Singer Business Machines. Being sent to Berg en Dal, Netherlands to study their systems, he would get his first taste of skiing in the Alps, fueling a lifelong passion. Returning to Hamilton, he would work for many industrial clients and spark a long career in technology consulting. His passion for skiing led to joining the Canadian Ski Patrol at the Chedoke Ski Hill. At a Ski Patrol awards social, he would meet the love of his life, Cathy, rarely apart for the next 50 years.

Along with Cathy, they spent many summers sailing on Lake Ontario aboard their “Green With Envy”, first an O’Day 25, followed by a Goman Express 30. Joining Mimico Cruising Club in 1985, they enjoyed many club cruises, social events, music, racing, and friendships within the boating community. Gord proudly served as Fleet Captain and PHRF-LO rep. Following the closure of the Valley Schuss Ski Area, where Gord and Cathy had patrolled together, winters were spent skiing with friends in Ellicottville and Quebec. Gord shared a very special bond with his son Cameron. Focusing most of his time on supporting activities and sports. Gord was a patient and thoughtful coach of many baseball teams, serving on the board of Cawthra Baseball and the Mississauga Baseball Association. When Cameron was ski racing with the Milton Heights Racing Club, Gord would volunteer as team manager and help with hosting races. Gord’s greatest joy was his grandchildren, seeing them find sports and activities they enjoy, and being called Dedo. Gord loved cooking and a good meal, more so when shared with family and friends. Gord delighted in serving the technology ministry at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church. While he would often describe himself as not being able to carry a tune, in later years he enjoyed finding his singing voice with the Tri-City Gospel Chorus and the Golden Horseshoe Chorus.

Following Gord’s wishes to not have a “Traditional funeral”, a Celebration of Life full of music, stories, friendship, and fellowship will be held at Clarkson Road Presbyterian Church, 1338 Clarkson Road North in Mississauga on Wednesday November 19, 2025, at 11a.m. Following the service, we invite you to gather for light refreshments and sharing of favourite memories with one another.

Gord fought renal cancer for almost twenty years. His journey often marked his positive outlook and hopeful attitude. He most enjoyed making connections and sharing a moment of laughter with caregivers. The family wishes to thank Dr. Sridhar and her team at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Dr. Robinson and the Palliative Care team at Credit Valley Hospital, the social connections team at Hospice Mississauga, and the entire team at Ian Andreson House Hospice for their care of Gord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation and Ian Anderson House Hospice.

Fair winds and following seas, until we sail together again.