Gordon passed away in hospital (VGH-Victoria, BC) during the late evening hours of April 6, 2025. Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, on October 24, 1943, he is survived by his wife of 55 years, Lenore; Daughter Leanne (Rob); Son David (Stacey); Grandchildren: Alesha, Michael and Emily; Sister June; Brother Wayne (Evelyn) plus numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Alvin and Della, brother Keith and sister Ieleen.
He lived his life with “The glass always being half-full”. With an optimistic attitude and being a realist at heart, his favourite saying was “JUST DO YOUR BEST”.
Educated in Chilliwack (High School), Calgary (Construction Technology) and Victoria (Quantity Surveyor/Commercial Realter), he maintained many successful business partnerships (eg: B&E Floor Coverings Ltd; Genco Construction Ltd; Royal Bay Builders; Rogers Farm Development).
Married in 1970, he and Lenore started their family. Their children and grandchildren made him “the happiest man in the world”. He loved them dearly. Purchase of the family cottage at Shawnigan Lake in 1978 was a milestone and a centrepiece for years of good times with family and friends. Boating, fishing and travelling (in between work and volunteer activities) filled his days and, often, his nights!
Gordon believed in giving back to his community. For 56 years, he had “hands-on” involvement with so many organizations (eg: Jaycees; Raquet Club Minor Hockey; Victoria Residential Builders Association; Habitat for Humanity Victoria). A long-time active member of St. Michael and All Angels, Royal Oak, he put his faith and values into practice every single day.
A special thank you to the cancer clinic staff, the paramedics and the competent, caring physicians and nurses in Emergency and 4A south at VGH, Victoria, BC.
We know he will now be “BUILDING HOUSES IN HEAVEN” and watching over his family and friends as they embrace life.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael and All Angels, Royal Oak – 4733 W. Saanich Rd – at 10:30 AM on Thursday, April 24th, 2025.
INTERMENT in the ADJACENT HISTORIC CEMETERY will follow immediately after, and a lunch reception and celebration will then begin in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria B.C.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If desired, contributions can be made to: HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Victoria, BC.
The service will be livestreamed via the following link…
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “English” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
16 Responses
Dear Lenore,
Dan, Conor, Maddy and myself were all so sad to hear of Gords passing. His cheerful smile at the church sales always made the day even brighter. He was such a hard worker and always stopped to say “HI” and hear about our day. Your love and marriage was such an inspiration. Sending you big hugs and love, Christy
Dear Lenore and family,
I was very saddened to learn of Gordon’s passing. He was often in my thoughts.
Gordon was instrumental in the decision to hire me as Habitat for Humanity’s Executive Director in 2010. He was the volunteer construction manager on my very first build with Habitat (2011) as well as my very last build with Habitat (2021)! Habitat Victoria (and me personally) simply could not have accomplished all that we did over many years without Gordon’s incredible support of this charity. He was a truly special, kind and generous man and I feel truly fortunate to have had him touch my life.
Sending you all my warmest thoughts at this difficult time.
Yolanda Meijer
Oh Lenore I am so sorry about hearing of Gordon’s passing . I remember him as a man in motion always busy doing new building projects traveling and enjoying life with you. His health advocate; he always received the best of care only from the one who loved him to the moon and back. I am sorry I cannot attend his celebration of life because I am having a routine medical procedure on that day and will not be well enough to go. I will keep you in my thoughts and when you are not feeling so overwhelmed by it all ,maybe we can do something with Nancy
Dear Lenore, Chris and I were so sad to read Gordon’s Obituary in the T-C. We didn’t know Gordon well, but it was immediately obvious he was a man of quiet strength and integrity. It was such a pleasure to travel with the two of you.
Sincere condolences.
To Lenore, Leanne and David.
I was so saddened to hear that Gordon has been fighting a cancer illness and has passed away. We were unaware of it. The last time Gordon was out to Red Deer Hill he looked so well and exactly as I remembered him. As you mentioned in his obituary he was always happy and jovial and very good natured. It was great to hear how involved he was in his community and that he had a happy and fullfilling life. Unfortunately it was cut short. I want to extend our sincere sympathy to all the family on behalf of Darrel and myself
Lenore and family, I’m sad to hear of Gord’s passing. I have thought of you often and fondly remember trips to Victoria with my parents (Roger and Marie Fingler) to visit.
Mom and Dad would want you to know that they treasured your friendship and loved the times you spent together. I know my Dad is with Gord, building “Houses in Heaven” and getting into a little mischief along the way.
Sending love and prayers.