Passed away peacefully at home with family close by. Gordon was predeceased by Annie, his wife whom he met in Glace Bay and shared a strong loving partnership in marriage for 62 years. Gordon is survived by his children, Kimberly Anne (John van Gorp), Mary Lou (David Rawlinson), George (Susan), Michelle (Charles Lynn) and Philip and grandchildren; Sarah, Peter and Katelyn, Christopher and Alex, Eric and Michael, and Samantha and Nathan.
Born and raised in Louisbourg in Cape Breton, NS, Gordon attended Mount Allison University before being called to the ministry and attending Pine Hill Divinity Hall. As a minister for the United Church of Canada, Gordon received calls that saw him offer care, hope, promise, comfort and support to many from coast to coast across Canada. After student ministry in Saskatchewan and Bermuda, Gordon began a long career in New Brunswick that then saw him taking on calls in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Lower Sackville, Edmonton and finally Victoria, BC where he and Annie retired. Aside from an endless level of patience and compassion, Gordon also developed a reputation for helping congregations with special projects that would help grow and strengthen the communities these churches supported.
Gordon, true to his heritage, was a great storyteller and was often a wee bit late to his next appointment because he had a story to share that would offer comfort, a smile or a laugh to those who needed it. Gordon will be remembered by the thousands whose hearts he touched, whose souls he succoured, whose spirits he lifted every day.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
28 Responses
I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. Some of the most heart-
warming and pleasant events of my life were shared with Gordon and Ann and his beloved family.
It was a joy and a privilege to work with Gordon as the organist at
St. Andrew’s- Norwood church during his years of service there.
My sympathy is with all the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. I knew him and Ann when they were at St. Andrews, Montreal. My family spent many happy hours in their company as my mum was church organist. I eventually returned to Ireland and married. My husband and I spent a wonderful evening with them when they visited Ireland. Gordon was a true man of God. Your wonderful memories will bring you comfort
With sympathy to our dear friend Gordon’s family. Gordon and Annie had a significant impact on our lives.
Harry and Nadene
I knew Gordon particularly when he was in Lower Sackville, NS. One particular connection is that we were both connected to Louisbourg – that is where I lived for my first year. [I was born in Glace Bay] When I showed him a booklet I had done on my Wilson family tree back in the 1980s, he gave me the name of someone to contact in South Uist, Scotland, and through him I found my father’s second cousin and that contact opened up for me the broader Wilson family tree that I am still working on. And for that I have been eternally grateful. My deepest sympathies to all of you in the loss of your father, grandfather, etc. May God be with you all
I am so blessed to have known Gordon and Ann all these years. We all met at Knox way back when and Gordon was my mentor, champion, guide toward Ministry and then colleague. I always refer to Gordon as ‘my minister’ and do so with humility and pride. I have tried to live up to and into his standard for ministry and I do hope that in some ways some of his wisdom has rubbed off.
Praise be for a life well lived. He will continue in my heart and spirit.
Love and blessings to all.
Rev. John Roy
I met your father around 1985 at Knox United Church, Lower Sackville. He was one of the kindest, most genuine, and gifted ministers I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I always said that his ministry was not ‘a job’ to him, it was truly who he was. His smile was contagious and the twinkle in his eyes when he told stories warmed your heart. Although I haven’t seen him in many years, he will be missed.
When I was in ministry at St. Paul’s in Sidney just a few years ago Gordon was such a supportive and encouraging presence for me. Today I am reminded of his sense of humour. One Sunday he was the scripture reader. After he finished the reading he said out loud, “ Now let’s see what you can do with that one.” He took me out for lunch on my first Sunday at St. Paul’s and I truly enjoyed him as a friend and colleague. Fond memories of a gracious man will remain with me. May his memory and influence continue to bless you.
To Mary Lou and family, my deepest condolences. Gordon was my first minister at Knox when I started there in 1983. His wit, his messages, and his way with people
kept me there. I remember fondly his telling of many stories, some of which may even have been true, but that didn’t matter – they often related to the subject at hand.