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
My deepest condolences to your family as you mourn the loss of your dad and grandfather. Pine Hill is always interested to know when yet another of it’s Alumni have moved beyond their service on earth are reunited with their loved one’s who await their arrival in heaven. I hope you find peace through the healing power of love and memories.
In faith,
Brenda Munro, Pine Hill Divinity Hall, at Atlantic School of Theology
Our heartfelt sympathies for Mary, Kim and family. Gordon will be missed.
Rod and Michele
So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing.
I want to say to the family that when I think of Gordon I smile. When I first met Gordon, I think at a Division of Mission meeting in Toronto, I thought he was a Newfoundlander. He cleared that up quickly. In one of my careers, I was a Real Estate agent and sold Anne and Gordon their house in Edmonton. When I think of Gordon, I do think of his storytelling. Most of all I remember Gordon and I smile. He was all that is best about the wonderful people from the Maritimes. Rest In Peace Gordon. Anne Pressey
Mary Lou, Kim, and George, I have so many fond memories of your dad. Did he really drive us to junior choir every week for 6 years? He played a strong role in our childhood that I’ll never forget. Wishing you all the best, and sending love at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family Mary. So sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing. We have many great memories of Gordon and our times together with our families, especially at the old house in Cape Breton. If only the walls could talk the stories it would tell
Xo.., lots of laughter and love was there.
Lots of love to you all.
So sorry to hear about your dad’s passing – we have wonderful memories of youth group at Westboro UC in Ottawa – he married us in 1968 and we will always remember him admonishing Ken at the front of the church on that special day by telling him “don’t muff up your lines!” just loud enough for us to hear. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.
So sorry for the loss of such a kind and caring man. Thinking of you Mary-Lou, David, Christopher and Alex and the rest of the family. I always remember him with a smile when he lent a hand in a different way – scrubbing red wine out of your cream carpet after our clumsiness – and unfailing kind about that too. Lots of love to you all Xx Xx Xx
MaryLou, I am so sorry to hear this. May his memory forever be a blessing to you.
What an amazing man. What an incredible life. Our most sincere sympathies. Hoping that remembering the way he touched everyone he met with respect, humour and, yes, love will bring peace and joy to your hearts.