February 4, 1925 – September 17, 2011
Our beloved Husband, Dad, Grandpa & Papa passed away peacefully on September 17, 2011. Gordon leaves his bride, Bobbie of 58 years, son Ross (Lynn), daughter Debbie (Dave) Richdale and grandchildren Robert, Trent, Curtis, Sydney & Derek. Predeceased by his brother Wilf and survived by siblings Frank, Eleanor & Winnifrid.
Gordon was born in Ernfold, SK. He served in WWII as a tail gunner then moved to Victoria in 1945. He retired from Shell Canada after 32 years of service. Gordon valued his long standing association with the Masonic Order.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at 3:00PM. In lieu of flowers, Gordon requested donations be made to Queen Alexandra Foundation for Children c/o Jeneece Place, 2400 Arbutus Rd, Victoria, BC, V8N 1V7. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com .
“not that a death has occurred, but that a life has been lived ”
21 Responses
Dear Birtwistle Family,
We were very fortunate to have Gordon around us for many, many years. He was very devoted to helping Dad ( R.B.Fox) attend his beloved Masonic meetings and we cannot ever thank him enough for this. Sorry we missed the funeral, we were out on the West Coast of the Island with friends on a trip. Our sincere sympathy to Bobbie and all his family …. The Andersens , Comox, B.C.
Dear Mrs. Birtwistle and Family,
Please accept my sympathy in the passing of Mr. Birtwistle. My Dad when he was still alive always spoke highly and very kindly of Gordon, and they were good friends. Know that you are in my thoughts at this sad time. Sincerely Julie Baker, daughter of the late John Bray.
Dear Bobbie, I have missed seeing Grodie at the gym in the mornings.He always had a smill for me.MY deepest of sympathy goes out to you and your family at this time. Bonnie
Dear Bobbie & Family,
I could always expect a firm handshake and smile from Gordie whenever I saw him at lodge or any other function. He always had a positive demeanor about him and I know that the Masonic community will miss him.
Sincerely,
Rob Heppell
Dear Bobbie and Family, How sad the news of Gordon. My Bruce truly treasured him as a brother and a friend. We were blessed to have him in our lives. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. With love, Dianne
Bobbie, you and Gordie were the best of neighbours on Kingsmill Rd; always friendly and helpful and never missing a wave as we passed by. My sincere condolences to you and Ross and Debbie as another wonderful man has left us to embrace his memory.
Bobbie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I know how hard these times are.Hang in there dear friend……Love Aldy
Our sincere condolences to Gordie Birtwistle’s family.
From Torrey & Barbara McCall
Dear Bobbie & Family,
Gordie was such an amazing man! He was a friend to everyone. He was always happy and smiling. Gordie was truly interested in people and what they were doing. We have so many happy memories of our visits with both of you.
My Mom, Florence Birtwistle, commented on how thoughtful he was at visiting his uncle, George Birtwistle and her friend, Shirley Sherman. He was always there for people.
We will miss him. Our thoughts & Prayers are with you all.
Love – Cheryl & Willis
Hi Bobbie,
Lil and I Just wanted to wish you and your family our deepest sympathy. Gord was one of a kind. I really didn’t get to know him as well as Eric did but he and I met often through our masonic connections and he was always great company. He and I were the same age and we had in common our service in WW2 to talk about. We will miss him.
Jack & Lil Rossiter