Gord passed away suddenly at his home with his wife Kathy at his side. Gord was born in Ottawa, Ontario and resided in Almonte, Ontario for most of his youth. He was predeceased by his father Bruce. He is survived by Kathy, his wife of 46 years, son Graham [Kim], daughter Amy [Jeromy], dear grandson Nash, mother Polly, sisters Karen, Bunny [Kent], Jennifer, brother Rick [Chris], many nieces, nephews, and numerous in-laws.
Gord and Kathy moved to Victoria in 1976 and raised their family. Gord was a chartered accountant and worked in private practice for several years before joining the government and working in the Ministry of Finance. He had retired in 2017. Gord was a quiet gentle man who loved his family, would do anything for a friend, was modest and unassuming and never wanted to make a fuss.
His coworkers admired his knowledge, his practicality, and his frugalness. He loved road trips, history, reading and collecting sports cards, coins, stamps and looking out for a hot bargain. He and Kathy drove from Victoria to Newfoundland last summer which was a highlight for him.
The family would like to thank the first responders, paramedics and the Oak Bay police department for their professionalism, expertise and caring manner.
No service as requested by Gord and the family will inter his remains at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be welcome to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marg Won
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Al and Linda Kenning Dear Kathy, We are very sad today to get your news about Gord. I will always remember fondly my time working with Gord at Winspear Higgins Stevenson during the late 1970s. Gord was always full of humour and support and a pleasure to work with. Of course his hard work ethic was legendary and impossible to keep up with. Despite this you and family always came first in his mind. We had lots of fun outside work too and enjoyed our many social visits with the both of you. Our thoughts are with you and the family.
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Susan Evans Dear Kathy, I was very saddened to hear the news of Gord’s passing. Although I only knew Gord briefly when you were dating and newly married, I remember his sense of humour and dry wit. I always looked forward to the Christmas letters and Gord’s writing in them. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very difficult time.
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BIll & Eileen Pangman Dear Kathy, Graham, Amy and family,
Our heart-felt sympathies to you for your loss. Gord was a great friend for 39 years and he will be missed; now the memories of our friendship and “chuckles” will carry on and be cherished even more. He was the kind of person who would give you the “shirt off his back” – he was always there to help. Gord has left a legacy of stories for us to enjoy as we think back on our fun times together.
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Dee Willison Kathy, Amy, Graham and Nash…I am deeply saddened for your loss. No words can help at this time but please know that Gord was truly a great man and his love for all of you was plain to see. Gord treasured friendships and I have been deeply honoured to have been a friend. Hugs to all of you. Wendy Willison, High River, Alberta
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Leslie Amy, Kathy, and family. I worked with Gord at the province. I remember him saying when he had insomnia he would move to another room so he would not wake Kathy. His love for his family was clear in everything of import we spoke about. Amy I am Kate’s mom. I am so sorry for your incredible loss. No other words.
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Susan Tutton Dear Kathy and family,
So sad to hear about Gord. Gord and I had good conversations when the family got together.
My thoughts go out to you and your family at this time.
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Jeety Bhalla Dear Kathryn and family.
I am saddened to see the news of Gord’s passing. Gord and I worked at Deloitte Touche after the merger of the two firms. Altough our time working together was short, he and I were tapped as the two trainers for the merged firm here in Victoria to teach the new audit approach to our staff. It was a pleasure to have known Gord and to have worked with him many years ago. I have had the occasion to bump into him at lunches over the years and chat for a few minutes. I will miss his wit and dry sense of humour.
My sympathies to the family.
Jeety Bhalla
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judi Woytack Dear Kathy.
Jerry and I are shocked to hear this tragic news. Very very sad!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We have very fond memories of Gord.
Judi and Jerry
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Carol Van Der Haegen Kathy, Graham and Amy, Eugene and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Gord’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time in your lives.
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Beth Foster My sympathy to Kathy and family.
I worked with Gord for almost 5 years before he retired. Whenever I had a question that no-one else seemed able to answer, I would ask Gord. I can’t remember one occasion when he ever refused even though he was usually really busy and he wasn’t my supervisor. He always made time. He usually had an answer or was able to point me in the right direction; his knowledge and ability to recall facts and figures was remarkable – and very accurate. From time to time Gord would generously provide a pizza lunch for our group, which was always appreciated.
Several years ago my mother had hip replacement surgery and needed 3 months of rehab. I started going to visit her after work every day – an extra trip by bus, and it made for a long day. Unexpectedly, Gord would from time to time stop by my desk at the end of the day and offer me a ride. Thanks Gord, but I’m going to the hospital. No problem, he would say.
I have to say that what I will really miss is his sense of humour. Several months after his retirement I found him at the front door of the office trying to talk his way in. I laughed at him and brought him up to our floor. All the way into our area he lectured me about breaking security by allowing a non-employee (him) into the building, which of course didn’t stop him from visiting with his former co-workers.
From time to time Gord would talk about family road trips, his daughter’s job in another province and the Emails his son had sent him. He was over the moon with his grandchild. Above all, it was apparent that Kathy was the centre of Gord’s universe.
Smart, generous, compassionate, and a sense of humour; definitely a co-worker to remember. Gord will be missed.
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Denis Jean Noel Harvey Dear Kathy and Family. Our most sincere condolences on Gord’s passing. He was a good friend and I will miss our lunches. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these very difficult times.
Denis and Bev
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Linda Mills Dear Kathy and Family,
Our sincere condolences to you after Gords passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda Mills and Family (Almonte, Ontario)
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Anna Burke Dear Kathy and family,
Our sympathies to you on Gord’s sudden passing.
The details about his activities over the years indicate he lived a full life. I’m sure he will be remembered well by family and friends.
John and Anna Burke
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Bunny and Kent Kaufman Dear Kathy, Graham and Amy
We are still trying to come to grips with Gord’s passing. He was always there as a big brother (in-law) and, despite the distance, friend. He will be missed.
Bunny and Kent
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Wayne Munro I was saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing, my sympathies to his family.
Gordie was a member of our Euchre club back at Almonte High School, and we passed many happy hours studying the fine art of card playing.
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Dave and Karen Minor Dear Kathryn and family. Dave and I are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You all have a very special Angel looking out for you. All of the memories you’ve created will hug you all with love. Sending Love and hugs to you all. Dave and Karen Minor
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Mary Jane Low Dear Kathy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. My sincere sympathy and condolences on your loss.
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Jean Minor Dear Kathryn , Graham and Amy. We were very sorry to hear of Gords passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of sorrow. Rest In Peace Gord.
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John and Betty Burke Dear Kathy and Family
Our sincere sympathy in the sudden passing of Gord. We offer our thoughts and prayers
to you and the family.
Dear Kathy, Graham and Amy,
I am so very sorry to hear of Gord’s sudden passing! That is very sad news! Thinking of you and sending love and prayers as you continue your life without him. Much love, Marg