It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Stanley Howard May 26, 2020 at the age of 89. Gordon was predeceased by his loving wife Bonnie and survived by his children Brent and Jenny (Brad), grandchildren Caitlin, Lucas and Sophie, and great-grandchild Sienna.
Gordon was born in North Battleford, SK. At the age of ten, Gordon’s family moved from Saskatchewan to Vancouver. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy from 1948 – 1953 – during which he served heroically aboard HMCS Athabaskan in the Korean War from 1950 – 1951.
Gordon met his wife Bonnie on a blind date set up by her cousin. They were later married on Oct. 28, 1961 in Victoria, BC. Several years later they adopted Brent and Jenny. Gordon and Bonnie shared a love of travel enjoying visits to many parts of the world including Spain, Italy, England, and Switzerland. They also created lots of memories spending time with friends and family at Lake Cowichan, Palm Springs and sailing out on the boat.
One of Gordon’s passions was being on the water. Whether it was diving, power boating or sailing. He had several boats throughout his life including a Bayliner powerboat, a Newport Sailboat, and a Beneteau racing sailboat. Anyone who went racing with Gordon will fondly remember him being referred to as Bingo, Bango, Bongo!
Throughout Gordon’s life, his many careers included working on a tugboat, working at the Vancouver Airport, repairing the Port Mann Bridge underwater, sales at Hickman Tye Hardware, and running several businesses including a dive shop, candy wholesale business, and finally owning Kwik Sales batteries before he retired.
In Gordon’s later years he proudly spent time as a member of the Korean Veterans Association Unit 27. Here he honoured the service and sacrifice of those that fought in the Korean war and commemorated with his fellow Korean veterans.
Our family sends heartfelt thanks to those who lovingly helped us with Gordon’s care. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made, in Gordon’s memory, to the BC Cancer Foundation.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at a time when we can safely gather together.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ken and Kathy Voakes
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Ian & Carol Haynes Our sincere condolences on the passing of Gordie. I had many good dives and times with he and Bonnie in the 60’s as members of the Sea Searchers Diving Club.
Ian & Carol Haynes
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Craig Little I will miss my good friend and sailing buddy. We shared many memorable adventures both on the water, sailboat racing, and ashore. I was fortunate enough to join Gordie on a trip to South Korea where we were treated like royalty and toured around the country. It was a honor to stand beside him while he relived his wartime experiences and was honored for his service as a Korean War Veteran.
We have great memories of trips to Palm Springs with Bonnie and Rose and Just Gordie and I.
Our hearts go out to Jenny, Brent and families. He was so very proud of both of you and the love and support you showed him throughout the years and even more so in his last weeks.
I will miss my old sailing buddy, but he has sailed across the finish line and now rest in the comfort of calm waters.
Craig & Rose Little
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Margaret Dyer To begin my sincere condolences to the family. Being at their wedding and being friends of both Bonnie and Gordie involved many diving meets, back in the 60’s. House parties at Milt and Audrey’s, all the many weddings we attended, lots of memories. They are now together again along with many friends and family who have passed before him. My lobe to you all. Margaret Dyer and family.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family as Gord and Koby were our good friends.