Alexander (Gordie) Macauley Gordon
November 10th, 2020
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing at home of a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Gordie was the epitome of a true family man, as he was the rock and strength of the Gordon family. His talents were many and ranged from singing and playing guitar, to his ability to build, fix or design anything given a moment or two to figure it out. He built several of the homes the family lived in, incorporating Hair Salons for Janet, his wife of 50 years, the love of his life and the one who made his life complete. With her, he grew from a young man with hopes and dreams to the “Cool Papa” that his grandkids and their friends loved to hang out with.
His door was always open, and he always had a cold beer waiting for anyone blessed enough to be his friend or family.
Gordie raised 2 wonderful children, Dion and Nicole and was father in-law to Vince. He showed his devotion to them through the time he spent teaching them about family values, that family comes first, and hard work. He was their hero, confident and model for what a father should be. In return they loved him deeply. They were an outdoor family with camping, fishing, boating and family gatherings abundant.
Gordie spent many years with a heavy heart over the tragic loss of his son Dion in 1991. But in his final days, he was overcome with joy at the prospect of being reunited with his boy.
His grandkids, Peyton, Gemma and Sam will remember him for the love and laughter he showed them on a daily basis. He taught them to do things like catch fish, play Kick the Can and Crib. As younger children, he would sit in a patio chair and push them around his driveway on their plasma cars, the kids screaming “ more Papa more” as soon as they stopped. In the end, he was rewarded with their bravery, devotion and endless love to sit by his side and riminess about him upon his passing.
Gordie was predeceased by his father, Clarence and his mother Lillie May. He was also pre-deceased by his sister Leona and brothers, Ron and Mal.
He is survived by his sisters, Barb and Gloria and brothers, Reg and Les.
He is also survived by his sister-in laws, Bev (nee Elias), Connie (nee Elias), Carol (nee Elias), and brother-in law Ross Elias, as well as many other relatives and family friends.
Special acknowledgement to Margaret Ketchum, friend to Gordie and Janet for over 50 years and Brian Doell, who sat by Gordies’s bedside to the very end.
Lastly, the family would like to thank Dr. Natasha Hirawan, Nurse Katrina, Nurse Jay, Nurse Katie and the rest of the Airdrie Palliative team who doted over Gordie, allowing him to pass at home with dignity. We were truly in awe of his care.
"Dion’s got you now dad. He’s waited patiently and now it’s his turn to catch up with you.We will continue to love and think of you both everyday, until we reunite.” -Your loving daughter, Cole
Messages:
Condolences to cousin Janet and family. May your memories bring you comfort. I didn't see Gordie often but will always remember his big smile. Love and hugs, Dawn
To Gordie’s beautiful family. We are so sorry to hear of your loss of a wonderful man like Gordie. May he Rest In Peace with Ease & Grace!!! Love & Light, Beverly
My favourite memory of Uncle Alec was about 8 years ago. I was in Penticton with my sister Tracy and our kids Sophie and Max because our Grandma O’Neill was not doing well and we came to say good bye. My dad Reg Gordon was away and Uncle Alec and Auntie Janet offered for us to stay with them. Which was really nice since it was such an emotional time as we were very close to our grandmother. Uncle Alec offered to watch Max for me since he was only 2 at the time so I could spend some time with her. After a very emotional day we came back to the house and Uncle Alec was in his office reading a book with Max fast asleep on his chest. I will never forget that image. And the sense of family and comfort I felt. Not only did he give me the opportunity to say my goodbyes but I knew my little guy was well taken care of. I am going to miss your humour and that mischievous smile. You were always loving and caring to us. Rest In Peace Uncle and I take comfort in knowing there would have been a huge Gordon reunion in heaven with lots of music and laughter. Love Tara
Mike and I send our sincere condolences to Janet, Nicole and family. Always in our thoughts.
Dear Janet, Nicole and family, We have so many wonderful memories of our times spent with Gord. As you mentioned, his door was always open with a warm welcome and a cold beer... and for sure a room full of laughter! We feel so blessed to have been able to share our Cabo home with our first guests, Gord and Janet, even more because they were both such a big part of Barry's Mom, Helene's life. She loved them dearly and will also be welcoming Gord to his new home in heaven. It was so special to us that they loved it so much in Cabo that they chose to join us in paradise permanently! We are so happy that Gord was able to spend these last years here in their beautiful home in Mexico! There is a huge hole in our Mexican life without his presence, and we will think of him with good memories, especially when we enjoy the beach or pass by Neptuno. We are thankful to remember Gordo every time we look at the beautiful Sailfish he passed on to us, hanging on our wall. Our hearts are with you always, Barry and Sandy
I will miss Gordie. Very sad to see him go.
We’ve known Gordie and Janet for about 5 decades now. Many good times from Halloween parties to just sitting around telling tall tales to one another and enjoying a beer or two. We’re going to miss you big guy, until we meet again. Love, the Wyatts
That was so well said Nicole, your children were blessed to have a Papa like Gordie. Every time I’ve ever thought about Gord it’s his laugh that makes me smile. I have nothing but great memories of Gord and I’m sure to think about them every Nov 10th as that is my birthday. I feel so blessed to know that I will be thinking of Gord every year on that day for the rest of mine.
What a beautiful eulogy for your dad Nicole. My uncle Gordie, the man whom I was closest with, really - even more so than my own dad. I felt always safe and so so loved by that bear of a man. Peter and I send our deepest sympathy for you, Auntie Janet, and your family. He is still close, as you know. His breath is in your wings, and the wings of your children. He will watch you all soar from heaven, awaiting the grand reunion in time. Much love, Sonya
Truly a special soul that all of us are going to miss so much.I know the time going forward will be hard on the family but so lucky you had the time to say goodbye. We all have so many great memories that live in our hearts.Gord’s special hugs always made us feel cherished and loved.All our Love Garry and Brenda
I am so saddened of the news my Uncle Gordie passed for the fact it has been so long since I’ve got a great big bear hug from him. My childhood memories are filled with the most amazing times of hanging with everyone for those Penticton summers. So many wild , crazy adults to laugh at and cousins to play with. It really made my childhood being there with you guys. Wish you could have met my amazing little guy William Uncle Gordie but now you can, just in a different way. You really were such an amazing human and so much fun to be around. You will be truly missed and thought of often. So much love sent by me to the family as you heal through this time. I miss all of you! Melissa Terry and William Adamantidis
We are truly sorry for your loss Nicole and family. Your dad continued to surprise us all with his determination day after day. He is such a fighter and it shows how strong your family bond is. Uncle Alec will be truly missed and will always be in our hearts. We love you all so much. Joe and Chelsea.
Met Gordie in an Art class at Pen High. Do not think he even knew Janet at that point. Did not know then that he would be my brother-in-law and he would be part of my life for 55 years. Too many memories to count. Where do the years go. Our lives became forever intertwined. My mind jumps back and forth to those beginning years when Janet and lived with Neil and I for a while in while she was taking her hair dressing course and Gord was there also, before they married. How our kids became the surrogate kids until they had their own, they both doted on them. To the latter years when we enjoyed both Gord and Janet’s hospitality in Cabos. The fun we had fishing. My favorite picture is of Neil and him fishing together with the sun just coming up. I like to think of both of them now doing what they loved to do. On one endless glorious fishing trip. Will always miss them both. Love and hugs to Janet, Nicole, and their whole family.
Gordie was one of a kind and such a wonderful friend, Cabo will never be the same without his humor, his sense of adventure and his open arms. We will always miss him! ♥️ We love you all and know that no-one could have loved him more or taken better care of him.
My family, Shirley Bruce Ron Gay Tim, sends our deepest condolences to you and your family our hearts and prayers are with you. we will deeply miss uncle Alec
Gordie was an amazing person, who always had time to lend an ear, tell a joke or share a great laugh. He will be truly missed. Sending our thoughts and love to the entire family.
Dear Janet and family, Danny and I want to send our special love and thoughts to you and your family. Having such a man in your life is the best gift and the love has been shared with your family enriching all of your lives. We send our condolences to you. Bless you all.
We feel so blessed and grateful to both Auntie Janet and Uncle Gordie for their involvement and support of our wedding. Memories of singing on the patio with Uncle Gordie jamming on the guitar will be etched in our hearts forever. We send all of our love and prayers to the family, as you begin the journey of life without the physical presence of Gordie in your home. However, we take solace in knowing that he will be ever present in spirit.
I have no words to express my sadness. In a few hours I will stop crying. You wrote such lovely words. So lucky to have known Gord. He enriched people's lives...without realizing it
We were amazed with Gordie when he was struggling with the mouth cancer and then the lung cancer. He showed great resilience and courage to carry on and make the most of every day and still was able to joke around even in his last days. I love you Gordie and thank-you for 55 years of laughs and good times. I will miss you brother and look forward to seeing you again on the heavenly shores sun tanning.
My heart is heavy to have lost such a wonderful man. My Uncle Alec. He was such a staple in my childhood, a loving Uncle to me in adulthood, a support to my dad Mal and Jacquie, during many years of my Dad's decline and then my rock at Dad's ultimate passing. Always a smile, a joke to make me laugh and a big ole Gordon hug that let me know just how much he loved me. You will always have a huge place in my heart and I am so thankful to think that you and Dion are with each other again. My thoughts are with Auntie Jan and Nicole and the whole family as you find peace in your loss. Love always, Krissy
Dagmar and I send our deepest condolences to the family.