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Victoria, BC. Born July 11, 1928 in a tent at a hydro-electric construction project his father was working at in Pine Falls, MB, Gordon attended school in Winnipeg, graduating from Daniel Mac Collegiate Institute where his summer job had him working for Gunnar Gold Mines in Northern Manitoba. After graduating he went to work for Marshall-Wells Hardware wholesaler as a salesman. It was during his travels for Marshall-Wells in Saskatchewan that he met Marj, they would marry in 1956. After being married, a call had him heading with his new bride to northern Saskatchewan and a job at Gunnar Mines, where, aside from his day job and participation on the mine rescue team, he and his wife developed life-long friendships that exist to this day. When the demand for uranium began to dwindle, the family was on the move to Fraser Lake, BC and a role for Gord at Endako Mines. It was here that Gordon joined the Masonic Fraternity and was made a 3rd degree Master Mason in 1966 in Vanderhoof, BC, an affiliation that lasted his whole life and of which he was very proud. A move to Prince George and finally to Williams Lake where the family resided for 19 years. Gordon loved the Cariboo and spent many summers camping and fishing at lakes in the area in his various RV’s. Gordon and Marj moved to Westbank, BC in 1990 where they lived until their move to Victoria BC in July, 2016.


Gordon was an active Shriner and, after graduating from Clown College, gladly dressed as his clown persona “Gordo” to participate in parades, hospital visits, seniors home visits & children’s birthday parties where his magic tricks and balloon animal tying prowess was on full display. His family, less delighted some days with his balloons, would often have to frisk him before attending events to ensure he did not have a pocket-full of them! He loved being a clown and was still planning the purchase of a new wig and some new make-up until right before his passing. Gordon supported both of his daughters as they participated in Job’s Daughters and held the office of Associate Bethel Guardian in both Prince George and Williams Lake. His years of support to the organization was recognized when he was asked to be Grand 4th Messenger representing the Province of BC.


A sometimes uncompromising individual, Gordon was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grand-children. He taught us all the value of service through his work with the Mason’s and Shriners and that family, both blood and those that were family by choice, were important. He enjoyed a cold beer, a great steak, the company of friends, a good joke, a spicy Caesar before a meal and the company of any four-legged furry canine.


The family would like to thank the staff at Selkirk Place in Victoria who ensured his last weeks were comfortable and who graciously withstood his teasing and irreverent humour. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, brother, two sisters and other close family members. Gordon is survived by his wife, children, grand-children and great-grandchildren who will miss him greatly.


There will be a service in West Kelowna, 2:00pm at the Lions Hall, 2466 Main Street, on Saturday May 27. We respectively request that you dress in colour to honour Gord’s love of all things clown. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Shriners Hospital –Red Sneaker Fund, c/o Gizeh Temple 3550 Wayburne Dr, Burnaby, BC V5G 3K9, as it was a cause very close to Gordon’s heart.


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www.mccallgardens.com




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