GORDON H. BRENNAN

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GORDON H. BRENNAN It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Gordon Harold Brennan, aged 80 years. Embraced in the loving arms of his wife during his final moments, Gordon was peacefully lifted up by the Lord on Tuesday, September 27, 2005. We would like to thank Mom for giving around the clock care to Dad at home and in his many hospital stays. Without Mom's constant vigilance for his health, Dad's final years would not of been as rich and full. Gordon will be sadly missed by his wife Yvonne; children, Violet Palmer (Colin), Christine Ross, Allan Ross (Kathy), Brenda Coppell (Kimberley), Brian Ross, Eric Brennan, Mandy Buchan (Robert) and daughter-in-law Dina Cerezo; grandchildren, Allison Toth (Darrell), Cara Gallagher (Shaun), Aaron Ross, Caitlin and Devon Coppell, Kirsteen and John Buchan, Anthony and Ryan Cerezo-Brennan; and great-grandchildren, Ronin and Brooke Toth. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, first wife Margaret and son-in-law Kimberley E. Coppell. Gordon was born in Bradford, England on January 16, 1925. He joined the British Army at the age of 17 and served during the Second World War in many theatres including Europe, Burma, Palestine and Egypt. One of his proudest accomplishments as a soldier was to land on D-Day with the 7th Light Infantry Parachute Battalion of the 6th Airborne Division at 12:05 a.m. on June 6, 1945 capturing the bridges over the River Orne and the Caen Canal near Ranville, France. During the war Gordon was badly wounded in a parachute jump but went on to fight in the Middle East. Gordon was captured twice by the Germans but managed to escape each time. After 10 years of service, Gordon left the army with the rank of Sergeant when family obligations called him home. In 1957, Gordon immigrated to Canada with his family, settling in Winnipeg. He worked in the retail meat industry for all of his working life until he was medically retired due to his war injuries. Gordon was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch No. 42 in Selkirk and Branch No. 64 in Lac du Bonnet. He was also a member of The Memory Project-Peace and War . He visited schools in Winnipeg sharing his story and the stories of his comrades during the Second World War in hopes that the youth of today will never have to make this sacrifice. Gordon was a loving and supportive parent. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. His unfailing support and British humour were always present when he shared his stories with them. Gordon was a kind and gentle spirit. He had unlimited patience which was evident in the politeness he showed to everyone during his most difficult times. Dad was always ready to have a chat and share his experience no matter how great the pain. During his many hospital stays he was very appreciative of all the kindness shown to him by his family, friends, the doctors, nurses and support staff at the St. Boniface General Hospital and the Victoria General Hospital. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. In celebration of his life a funeral mass will be held on Saturday, October 1, at 1:00 p.m. in the St. Bernadette Parish, 820 Cottonwood Rd. with Fr. Fred Olds officiating. Interment will follow at the St. Boniface Cemetery, 917 Archibald St, with a reception to follow at the E. J. Coutu Chapel, 680 Archibald St. If friends so desire donations in Gordon's memory can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3G 1S6 or to the CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E. J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 ARCHIBALD ST. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 30, 2005