GORDON RAYMOND HUGHES SMITH

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GORDON RAYMOND HUGHES SMITH August 24, 1940 - October 8, 2006 Suddenly, Sunday, October 8, 2006 at Esterhazy, SK. Gordon will be sadly missed by his good friend Doug Flatt; sister Gail Ellis; niece Lori Ellis (Bill Haldenby) and their son Liam of Mississuaga, ON; brother Garry Smith (Navee) of Regina, SK and nephew Brendan, niece Rebecca; and sister Gloria Vaughan of Petersfield, MB and nephew Brook and niece Leah Jones (Winnipeg). Gordon has many cousins and friends across Canada and the United States who will miss his impromptu visits, great conversations and his wonderful sense of humour. He was predeceased by his parents Gwen and Ray Smith of Winnipeg, MB. Gordon was born in Toronto, and lived in London, St. Catherine's and Collingwood, ON before moving west to grow up in Fort Garry with his family. He attended General Steel School and then St. John's Ravenscourt where he developed an interest in running that he fostered with his peers at Viscount Alexander and Vincent Massey Collegiates. His interests in track and field led to obtaining a degree in physical education at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. There he developed his skills and fascination for photography. His love of animals was enhanced by obtaining a Certificate in Agriculture at the University of Manitoba Agricultural College. He was strongly committed to the preservation of wildlife and the environment and spent many hours as a volunteer with Ducks Unlimited. His interest in skiing, swimming, camping, canoeing and the outdoors was developed through family trips and as a dedicated Queen Scout. He attended two world scouting jamborees and photographed his trips to Europe, Africa and throughout Canada and the United States. Many of us have his photos of wildlife in our homes. Gordon cherished his family and his friendships from over the years and he never hesitated to connect for a catch up as he passed through on his journeys. His enjoyment of reading contributed to his wealth of knowledge and made him a great conversationalist. He was rarely short of information about a person, place or business. He saw humour in many things and loved a good laugh but not at another's expense. His dogs Cole, Remington and Chester predeceased him. Latterly, Puppy and Tommy, two Labrador Retrievers were his devoted companions. For the past 10 years Gordon lived in Bangor, SK and took an interest in gardening and cultivating trees. He grew apples and even learned to make a great apple pie, pastry included! Gordon was a loving brother and uncle, and a friend to all who knew him. The funeral was Friday, October 13 at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Esterhazy, SK followed by a church hall reception. Burial was in Saltcoats, SK where his grandparents Beatrice and Gilbert Hughes and great-grandparents John and Julia Hughes rest.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 21, 2006