BRIAN DONALD GORDON, LLB -

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BRIAN DONALD GORDON, LLB 1957 - 2011 On Saturday, May 14, 2011, at the University of California San Diego Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children. Brian Gordon passed away after a brief but valiant struggle. He died as he had lived, with dignity and grace, and full of love for his family. Brian was born to Ruth and Donald Gordon on January 5, 1957. He grew up on Kelvin Blvd. as the middle child between his older brother Doug and his younger brother Bruce. After graduating from SJR in 1975 he attended Dartmouth University for two years before taking time off to travel extensively and work. He returned to his studies at the University of Western Ontario, where he majored in mathematics in which he loved and excelled. He returned to Winnipeg to pursue a law degree at the University of Manitoba and was called to the bar in 1984. Brian became a partner at Thompson, Dorfman and Sweatman in Winnipeg before joining Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Co., Limited as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in 1994. He had a long career with Hudson Bay and was an architect of the conversion of Hudson Bay to the successfully privatized HudBay Minerals Inc., companies where he devoted a major part of his career and energy with extraordinary results. He became a director of HudBay Minerals Inc. in 2010. Brian is fondly remembered by both clients and friends with the deepest respect for his talent, sense of humour and hard work. He was a man that never said more than was required and what he said always mattered. Brian was very lucky in the many friendships that he developed and maintained throughout his life. He was a steadfast friend and confidant. Alongside his work career Brian was steadfast in his interest in and care for the community. He contributed his time to the Make A Wish Foundation, the Westminster United Church the Red River Ex, as well as many other more personal charitable projects. Though his business life was long and ful-filling it was always secondary to his family. The importance of family was passed on to him from his parents, to whom he was devoted. His family was the central interest and influence of his life and no one was more important to him than his lifelong sweetheart and partner, his wife Jane Gordon. Living one house apart, they met at the age of 15 and married after a 10 year courtship in 1982. Brian gained a third brother, Thor Hovmand, and a second set of parents when their families joined. Brian and Jane had a true partnership and a long and devoted life together, raising four children; Meaghan, Elizabeth, Marsha and Brian. He was a generous and supportive father to his children and could not have been more proud of them. Brian attended endless figure skating practices, dance recitals and school functions. Always complaining, but always there and always supportive. After his semi-retirement he got to spend even more time with those he cared for as well as pursue the mastering of his endless personal interests. No one grew better tomatoes than Brian Gordon. He also discovered a late in life affinity for pugs and could generally be found at home with one (or two, or three) on his lap. An immense loss is felt by his family. He was respected for his extraordinary professionalism, a keen mind coupled with a deep knowledge of the law and an ability to enjoy a good laugh. He was a kind man, a confidant to his colleagues and one who was always respectful of others, extremely proud of his children and who loved his family with all his heart. He has left behind a legacy of love and devotion with his friends and family. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster Avenue, Winnipeg. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. Chapel Lawn www.chapellawn.mb.ca 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 19, 2011