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GORDON PETER KUDLAK (GORD)

Born: Jul 26, 1951

Date of Passing: Apr 10, 2020

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GORDON PETER KUDLAK
July 26, 1951 - April 10, 2020

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Gord Kudlak in the early morning hours of Good Friday, due to complications from heart disease and diabetes.
He leaves to mourn his wife Gerry; children, Jill and Jason; grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner and Ashley; and his oldest brother Norm. He was predeceased by his mother in 1968, father in 1992, and brother Greg in 2019. He also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, band-mates, and probably more than a few questionable characters.
Gord grew up in the North End with his two brothers. "Those Three Kudlak Boys" happily wreaked havoc throughout the neighbourhood, testing the limits and patience of their parents, Helen and Fred. Gord's cherubic smile got them out of many jams. It didn't take long for Gord to find his niche with music. From school performances, to Cadets, to the band he was with at the time of his passing (REWiND), Gord could always be counted on to haul a drum kit, play the keys, blow a horn, or sing. His talents were widely known and respected throughout the Winnipeg music scene.
While they were both employed with Corrections Canada, Gord met his wife Gerry. To be around Gord and Gerry was to know what true love meant. They joked with each other, cared for each other, and from time to time drove each other crazy, but always with a smile on their faces. Jill and Jason will miss his steady presence in their lives and will always remember the fun times they had with him. Gord's pride in his grandchildren was obvious to anyone he talked to about them.
Family and social gatherings will be different now, without Gord to make us laugh until we cried (or worse). He was one of the greatest storytellers and impressionists you could ever meet, and he knew it. In particular, his impression of his own father was so legendary ("Boys! Get here NOW!!") that you could have sworn Grandpa Kudlak was right there in the room with you, forehead veins throbbing.
Thank you to the many nurses, doctors, and other hospital staff who looked after Gord through the years. We're sure you must be missing the humour and light Gord brought to the dialysis unit.

Gord, we will miss you at Christmas, we will
miss you at Easter, we will miss you when we
reel in a big one, we will miss you on stage,
we will miss you when the borscht is served,
we will miss you when we crack open a jar of pickled herring; we will miss you everyday.
You were one in a million, and we love you.


The family looks forward to sharing stories at Gord's Celebration of Life, which will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 25, 2020

Condolences & Memories (14 entries)

  • Gord may not have been my biological father but he was my Dad in every way. He was always there for me and showed much love and patience. I thought he was the smartest, funniest and most musically talented man I ever knew. I have so many wonderful memories I could talk forever about him. I think of you all the time Gord and miss you so much my life is not the same without you. You are in my dreams and I know you are watching over me. I will always admire the way you were always in a good mood and never complained through all the years of illness and everything you went through. Rest peacefully Pappa I love you❤ - Posted by: Jill Main (Daughter) on: Oct 25, 2023

  • Gord and I met in Sea Cadets and became lifelong friends. We moved easily throughout our youth, carefree and enjoying life along with the many different antics we pulled.... which stays with Gord and I. During our mid 20's we lived in the same apartment block on Whellams Lane. Later we watched as our families grew and prospered. His humour was endless and his wit sharp. We spent endless hours in a boat waiting for that big one. I was proud to be Gord's friend. Throughout his many years battling illness he never complained to me once about his lot in life. He took each day in stride and lived with the cards he was dealt and met his obstacles head on. You will be missed my friend.... until we meet again. - Posted by: Ken Barchuk (Friend) on: Jun 10, 2020

  • My deepest condolences to Gerry and family. I haven’t seen Gord for many years, but any time I was in his company, he always made me laugh. He really was a gem of a guy. So very sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Laurie Stevens (Friend ) on: Apr 30, 2020

  • Dear Gerry, Jay & Jill sending you prayers and comforting hugs at this time. Tax time just won't be the same. TOO YOUNG., Jan Rochelle - tax lady - Posted by: JAN ROCHELLE (FRIEND - TAX LADY) on: Apr 28, 2020

  • Through related work I knew Gord's wife, Gerry, a wonderful person just like Gord. Like Gord, I grew up in the Winnipeg north end on Bannerman Avenue. Gord was my brother, Dennis's age and they both played in the Tec Voc School band. I first met Gord through my brother and there were many good times. When my brother was very sick with cancer we had a big party before his death. Gord and his band, Rewind, played at the big party and it was nice to see all of Gord's family. This year on Good Friday, was the second year of my brother's passing and to my surprise it was the day Gord, passed away. No doubt the two of them will be testing their instruments and sharing stories together. Gord is going to be missed by many, many people and on behalf of my wife, Nenita and I we send our deepest sympathy to Gerry and the whole family. With love, Nenita and Bill Bell. - Posted by: Bill BELL (old friend) on: Apr 28, 2020

  • To Norm and Gord's family Our sincerest condolences for your loss. We reminisced a lot of humorous stories. Stu and Warren - Posted by: The Chubey Brothers (Airlies Street neighbours) on: Apr 26, 2020

  • I’ve known the Kudlaks since I was a teenager. I always remember him as the funny one as do many others. I did think, at times, Gord used His humor to cover any tough situations and he used it to help support people when they were in tough times. He cared. He gave me many good laughs as he and I stood in the reception line at Angie and Greg’s wedding. I was privileged to be part of many family gatherings throughout the years and always enjoyed Gord’s company. Even through his dialysis and heart issues he kept his humor. It was hard for him when Greg passed and I take great comfort in knowing that they are together again, probably wrecking havoc. My heart goes out to all the family. - Posted by: Betty Hirniak (Friend) on: Apr 26, 2020

  • WITH DEEPEST CONDOLENCES FOR YOUR LOSS. - Posted by: John Mason (Co - Worker) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • My condolences to the Kudlak family . The three amigos are all together now. Donny W , Greg and Gordy . The fishing and card games were the best memories and Gord had us all in tears , with his jokes and fishing antics ! . Good by Gordy and our dear friend Greg who we lost last year . Great friends . They kept all us younger guys in line , and safe ... God bless, The entire gang will be with you shortly. Domtar fly out fishing / card gang ! - Posted by: James (Fishing and card playing buddy) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • Gordie was my cousin. His Dad was my Uncle Fred, the youngest brother of my Dad Harry. I was the oldest cousin & we only saw each other occasionally, usually at weddings or funerals. I loved Gordie for his sense of humour & his love of life. Unfortunately our family was somewhat dysfunctional but when we were together we cared for each other. My love to you Gerry & all your family. Cousin Judy - Posted by: Judy ( Kudlak ) Porter (Cousin) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • A great loss to this world as Gord was a wonderful guy and that smile could brighten up any room.....My condolences go out to all of the family. He was always there at our hockey games cheering on with Gerry....I remember him coming to the house when I was about 12 and my jaw dropped when he played my Ludwig's. - Posted by: Darren Kozak (Friend) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • I met Gord when I was 4 years old. That’s when we moved into the house on Airlies st. He was my first and best friend from that point till the end of junior high. Gord went to Tec Voc and I went to Sisler so we didn’t see as much of each other but still did chum around a lot. Gord, John Panting and I did our first bike trip together. We all slept overnight in a pup tent in our back yard. Then the next day with a coke and a sandwich each we planned to cycle to Stoney Mountain. We never made it but we did get within sight of the prison. By that time we had already eaten and drank anything we had with us and were dog tired. But we did have a ball! We did so many goofy things in our youth and suprisingly we never got really hurt. Gord introduced me to music in a funny way. He was approched by a majorette instructor in regards to forming a drum group. Gord readily accepted and got a few guys from HMCS Chippawa. But he thought they needed a base drummer. So he asked me if I’d like to do it. I said sure but one problem. I didn’t play any instrument at that time. He said no problem and got me using the base drum. He didn’t mention it to the majorette instructor until we were on our way to a competition in Regina! I haven’t seen Gord in several years but was really sorry to hear of his passing. I still fondly remember our friendship. - Posted by: Ken Preston (childhood friend) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • Another angel in heaven! Gord’s passing has left a hole in many hearts, including my family and me. RIP. 😪 - Posted by: Evelyn Zubek (Sister in law) on: Apr 25, 2020

  • First met Gord and Gerry in the seventies while they were employed at Stony Mountain Institution.I attended their lovely wedding and it was quite obvious that they were madly in love with each other.Gord was a great fellow who would go out of his way to help others.He had a very special smile and laugh that could be heard from far away.My wife and I were very fortunate to have watched Gord in action with his music group Rewind.He was a great musician who loved what he did.I am very fortunate to have met Gord and Gerry and wish to offer my condolences to his entire family. - Posted by: Steven Geiger (Coworker ) on: Apr 25, 2020

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