Richard GORDON

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GORDON: Mr. Richard "Rick" Gordon of Newdale, MB., formerly of Brandon, MB., passed away suddenly at the Minnedosa Health Centre, Minnedosa, MB., on Thursday, January 24, 2013 after a short illness at the age of 83. Rick was born in Dryden, ON. and spent most of his childhood there until his family moved to Winnipeg, MB. He attended school in Winnipeg and later moved to British Columbia to work in the lumber mills. In 1955, he found a job that he loved and it became his passion to work in the cemetery industry. In 1960, he moved back to Winnipeg and became involved with Green Acres Memorial Gardens as a funeral director and sales manager. His dream was to own and operate a funeral home. This dream came true in May of 1967 when he became owner of Rosewood Memorial Chapel and Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Brandon, MB. He left Rosewood in 1976 but stayed in the cemetery business, being employed by Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens in Winnipeg until 1981. Rick met Jackie Ross and they loved to travel together, from their summer home at Diefenbaker Lake to their winter getaway in Mesa, Arizona, then settling in Newdale, MB. He is survived by Jackie Ross and her children: Brenda (Mark) Yankee, Susan (Luke) Quiring, RJ (Shelly) Bobowski, and 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Rick is also survived by his five children: Don (Gisele), Rick (Linda), Randy Gordon, Della (Georges) Forest, and Linda Koniuck (Guiseppe Crudo), along with 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews, and long-time friend Cam Ballance and family. Rick was predeceased by his father Milton, his mother Myrtle, his two brothers Lorne and Gordon, and sister Joyce. Rick was a man that loved and had the ability to organize and manage everything he did, from his shed with every item placed perfectly, to his desk where everything had a place. He would never miss anyone's birthday and always sent a card. He loved his family with all his heart and was so proud of what each of them had accomplished. In keeping with Rick's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal funeral service. A private family service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff at the Minnedosa Health Centre for their care and compassion while looking after him. Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Rick's memory. Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home of Melita, MB. (204) 522-3361, Neil Redpath and Kurt Ardron - Funeral Directors. To send condolences or special memories to the family, please visit: www.redpathfuneralhome.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 09, 2013