WILLIAM ROBERT (BOB) GORDON

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WILLIAM ROBERT (BOB) GORDON On Friday March 16, 2001, after a brief battle with cancer, Bob died peacefully and with dignity. He was in his own home, his wife Evelyn at his side as she has been for 51 years, and enveloped in the love of his family. Bob was born in Winnipeg on July 16, 1921, eldest child of Norman and Mary Gordon and brother to Shirley (Pincock) and Don. He married Evelyn (Simms) on September 23, 1949 and together they raised eight children. Bob was predeceased by his parents; infant granddaughter Laura; and in 1993 by his son, Rob. He is survived by a strong and vibrant family who meant the world to him: his wife and partner Evelyn; Jim and Janis Gordon (Angela and Stacey) Joan and Guy McLachlan (Sarah, Elizabeth, Alison, and John) Kathy and Mitch Njegovan (Andrew, Connor and Robyn), Barb and Alan Titheridge (Lindsay, Maureen, and Karen) Susan; Robs wife Rayann (Denton, Jamie, and Kolter) Sandy and Murray Peterson (Matthew, Colin, Scott, and Beth) Jack and Rosie Gordon (Melissa, and Robbie). Bob was always close to his sister Shirley and brother Don, and their families were very dear to him. He had great love and respect for Evelyns parents, brothers and sisters and their families. Bob was raised and educated in Winnipeg. After service in the Second World War as a navigator, he completed his B.A. at United College, and his teaching certificate at the University of Manitoba. He earned his B.Ed. in 1958 and his M.Ed. in 1969. Bob taught for eight years in Deloraine, Flin Flon and Winnipeg. During his teaching years Bob volunteered for the Manitoba Teachers Society at local and provincial levels. He joined the staff of MTS in 1957 as assistant General Secretary and retired in 1981 from the position of General Secretary, a post he had held since 1975. He was a strong proponent of collective bargaining. Bob received many awards and honours during his career. He was especially proud of a Canadian Teachers Federation Special Recognition Award, presented in 1981 for his contribution to education at provincial, national and international levels. In 1982, he was made a life member of the Canadian Education Association. In both 1967 and 1976, Bob was a delegate to the annual Assembly of the World Confederation of Organizations of the Teaching Profession. In 1963, he was the only Canadian delegate to the International Labour Office Conference in Geneva, dealing with the social and economic conditions of teachers and in 1973 was a member of the Canadian Teachers Federation team sent to Nigeria. Retirement in 1981 allowed Bob to combine his expertise in the field of education with his love of travel and his commitment to less advantaged countries. Often accompanied by Evelyn, Bob served as a Canadian Teachers Federation resource person in Jamaica (1982, 1983), Malawi (1985, 1986, 1987), India (1986), Swaziland (1990) and finally back to India in 1993. Bob always believed that he gained more than he contributed, and he cherished the people met and friendships made. Bob also believed in travel for fun. He and Evelyn took many trips together and ensured that each of their children traveled with them in turn. In later years, Bob and Evelyn spent part of each winter in Florida, and in Palm Springs with brother Don and his wife Ruth. Bobs favourite place to travel to was Florence Lake, Winnitoba. The first summer home was built by his parents when he was a young teenager. The original cottage is incorporated into a myriad of additions. Winnitoba was central to Bobs life, and the lake community was especially cherished. Bob embraced new friendships and he truly valued and nurtured his life-long friendships. He had a deep and abiding faith in God. He loved his wife. He loved his family. Thank God for the gift of Bob Gordon in all our lives. Cremation. Memorial Service Tuesday, March 20, 2:00 p.m. at Sturgeon Creek United Church. Reception to follow at the church. Arrangements with Chapel Lawn, 885-9715. Flowers gratefully declined, donations to CancerCare Manitoba, 100 Olivia St., Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 (787-2197) would be appreciated. The family thanks those who helped Dad remain at home, especially Louise.

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 20, 2001