H. GORDON AIKMAN

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H. GORDON AIKMAN 1914 - 2002 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gordon Aikman. He died peacefully Thursday, October 10, 2002, at Charleswood Care Centre and will now be reunited with his soul mate and loving wife Alice. Gord will be lovingly remembered by his longtime adopted family Frank Chalmers, Mary and Katie Chalmers, Allison Chalmers-Justl (Rich), and their children, Alexa and Mitch. Godparents to Allison and Katie, Gordon and Alices friendship, devotion, and generosity will be forever cherished. Gord will be greatly missed by his nieces Doris Jubenvill, Marie Wray, Wilda Fisher, and the very special Betty Storey, along with other relatives and friends. He was a mentor to Frank and they shared a lifelong bond. Gordon was born June 26, 1914, to Harry and Hattie Aikman in Dauphin, MB, where he went to high school and roared around town on his Indian motorcycle. As a young man he began work at the Dauphin Photo Studio and freelanced local news assignments for the Winnipeg Tribune. Before long, Gord moved to Winnipeg and was hired as a Tribune photographer. There, he met news reporter Alice McEachern. This would be the beginning of a loving relationship that led to more than 57 years of marriage. The Second World War took Gordon overseas as a war photographer in the Canadian Army Film and Photo Unit. His great photos are now part of Canadas War Archives. He shared a special camaraderie with his fellow Film and Photo crew buddies that lasted the rest of his life. Along with his photo crew, he was one of the first Canadians to re-enter Dieppe when it was liberated. He covered the war from Normandy to the Rhine crossing, including battles around Caan and the Falaise Gap. The Film and Photo Unit were in the thick of every battle and often moved with the most forward unit. Attacking with Montys forces, Captain Aikman photographed the General numerous times. Gordon would later host Monty when he paid a visit to the Winnipeg Press Club of which he later became president. During Gords recent illness, fellow Unit member Chuck Ross of Edmonton was in constant touch, updating the other crew on his condition right up to the enda true friend indeed. Other members of the Unit include Lew Weekes, Ken Dougan, Gordon Petty, Bud Roos, Mike Spencer, and the late Don Grant, Bill Grant, George Cooper, Ted Pritchard, and Ken Bell. Following the war, Gord returned to the Tribune and became one of Canadas ace photographer and Tribune photo editora position he held until retirement. He photographed royalty, prime ministers, and celebrities such as Jack Dempsey, Fats Waller, Louis Armstrong, and even the great portrait photographer Karsh, who called Gord "a fine photographer who tells the truth." Gords news photos won national awards and appeared around the world. Magazines such as Life, Time and Weekend published his work. As a teacher, he had no equal and was a master at turning out some of Canadas best news photographers. Gord loved his 40 years at the Tribune and shared many memories and wonderful stories of his newspaper friends. Gord and Alice enjoyed more than 50 years in beautiful Wildwood Park where they had many close friends, including the "originals" of the park. Their home was always a warm place to visit. They enjoyed a wonderful marriage travelling across North America in their Austin Healey with their pet dachshunds "Zeb" and "Rudy" and later with "Max." Gord and Alice had long, happy, and full lives, always trying new things and travelling to new places. They shared so many interests such as music, literature and a love for animals, including their treasured cat Binks. He will be forever remembered as truly a gentleman among men. Thanks to staff at Charleswood Care Centre for the extra attention they showed Gord especially Kate and Janet. Also special thanks to Dr. Keith Jones at CancerCare. In compliance with Gordons wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, if you desire, donations in Gordon Aikmans memory may be made to the Salvation Army Memorial Fund, 740-500 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R3C 3X1, or The Childrens Hospital of Winnipeg Foundation Inc., CE 501-840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB, R3A 1S1. WOJCIKS ALL BELIEFS & FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL & CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 26, 2002