GORDON WILLIAM RONALD

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GORDON WILLIAM RONALD Peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2003, with family by his side, Gordon Ronald, aged 77, passed away at Vista Park Lodge where he had been a resident since last November. He was predeceased by his parents Lillian and Bill; and his older brother Jack. Gord is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lois (nee Morris) four children, Bev Laurin (Roger), Darlene (Stew Heaton), Carol (Kim McLarty) and Gord, also known as Craig, (Annette) four grandchildren, Derrick (12), Ryan (8), Vanessa (5) and Rebecca (5 weeks) and sisters, Kay Laird (Nepean, ON), Lorraine (Stan) Scarr (Winnipeg) and Florence Jones (Calgary). Born in Brandon, MB, in 1925, Gord grew up in Elmwood. He graduated from Lord Selkirk High School a year early at the age of 15 and went on to his first job at Dominion Bridge. In 1943, at the age of 17, Gord joined the Royal Canadian Navy where he served on the Atlantic for two years. Upon his return, he worked for Manitoba Telephone System for 15 years. He then went on to own and operate St. Vital Heating and Supply with his father-in-law. He spent the 20 years prior to his retirement, at age 65, working as a pipefitter for CN Rail. Gord was very artistic and musical, and throughout his life had a variety of hobbies including drawing, soap and balsa wood carving, raising award-winning canaries, refurbishing a 1910 Studebaker and roller skating (he and Lois first met at the Winnipeg Roller Rink). As a child, he played the drums for the Boys Brigade and took up the accordion as an adult. He was a real sports enthusiast, playing and coaching hockey in the early years. He also played lacrosse, as well as curled and golfed. In later years, he took great pleasure in watching a wide variety of sports on TV. Always well liked, Gord was a real charmer and will be fondly remembered for his friendly and outgoing personality, quick wit and sense of humour. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the second-floor staff of Vista Park Lodge for their compassion and caring during a difficult time. Cremation has taken place. A service celebrating Gords life, with reception to follow, will take place Friday, April 11 beginning at 3:00 p.m. at Desjardins Funeral Chapel, 357 DesMeurons, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre and the Parkinson Society of Manitoba. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949; toll free 1-888-233-4949.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2003