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JAMES C. GORDON
Born: Oct 26, 1950
Date of Passing: Nov 24, 2004
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJAMES C. GORDON Hi, my name was James Colin Andrew Gordon. They say I was born October 26, 1950 and I died November 24, 2004. I was only 54, but my life was quite interesting to me. Ive always enjoyed reading the morning newspaper, including the obitbulkloaduary notices. It was difficult to know all the people in the notices when they lived on this planet, but I am probably meeting some of you now! I was born third, into a family of eight children, five brothers, two sisters. My mother Patricia Gordon passed on May 7, 1991 and my father died January 16, 2001 two days after my mothers birthday. I am deeply mourned by my partner, lover, confident and unique friend, Sandra Gordon (nee Greenberg). I am also survived by my father-in-law Edward Greenberg, mother-in-law Corinne Greenberg, brother-in-law Dr. Milton Tenenbein, sister-in-law Brenda Tenenbein and their passionate children, Burton, Paul, Marshall and Rachel, who showed great kindness to their uncle Jim. I am also survived by Shane Greenberg and his daughter Sarah. My Aunt Doreene, "the last surviving Jones", also mourns me as does her partner Bill, and her four children. I have far too many cousins, nieces and nephews to name here. Some of my happiest times were spent in Deep River, a town nestled amongst the colourful Laurentians, in the Ottawa Valley. I remember basking in the hot sun and I spent most of my time at the beach, exploring and fishing for trout in Kennedy Creek. My family moved to Pinawa in 1964 and I have lived in Winnipeg (1973-1977), North West Territories (1978-1981), British Columbia (1981-1982), Winnipeg, (1982-1984), Edmonton (1984-1985), Winnipeg, (1985 to 2004). I was a classroom teacher from 1978. However I ran into health problems by 1990 which slowed me down a little but I kept returning to teach! I was hospitalized seven times between 1991 and 2000, and I finally realized I was not going to get any healthier if I continued this pattern of sickness - teaching - sickness so I left the job. Eventually I was placed on permanent disability. This last hospital visit cost me my life. I hope that I had a "positive" effect on all of my students who I loved as if they were my own children. Today would be a good day to light your Christmas candle you made with me. I am going to miss the comradery I have experienced with many people over such activities as wine-making, camping, fishing, candle making, teaching, games, etc. and the incredible conversations Ive had with such great individuals. Music was the fabric of my weave. It has been my personal shelter from confusion and anger, helped me make sense of the conflicted world. Besides being an escape, music and the lyrics have provided me with extremely vivid memories of people, places, feelings and I hope these will be present in the afterlife. Although I was born a Roman Catholic and I would like to be buried a Roman Catholic, Ive listened to many different religious perspectives in my life time. The religions of this planet are diverse, but all have a feeling of worship of a compassionate Creator. Please say a little prayer for me in your place of worship. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 27 at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave. (entrance on Aubrey Street) at 10:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Jims memory may be made to Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 3062 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3K 0Y1, Childrens Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, CE 501, 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1 or Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Unit 10, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 26, 2004
Condolences & Memories (2 entries)
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My first wife, Annina, and I met Jim and Sandy in 1981 Annina and Sandy were teaching colleagues. Jim and Sandy moved from the Interior BC town where we met to Winnipeg in 1982, and we visited them there briefly in the spring of 1984. I've reread Jim's self composed obituary several times since his passing. Annina and I remained married until her passing in 2009. I lost both parents the same year. With the passing of each loved one, I continue to be touched by Jim's parting message and to treasure precious memories of time spent with Jim and Sandy. - Posted by: Roy Thompson (Friend, 1982-1985) on: Jul 17, 2023
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I first met Jim in 1984 when we were residents in the same wing of Mac Hall at the University of Alberta. I was 19 at the time studying general science, and Jim was 34 looking to complete a Masters in psychology. I would say that I was probably Jim's closest friend during the 6 or 7 months he lived in Mac. We ate many meals together in the cafeteria and generally hung out on the weekends. We even took a trip to Calgary in his bronco to visit one of his friends, listening to the Eagles and other music from the 60s. Jim was a positive influence in my life. He shared many ideas and insights, and was always supportive. He was supportive of many other students as well. It was clear that he cared about people and always wanted to help. Although he never talked about it, I think Jim was searching during this time. I think it became clear to him that he loved teaching children more than pursing a graduate degree in psychology. He left to go back to Winnipeg before the second term was complete. It was a sad day for me; I still remember his bronco leaving the parking lot. The last I heard from Jim was a year later when he called to recommend that I pursue a career in french. I should have listened! (I became a lawyer instead, only to leave and become an academic.) From time to time I have wondered how he was doing. I am saddened to learn that he died some time ago. I should have stayed in touch. He was a good person. I will always remember him. - Posted by: Dr. Lucien Lamoureux (College friend) on: Jun 22, 2018