GORDON ARCHIBALD MCKINNON

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GORDON ARCHIBALD MCKINNON March 18, 1922 - June 2, 2005 It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather. Gordon leaves to forever cherish his memory his beloved wife Mildred. Gordon first saw Mildred in 1937 when she stepped off the train in Jacobs Ontario. He knew right away that she was the one! They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this July. Gordon is survived by his daughter Brenda (Borody) and her two daughters, Taylor and Morgan of White Rock, BC; daughter Nancy (McKinnon), her husband Gilles Hebert and son Maxim and son Ian, his wife Geri and his son Ryan and daughter Breanne. He is also deeply mourned by his sister-in-law Theresa Myers of Kelowna, BC. Gordie and Mildred were devoted caregivers to Frank Bennett until his death in 2003. Gordie went to high school at Norwood Collegiate and Wesley College. He was a veteran of the Second World War, having served as a Corporal in the RCAF from 1941 to 1945 working as an airframe technician in both England and India. From 1945 to 1963 he worked as a telegrapher for the CNR. Mildred joined Gord on his early CNR postings. They found themselves living in small stations in the Ontario wilderness miles from the nearest town, often having groceries delivered by train. Gord and Mildred remembered these times as some of the best in their life. They lived with no running water or other conveniences but relished this adventurous life. With three children at home and at the age of 37, Gordie took on the ambitious and daunting task of returning to school. He graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science degree from Brandon College. The family moved to Winnipeg where Gordie continued his graduate work in science under Dr. George Lubinsky receiving his Master of Science in 1968. Gordie began a teaching career as lecturer at St. Paul's College in 1965. He was promoted to Assistant Professor and taught in the biology unit from 1975 to 1980. In 1980 he was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor and joined the Zoology Department where he taught until his retirement in 1987. Over the years Gordie taught in a number of areas, including biology, invertebrate zoology, and microtechniques. During much of his time he taught the Introduction to Biology for Arts students. His enrolment was often close to 300 students. For a period Gord represented science at St. Paul's College. Part of the motivation for building lecture theatre 100 was to keep both Gordon and Science in the College. In spite of large numbers, Gordie always had an interest in his individual students. He had a deep commitment to those with visual and auditory deficits, so much so that some of these students went out of their way to praise him. Gordie was nominated three times for the Saunderson Award for Excellence in Teaching. Under his artistic skill as a lecturer the mysterious lives led by genes and plant and animal cells captured and held the interest of students. Gord spent his retirement years enjoying his cottage in Lake of the Woods, boating, and making detailed models of ships, planes, and railroads. He enjoyed reading, nature, watching car races, and curling on tv. Lo! some we loved, the loveliest and the best That Time and Fate of all their Vintage prest, Have drunk their Cup a Round or two before, And one by one crept silently to Rest. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. THOMSON IN THE PARK Funeral Home and Cemetery 1291 McGillivrary Blvd. 925-1120

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2005