Gordon passed away peacefully after a long battle with Alzheimer’s dementia. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Lucie Dorval, two daughters, Lisa Whelan and Dian Wirth, two step-children, Justin Hallett and Jennifer Hallett, and 6 grand-children: Owen, Christopher, Haley, Russell, Brian and Kaitlyn.
Born near Nudorf, Saskatchewan, Gordon grew up in Vernon, B.C. As a boy he learned to sympathize for animals after a mishap with a robin. He also inherited a “don’t waste anything” trait from his mother and he must have caught the travel bug from her. “Wanderlust” in German.
After leaving Vernon he moved with his family to Vancouver, followed by Ottawa and London, England. His “wanderlust” for places spread to a “wanderlust” for jobs. He was an immigration officer. A part-time “bush” pilot. Lawyer. A week-end farmer, his favourite job of all. In 1986 he helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the DC-3 airplane and flew all over the world. He met his second wife in 1993 and later settled down in N. Saanich B.C. Here he became more involved in protecting wildlife and the environment, and continued to fly and play pool with his buddies.
Lucie was determined to keep him at home and independent as possible during his journey with Alzheimer’s dementia. Gordon’s family is awed by Lucie’s strength and love for him, and is also thankful for the support of Island Health nurses, doctors and care aids.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to World Wildlife Fund Canada.
Please contact ldorval@shaw.ca to attend the celebration of life later in 2024.
RIP Gordon from an old classmate .