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Gordon Witteveen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Witteveen
40 Entries
M.I. SCHAAP
February 2, 2011
Dear Marilyn, Wat een grote schrik te horen van je dat Gordon - Corrie is overleden. Hij vertelde wel dat hij leukemie had.Wat hebben we jaren leukj met elkaar gemaild.Ik keek er altijd naar uit.En daarom ook zo vreemd dat ik zo'n tijd niets van hem hoorde.De reden is mij nu bekend. Lieve Marilyn nogmaals heel heel veel sterkte en een dikke kus van nicht Ria
Ria Schaap-Popma
February 2, 2011
Dear Marilyn. Zoals ik je al mailde, was het toch een grote schrik voor mij dat mijn neef Gordon - Corrie is overleden. we mailden heel gezellig , sinds de Hiemstra dag in Bolsward.Nogmaals wens ik jou en de kinderen en kleinkinderen heel veel sterkte. Een hartelijke groet Ria dochter van Titia Popma - Hiemstra ( zus van de moeder van Gordon.)
Jan en Marijke Mulder-Nota
January 12, 2011
Dierbare Marilyn en Ann en familie
Wij willen jullie nog condoleren met het overlijden van onze neef Corrie (Gordon). Van Tiny hebben wij dit adres ontvangen en kunnen zo ons medeleven tonen. Wij herinneren jullie van de laatste en enige ontmoeting in Bolsward bij de Hiemstra-familiedag, Dat is dit jaar al weer 10 jaar geleden.
Ook had ik af en toe met Gordon via de mail contact. Zijn boekje waarin hij over zijn leven en de familie schrijft, heb ik via mijn nicht Ria ontvangen. Maar dat heb ik al gemaild.
Op 13 december was ik de voorganger in de Vitus kerk in Blauwhuis. Gordon had geregeld dat de misintentie die dag was voor Sidonius en Riek Witteveen-Hiemstra. Cis en Rita ( de dochters van Herman) waren ook in de kerk.
Voor zijn ziekte hebben we in stilte met een kaars gebeden.
Tijdens de kerstnachtviering heb ik bij de intenties in Sneek zijn naam genoemd.
Nu neemt hij een stille plaats in bij jullie met dierbare herinneringen in jullie hart, maar ook bij ons.
Wij wensen jullie veel sterket toe met elkaar.
Een warme groet en liefs uit Fryslan, Sneek van jullie neef Jan Mulder en zijn vrouw Marijke Mulder-Nota (zoon van tante Yfke en oom Hendrik)
ps hopelijk wordt het allemaal vertaald.
Dorothy Hills
January 6, 2011
Dear Marilyn and Family,
I am saddened by your loss and ours. Gordon befriended me as a newcommer to the golf industry 12 years ago and I will truly miss our chats and visits. He was an inspiration to many!
January 3, 2011
Dear Marilyn and family;
Our sincere sympathies to you and your family. I'm sure that Gordon and Mom are having a good chat and thinking of us all down here.
Sincerely,
Sibbel and Glenn and family. Barrington, Illinois
January 2, 2011
Gordon Witteveen will be missed but never forgotten
His legacy will live on for generations.
My sincerest condolences to the family & his friends
Christopher Kane, Victoria BC
[email protected]
January 2, 2011
Dear Marilyn and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Gord's passing. We all have very fond memories of Gord and the contributions he made as a member of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club Executive and as a Hike Leader for our club's hiking programme.
Marilyn, you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Linda Murray, President
Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club
Harold Crawford
December 31, 2010
My sincere condolences to the Witteveen family. Gordon always kept the Horticulture class of '58 O.A.C. entertained with his wit. It has been a pleasure to see him from time to time over the years. His accomplishments leave a great legacy to the turf grass industry.
December 29, 2010
Dear Marilyn, Ann, Margaret and Sid
Reading these messages give me a good feeling of the amazing man Gordon was. It sounds like he had time for everyone and always with a smile and kind word. He was a generous man in all ways. The candle is for mom, she would light a candle when someone needed prayers. We will miss him.
Our condolences and thoughts are with you,
Love Piet Bouwhuis, Dora and Peter
Larry Sherk
December 25, 2010
Great clasmate in horticulture at O.A.C. and always free with his compliments and interest in where your career was going. Will be missed. Condolences to the Witteveen family.
Tim Kubash
December 23, 2010
My sincere condolences go out at this time to the family of Gordon Witteveen.
Gordon devoted his working career to making people happy through the game of golf. He will live on through the work he did and the people he mentored and helped through the years.
He left us a legacy of printed material that will continue to help many succeed in practicing the craft he loved so much.
Thank you Gordon.
Wade and Jennifer Peckham
December 23, 2010
Expressing our condolences to Marilyn and family. Gordon was a pioneer that helped forge our industry into the success it is today. Our prayers remain with you.
Art Drysdale
December 22, 2010
Gordon Witteveen was golf course and turf maintenance in Canada, and indeed in North America! Just to read the messages in this guest book and the areas from which they originated, and who the folks are, including old mutual friends Clayton Switzer and R. Vince Gillis!
Gordon was not just a good thinker and writer, but also a great radio guest on my CFRB (Toronto) radio programme.
Farewell gallant sprit!
Gasper Bernardo
December 22, 2010
Dear Marilyn: Cheryl and I are saddness by the news of Gordon passing. I can not begin to tell you the impact that Gordon had on me. Taking an green horn pro shop employee and showing me the art of cutting greens and maintance of a golf course. I will always remember Gordon and his stories.
Dennis Pellrene
December 22, 2010
The Witteveen Family
Laura and I were both saddened by the news of Gordon's passing. I respected his work ethic and professionalism. We were fortunate to have him and Marilyn on a Dungeness crabbing venture on the west coast and dinner afterwards, a great day
His diligence in producing his books of our greenskeeping history was inspiring.
We will miss you Gordon
Laura and Dennis Pellrene
Ron Heesen
December 22, 2010
Dear Marilyn and Family,
I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Gordon. He will be truly missed and I cannot begin to tell you the impact he has had on my life. Please accept my sincerest condolences to you and your family at this time. I hope to be able to speak directly to you in the near future but for now our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
Ron and Adrienne Heesen
Dave Stevens
December 21, 2010
I went to my first Masters with Gordon in 67. Tiger Woods blew the field Away. I enjoyed it very Much.
Albert van der Heide
December 21, 2010
Greetings, Marilyn. We are saddened to learn of Gordon's death. Although we never met in person, we talked with each other occasionally by phone. He encouraged us with our work and shared with us an interest in family history. We appreciate his efforts in writing his family history. I am certain that this will now be even more appreciated by you and the family.
That you may draw comfort from the Giver of Life who gave His Son, whose birth we remember specifically this month, so that all those who call on Him may have eternal life.
Kathy & Ken Burke
December 21, 2010
Hi Marilyn & family
I was so sorry to hear about Uncle Gordon passing. We have especially enjoyed recently being in contact with him. He will be missed by many.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Katharine (Van Beek)
December 21, 2010
Dear Marilyn:My sincere sympathy to you and the family. Gordon was truly an outstanding person in the turfgrass industry. He will be sadly missed by all of us who had an opportunity to know and work with him.
Sincerely, Clay Switzer
December 21, 2010
Gord was a force to be reckoned with. I enjoyed our encounters, both the kind where we were mutually celebrating , and those when he was challenging something with me.
He was likely the first "celebrity superintendent."
He was a true lover of GCSAA and a proud founding member of CGSA. GreenMaster was a particular love. I'll miss him.................Vince Gillis.
Sharon Leslie
December 21, 2010
Marilyn, Ann, Sid & Margaret,
I was saddened to hear that Uncle Gordon had passed away. Although we may not keep in touch as often as we should, we all have good memories of our childhood and family activites that we have shared in the past. Please accept my condolences on behalf of my family and our hearts go out to you.
Sharon, Daryl & Lucas Leslie
Elsie Witteveen
St. Marys, ON
Albiny Provost
December 21, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Christian Pilon
December 21, 2010
Mr. Witteveen left us an inspiring legacy.
My sincere condolences.
December 20, 2010
Marilyn, We were very sorry to hear about Gordon. Ron and Gwen Johnston
December 20, 2010
Dear Marilyn -
My sympathies go out to you and your family. Sincerely , Vera Wood
Dave MacMillan
December 20, 2010
I listened to Mr Witterveen give a lecture to myself and other Seneca College GCT students at Board of Trade in 1989.I was immediately struck with his professionalism and passion for the turf care profession.He was so good to all of us that day,and it was readily apparent that spending time with young people about to enter a world in which he was so instrumental in forming was as gratifying an expierience for him as it was for the rest of us.All Superintendents across Canada owe Mr. Witterveen a world of respect and gratitude for helping to instill the sense of professionalism, and indeed higher learning that has become a hallmark of the job we all love so very much.Thank-you Mr.Witterveen,you will be missed. Dave MacMillan (Supt/GM) Chester GC,Chester,Nova Scotia.
Paul Lefebvre
December 20, 2010
Ann,
Your Dad was a truly a very unique individual. He will be well remembered for his shaping of the golf course industry, and the establishment of the word "professional" in the superintendent name.
We will all miss him.
Rob Officer
December 20, 2010
To the Witteveen family;
My condolences on the loss of your husband, father, brother and for many a great friend, mentor, and leader. This is very much a shock to me as I hadn't seen or spoken to Gordon in a few years. I was a very young Superintendent in the late 1980's and it was at I believe my second CGSA Conference that I was bestowed with the inaugural Gordon Witteveen Award for best superintendent written article in Greenmaster magazine. I was surprised, proud, and quite frankly nervous to meet a man with such a rich history in the turfgrass management profession. However, in very short time frame Gordon put me at ease with his quick wit. I saw Gordon at every CGSA conference I attended 15+ and he always had time for me. In the late 1990's I was in Toronto on CGSA business and had the chance to play the Board of Trade with Gordon and have dinner together in the clubhouse following our round. Although Gordon had his opinions I never felt he was more than willing to let a young “buck� like me express mine as well even if they were in conflict with his. When I left my position as a golf course superintendent to teach at Red River College, Gordon always kept in touch not only to make sure I had an ample supply of books but to see how I was faring as a teacher. Gordon as well all know was an accomplished writer and teacher in his own right and I will never forget the time he made for me and how he put me at ease when I was a very young superintendent attending CGSA conferences early in my career.
Gordon will be greatly and sadly missed by many including all of his friends in the turfgrass management profession. Gordon was one of the early leaders of CGSA and one of the first to put the “profession� into turfgrass management in Canada.
Jim McGarvey
December 20, 2010
Dear Marilyn,
Kathryn and I were so saddened to hear the news that Gordon had passed away.
He was a pioneer in our industry in Canada, and a friend to all golf course superintendents wherever they might be from. I was always impressed with how he remained a 'student' of the profession, despite his vast knowledge and experience. He always related to young turf managers, and I think that was partially why. His legacy in our industry will last forever.
He was friend too though, and it's his friendship and personality that I'll remember most. His enthusiasm for life, his love of his family, the twinkle in his eye, the way he loved to laugh, his philosophical side, and his ease in making new friends, all come to mind as I reflect on our time together.
We'll miss him Marilyn, as will so many.
My sincerest condolences to you and the family.
December 20, 2010
Marilyn,
My condolences to you and your family on Gordon's passing. It seems like only a short time ago that you two came by and spent time with me at Boca Rio. I will continue to treasure the memory of that day. I will always remember Gordon as being the perfect example of what a golf course superintendent and a gentleman should be. You and your family will be in my prayers.
Bob Randquist
Boca Raton, Florida
Bob Kains
December 20, 2010
Gorden was a great and interesting character who contributed tremendous energy, enthusiasm and knowledge to the golf industry. In recent years he made it easy and affordable for the Canadian turfgrass industry to purchase a wide array of golf oriented books. Thanks Gordon for the many years of conversation and service.
Bill and Marilyn Weinstein
December 20, 2010
Dear Marilyn and Family,
We were saddened to learn of Gordon's passing and offer our sincere condolences to you and the family during this time of bereavement. I was very fortunate to have had the chance to play the occasional round of golf with him these past 3 summers when I really got to know him as the great guy he was. He was articulate, compassionate, and devoted to his family and the outdoors he helped cultivate for people and wildlife to
enjoy in manicured and environmentally conserved surroundings.
Gordon will be missed by his loved ones and his friends and all who had the pleasure of encountering his presence--the presence of a truly outstanding individual.
Sytske and George Landman
December 20, 2010
Sincere sympathy and condolences from Sytske (Witteveen) and George Landman and family, Mount Forest, Ontario.
December 20, 2010
As a member of The Board of Trade Country Club for many years, Gord in my opinion was the finest Superintendent the Club ever had. Managing expectations of more than a 1000 members was not easy but he did it with a certain pinache and aplomb.Let this memory be his legacy. Ron Cawfield
December 19, 2010
Dear Marilyn,
On behalf of Kenny and myself our sincere condolences
go out to you and your family
.Kenny & Barbara Haley
William H. Gathercole
December 19, 2010
We all owe A LOT to Gordon Witteveen.
He was a FOUNDING FATHER of the Modern Golf Course Superintendents Industry.
He was, without a doubt, a GREAT UNFLINCHING SUPPORTER and FRIEND and ACTIVIST for all Golf Course Superintendents, across Canada and around the world.
Gordon himself was a LEGENDARY and an ICONIC GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENT.
Furthermore, he was a GIFTED and PROLIFIC WRITER, and a RENOWNED AUTHOR.
He was also an ACCOMPLISHED TEACHER and LECTURER.
Gordon was also a MENTOR for DOZENS of aspiring Golf Superintendents.
Gordon was a man who was HIGHLY INTELLIGENT, ENERGETIC, INDEFATIGUABLE, and ROBUST, with BOUNDLESS ENERGY.
He was a HERO in every sense of the word.
I have always been in awe of Gordon and his great accomplishments.
He has left behind a world that is BETTER because of his work.
William H. Gathercole.
Linda Magliocchi
December 19, 2010
Dear Marilyn and Family,
Please know that I am thinking of you all during this time of grief.
Mr. Witteveen (as I called him) will be missed. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for him. He reminded me of my father. I enjoyed the many talks that we had after his game of golf at the Club .I'll miss his wonderful smile and kind words. Everytime he spoke of his kids and grandchildren it left him with a tear in his eyes. (on occasion, mine as well).
God Bless,
Linda Magliocchi
The Country Club.
Tjipke Haagsma
December 18, 2010
I was saddened to learn about the passing of Gordon Witteveen, a classmate from OAC 1958. I got to know Gordon well at Guelph, because we spoke the same language( Frisian)and English was still difficult for both of us. We spent time together playing chess, and talking about our experiences as immigrants to Canada. I kept in touch with Gord through all these years, and often met at professional meetings where Gord would speak about his favourite subject, golf course management.Gord was a trusted friend and we will all miss him.He seved with me on the OAC 58 executive committee, and he will be missed there also.
I would like to express my condolences to his wife and family members and trust that you will be comforted to know that his suffering is over and that Gordon is now in a better place.
May the good Lord comfort you all during this time of sadness.
Tjipke Haagsma
John Bouman
December 18, 2010
Dear Marilyn and family, it is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Gordon. Having recently been involved with the writting of his memoirs,
The first chapter. I had hoped we could have got together sometimes this spring.
Unfortuantely this was not to be.
Please accept our sincere condolences: John and Diane Bouman
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