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DR. GORDON MILNE

DR. GORDON MILNE obituary

FUNERAL HOME

Northwest Funeral Alternative

428 Balmoral Street

Thunder Bay, Ontario

GORDON MILNE Obituary

October 19, 1946 ~ October 16, 2025
The younger son of Margaret Gordon Ramsay and Charles Milne Tinsmith, Gordon was born on October 19th, 1946, in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.

He graduated M.B. Ch.B. from Aberdeen University in 1971 and worked in London and Yeovil, England before emigrating to Canada in 1975. He worked in general practice until his retirement in 2016. He was for many years the District Medical Officer for the Department of Veterans' Affairs/ Veterans Affairs Canada. He was also the attending physician for Pinewood Court, Grandview Lodge, Central Park Lodge, and Bacon Hill Lodge, and served as Medical Director of Hogarth Westmount Hospital prior to hospital amalgamation.

He loved to travel. In 1964, he spent four weeks visiting seven countries with three friends in a Volkswagen camper. He visited Spain, Morocco, and Gibraltar during university holidays and later spent six weeks in New Zealand, where he worked as a locum physician and delivered several M?ori babies. In 1979, with his partner, he flew around the world on Pan Am, visiting Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Germany, and Great Britain. He visited many of the Caribbean islands and cruised the South Pacific and Mediterranean, stopping in Greece, Italy, Croatia, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, France, Spain, Tahiti, and Bora Bora. Gordon also spent many vacations in St. Maarten.

He was predeceased by his parents, his nephew Andrew Guyan, and his partner of 44 years, Tim Kelly.

He is survived by his brother Charles (Heather), sister Margaret (John Guyan), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Gordon passed away peacefully at home in Thunder Bay on October 16th, 2025. At his request, cremation has taken place, and there will be no formal funeral service.

In addition to what Gordon wrote himself, a beautiful reflection of his life, travels, and accomplishments, there was so much more to who he was.

Gordon was one of the kindest, most patient, and most caring souls anyone could ever meet. He had this calm, gentle way of making people feel at ease, and a warmth that drew others in instantly. He was thoughtful, loving, and always saw the good in people. His positivity and grace were steady and constant whether in his work, his friendships, or his quiet moments at home.

He loved gardening, and it showed. His gardens were filled with life, colour, and care, much like his heart. He had a natural gift for growing just about anything, and his friends often turned to him for gardening advice. He never hesitated to share his knowledge, or a few plants, with anyone who asked. Watching things grow gave him joy, and he was proud of every flower and every harvest.

Gordon loved cooking and having friends and family over. He was happiest when the house was full of laughter, good food, and conversation. He loved to host, and no one ever left hungry, or without a smile.

Some of his most cherished memories were made at his summer cottage on Silver Beach, surrounded by the beauty of Lake Superior. He loved peaceful mornings, afternoons spent in the garden or by the water, and his favourite daily tradition, 4 p.m. wine time. It was never about the wine itself; it was about connection, stories, laughter, and friendship.

He was loved by everyone who knew him, his friends, his family, his colleagues, and even those who met him only once. He had that rare ability to make you feel like you mattered, like you belonged. He also loved playing cribbage, and his quiet competitiveness was always mixed with humour and charm.

Even as his world grew smaller, he stayed closely connected with family through his weekly FaceTime calls with loved ones in Britain and the United States. Those conversations meant everything to him, a way to bridge distance with love and laughter.

Gordon was grateful every single day for the people in his life. He often said it would take endless pages to name everyone who made an impact on his journey, and all those whose lives he, in turn, touched. His generosity, compassion, love, care, kindness, and positivity were his constant gifts to the world.

He lived life with an open heart and a beautiful simplicity. He found joy in the small things - a perfect meal, a blooming plant, a good conversation, the sound of waves at Silver Beach, and the people he loved most.

His memory will live on in the gardens he tended, the friendships he cherished, the lives he cared for, and the love he gave so freely.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Charity of Your Choice in Gordon's memory, a gesture that reflects the kindness and generosity that defined his life.

Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Oct. 25, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for GORDON MILNE

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11 Entries

Janice McCoy

Yesterday

Gordon you will be missed. We met playing cribbage and were always a pleasant partner or opponent as we played at a table of four. Memories of our times together will keep you in mind. (like my 7th perfect game win with you as my partner) My condolences to your family. May you rest in peace.

Marion Giesler

Yesterday

I loved working with Dr Milne at McKellar. He was a kind and caring man who treated his patients well and loved a laugh with the nurses. Condolences to his family and friends.

Lorraine Wilson and family

Yesterday

Dr. Milne was our family doctor for many years, and we all loved him. He helped us all through many difficult times and was so kind. God bless him and his family, he was one of the best.

James

October 26, 2025

My dear friend, you will be missed by me. I enjoyed many many nights tipping some booze with you at the camp with you and Tim. Sorry, my friend. I´m so sorry.

Susan Thomson

October 26, 2025

I knew Dr. Milne when I worked as a nurse at St. Joseph´s hospital. Sure did miss him when he retired. Such an amazing human and doctor.

Ray Nupponen

October 25, 2025

Gordon was a knowledgeable and caring GP. Happy trails!

Janet Baumann

October 25, 2025

I worked with him @ Dr. Cecil Dodick´s office, then for 28 years for Gordon.
I considered him an employer first, The Best, & a close confidant & friend.
Anyone who was in this gentleman´s life were privileged. He was excellent with my family through the years
Fly high dearest , finally @ rest. He struggled & planned to keep living . Janet

ALANA SLATER

October 25, 2025

With a sadden heart, condolences to all who had the great pleasure of knowing Gordon. Not only an amazing generous person with a immense heart he will be greatly missed, never forgotten and remembered for the next generation he fostered into caring on his legacy.
Now that you, Dr Milne took care of this world let your next world take care of you.
Sincerely yours Alana

Wendy Eisworth

October 25, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Gordon´s passing & extend my deepest sympathies to his family & friends. I was a patient & neighbour of Gordon´s for many years, he delivered my youngest child. He also delivered my birth control to my mailbox once a month. We always laughed about that. Gordon was the kindest Doctor, he was knowledgeable & provided the best care to me & all my family. I´ve missed him since his retirement. He made a significant impact on my life as both my Doctor & friend.
Gordon I wish you peace, may you continue to enjoy your evening wine & conversation with Tim & all others who have crossed over. Your legacy will live on in everyone who knew you.
With love
Wendy Eisworth & Family

Charlotte sabbe

October 25, 2025

He was the best doctor I ever had he alway took time to really listen to you I enjoyed running into him at yard sales and auctions he was my doctor since I was13 till he retired he will be missed

Angela Saunders

October 25, 2025

I worked with Dr Milne for many years at McKellar Hospital. He was very kind to both the nurses and the patients. Sincere condolences to his family.

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428 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8