Richard "Rick" Gordon

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Richard (Rick) Gordon on February 16, 2022, under the glow of the Snow Moon, at home with his loving family at his bedside and under the auspices of Bill C7, Medical Assistance in Death, after a 2 1/2 year battle of several cancers.

Rick was born October 24, 1949 in Geraldton, Ontario to Elsie and Dick Gordon, the youngest and only boy. He was loved and spoiled by his four older sisters, who were also at his bedside.

Rick would be the first to admit he lived longer than he should have. He survived being lost overnight in the bushes of Geraldton in November when he was six years old; he also survived a lightning strike in his early 20s while pulling telephone lines and managed to not have a major vehicle mishap, as he was known to have a heavy foot, especially in his 1969 Dodge Super Bee!

His first job was at Russ' Texaco, where he spent most of his time instead of at school. At 18 he started his telephone career with Bell Canada, spending a lot of time early on in Toronto being trained and then he worked in the many communities between Kenora and White River. He ended his Bell career after a 9 month stint in Armstrong on loan to the Armed Forces. He took a job with Thunder Bay Telephone in 1973 as a linesman and retired as Supervisor of Installation and Repair 26 years later. He enjoyed attending the monthly Telephone Retirees lunch at the NorWester.

He played in the Men's Hockey League with his Thunderbolt teammates and Sunday morning crew at Current River. He hung up his skates in his early 60s. A highlight was when his sons were old enough to join him in a game. He coached and encouraged them through their years of playing the game they all loved. He took up golf in retirement and enjoyed many seasons as a member of the Thunder Bay Country Club and even became a member of the hole-in-one club! Golf was also a big part of daily life in Florida during the winter months.

He travelled with his family to many places in Canada, USA and the highlight was a recent trip with his sons to Scotland, highlighting the Whisky Trail, Dublin, London, Paris and Amsterdam. He spent several winters in Florida where he met many great people and made great friends from various parts of the USA and Ontario. Rick always enjoyed the Florida Happy Hour!

He was very proud and protective of his Buddy, daughter Cynthia. He had many sleepless nights in her early years making sure she was comfortable. She always amazed him with her great memory for anything hockey!

We are grateful to Doug and Carol for the 20+ years of fun and memories at Pike Lake. Our summers were spent there in our travel trailer, which soon became a favourite place to be on weekends after a long week at work. A fond memory of many are his pancakes served Sunday mornings.

Rick is survived by his loving wife Jackie (nee Cyr), daughter Cynthia, sons Richard and Trevor of Port Moody, BC, grandsons Kaye (Tokyo) and Sebastian (Port Moody). Also survived by his sisters Carole (Les) McLean, Valerie (Gord) Earle, Arlene Boracheff and Lynn Trafford; brother-in-law Leonard (Darlene) Cyr and sister-in-law Lori Cyr (Glenn) and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Dick and Elsie, infant sister Debbie, in-laws Raoul and Mildred Cyr, brothers-in-law Jordan Boracheff and James Cyr.

Thank you to Dr. Kennedy for many years of friendship and exceptional primary care. Thanks also the Drs. Hagerty, Chan, McCluskey, Gehman, Marchuk and Haq for their specialized care and skills; and to all the professionals that make our medical system work. A special thank you to Dr. Ward and the palliative care team for helping him and his family through this difficult time. Thank you to the many PSWs from Bayshore, the RNs from Ste. Elizabeth's and Bayshore for caring for him so he can be home with his family.

A very special thank you to niece Sherry for her wisdom, kindness and compassion and to Peggy for her friendship and help in our time of need.

Cremation has taken place and as per Rick's wishes there will be no formal service. Private internment will be held at a later date at Sunset Memorial Gardens. If family and friends wish, donations can be made to the George Jeffrey Children's Centre or TBRHSC Northern Cancer Fund.

Rick loved his family and friends and loved making memories with them.

Safe journey 49!

Online condolences may be made through
www.nwfainc.com