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BORN
1938
DIED
2021
Gordon Tansley Obituary
Gordon was born on Jan 10, 1938 in Provost, Alberta to Doug and Sylvia Tansley. After a few relocations, the family settled in Kamloops in 1948. His love for hockey began at the age of ten where he spent endless hours at the Memorial Arena. He then quit high school to play junior hockey in Melville, Saskatchewan, and attended Montreal Canadians training camp in 1958. He returned to BC where he played in the Western Hockey League and went back to school. At this time, he met Diane Veness, the love of his life. He then played for Seattle Totems in 1960/61 before being drafted by the Boston Bruins. Feeling unsettled, he returned home to pursue his education, he married Diane in 1964, graduated with a Bachelor of Education at UBC in 1966. Following his graduation, he started a teaching career in Richmond, BC and then moved to Kamloops with his wife and daughters where he continued his teaching career and also completed his Master's degree before retiring in 2000.
Gordon and Diane shared a love that most people long for, through thick and thin. He absolutely adored Diane and he never held back making that known to us all. They loved to pack a lunch and get in their car and drive with no destination in mind until they arrived wherever. This was their 'means of therapy' some days to work through life's challenges. Together they created so many happy memories for their three daughters. The family grew with grandchildren and even more memories. Gordon's love for life included his trips to Hawaii, his road trips to Saskatchewan (in the beloved 1987 motorhome "Franklin") with whichever grandchild was up for it, and his camping trips to Golden Ears Provincial Park. He made us all laugh along the way and each day was an unpredictable adventure.
Gordon's faith in God was prevalent through his day to day living. His days started with devotions and prayer time. He brought an abundance of peace and strength to each of us no matter what was going on in our world.
He was a lover of all things sweet. There would often be chocolate bar wrappers under the seat of his car. He had his own candy/twinkie cupboard that we all liked to raid upon visiting. His love for books, the Mary Tyler Moore Show, Two and a Half Men, wall to wall pictures of family members are just a few things that come to mind when thinking about him. He loved to surprise Diane with random dinner guests when he would pick up hitchhikers between Kamloops and Rayleigh. He would share his love for God with them, feed them dinner and send them on their way.
He would amuse us all with his mis-pronunciation of people's names or mis-use of words which would sometimes land him in trouble. He managed to redeem himself through his charm.
He believed that Gorilla Glue was the fixer of all things including the frame of his 1987 motorhome which raised a few eyebrows. He was not a fan of line-ups or traffic jams and would reroute no matter how much time was added to the journey. If someone passed him in traffic and ended up at the same stop light, it was guaranteed that he would honk and wave.
As a Principal and teacher, he deeply cared for his students. He was known for his walks past the student's smoke pit to stop and chat, chasing the occasional unwanted guest off the school grounds and of course the "no drug/alcohol speech" at the start of every school dance.
Gordon was loved beyond measure, well respected and admired by his family, friends and his former students. He will be greatly missed by all. Thank you for all the memories.
His immediate family will be celebrating his life on Easter Sunday, April 4th.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Tansley
37 Entries
Rob Kossan
April 7, 2021
Have known, Mr. Tansley, since I was a young boy at Rayleigh Elementary. To the entire, Tansley, family, sending my sincere condolences & prayers for your loss.
rita kelly
April 6, 2021
I am sorry to have taken so long to send my condolences. All 3 of my daughters graduated from Brocklehurst Secondary school when Mr. Tansley was vice principal. He was most gracious, helpful and supportive. I was so thankful to have his guidance with all the grad committees and fundraising activities.
We were fortunate to have him help steer our children through their high school years. He was caring, sincere and an excellent role model.
My sincere condolences to all of the family.
Bobbi Schell
April 6, 2021
I was so sad to hear that Mr Tansley had passed. He was such an important person to so many people. A shining example of what a man should be. Kind, thoughtful, clever, strong, fair, inspiring, funny. He personally impacted me while he was vice principal at Brock in the late 90’s. His attention and sage advice made such a difference to me during some challenging times, and likely influenced the course of my life. I’ve thought of him so fondly many times over the years. We were all so blessed to have known him. He always spoke with such pride and love for his family. Sending them all love and condolences in this difficult time. ❤
Cheryl Dedels
April 3, 2021
Dear Diane and family,
I was very sorry to hear of Gord’s recent passing. I greatly respected him as a vice-principal and principal during my teaching career at Brock. He truly cared for both his staff and students. Above all else, Gord was a proud family man and I am glad you were all able to say your good-byes to him. My your strong faith and your many happy memories of time with your loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather bring you some peace during this difficult time.
Shannon Chassie
April 2, 2021
Mr. T was my Vice Principal and Law teacher at Brock. He was my absolute favourite! He was always happy and smiling and always on my side. I may have been a bit of a trouble maker in high school but he was always fair and was always there for me when I got in trouble or needed to talk. Two of my happiest memories of him was when he took our law class on a trip to Vancouver and Victoria and when he took us on a hike up Mount Paul and Mount Peter. He was an awesome teacher who always made me want to come to school because he was so interesting and always knew how to make class fun! I’ve thought about him a lot over the years and always wondered what he was up to. If it wasn’t for him I’m not sure where I’d be today. Thank you for the wonderful memories Mr. T, I’ll never forget you ❤ I always tell my kids so my funny stories about you! Rest In Peace ❤ Shanny
Pat Leonard
April 2, 2021
Mr Tansley was my guidance counsellor throughout my last 3 years of high school at WSS. I remember him as a kind, patient and understanding, I also seem to recall his sense humour as there were many laughs during our times together. He is one of the reasons I am where I am today, if it were not for him I would not have graduated and gone on to serve 40 years in the RCAF. A raised glass and a "Cheers" to you Mr Tansley for a life well lived and for all those that you inspired
April 1, 2021
Diane and family
Marla and I would like to offer our condolences. I will always admire Gordon for the way he conducted himself in his work and in everyday life. He was a true "gentleman".
If I had known that Gordon "picked up hitch hikers and brought them home for supper, I would have been on the road hitch hiking from Westsyde Secondary to Rayleigh!
Our thoughts are with you.
Love - Gerry and Marla Olund
Clarissa Thompson
April 1, 2021
He was the educator that always listened to his students, always encouraged, and always was honest. The world is a better place for his having been here. Thanks for everything, Mr Tansley
Jennifer Gore
April 1, 2021
Mr Tansley was a highlight of my school years. He was always there for support and encouragement. The world could learn a lot from how he lived his life.
Brian Russell
April 1, 2021
My sympathies go out to all the family on this loss of a husband, father, grandfather and friend. He always treated me with respect and acceptance and I valued our talks together. I remember that he used to always ask for a few pieces of ice in his drink at the drive thru at McDonalds. Made his special in just another way. Prayer for you all at this time.
Tanya Yoshy
March 31, 2021
Many good memories of Mr. Tansley at Brock Secondary 1998-2000
An inspiration and role model to so many students and young adults alike. You will be missed.
Dean Paravantes
March 31, 2021
Diane please accept by condolences. I was so saddened to learn of Gord's passing. In life we meet many people. But, we meet very few with whom we bond with whom absence means little, because of the strength of that bond. Gordon was that to me. We were close colleagues, I enjoyed working with him but I enjoyed his company as a person as well. After retirement we saw each other rarely. but it was the same closeness. I will miss him and will grieve but I will be forever grateful that I knew him, worked with him and could call him my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you. and family. God bless you all. Dean Paravantes
Maureen Hove
March 31, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Gordon for three years, at Brocklehurst Secondary School where Gordon was Principal. He was a thoughtful and insightful leader, much loved by staff and students. Gordon had a great sense of humor and a big heart. My condolences to Diane and his family.
Dave McDonald
March 31, 2021
was very saddened to hear of Gordons passing, we were neighbours in Rayleigh for many years, Remember himself and Rob crossing in the boat to school each day when nice out
Marc Folk
March 31, 2021
Mr.Tansley was a great inspiration to myself over the years at Brock! His support for myself, his patients and honesty I’ll always remember! Just a good man!
My condolences to his family!
Christine Surridge (ne Kelly)
March 31, 2021
I was so sad to hear this news. Mr. Tansley was the VP at Brock highschool when I was a student and I really liked him. I'm sorry for your loss.
jorge mai kelly
March 31, 2021
Rest In Peace Mr Tansley
You will be missed by many
Tom Tibando
March 31, 2021
Mr. Tinsley had a huge positive influence on my early high-school life. He was my light in hard times and my strong male role model when I messed up. He was patient with me and always kind. I will always remember him.
Lindsey Karpluk
March 31, 2021
Gord was my VP and Principal at Brock Secondary for several years. I always thought of him as the "friendly Giant", but Gord always had the line that you did not cross :) He was a "student and child "first educator who could talk to students on their level. I always thought he was a great listener and he definitely supported me when ever I needed it at work. However, it was clear to me working with Gord, that family was the most important of the "big picture" items in his life. My condolences to his family. He will be missed with fond memories.
Linda Kennard
March 31, 2021
I remember Mr. Tansley from when our daughter attended Brock Secondary. He was just great to talk to. Understanding of youth and parents. We were so lucky to have him and thank God for him.
Joanne Novak (Gaumont)
March 31, 2021
What a kind gentle giant. He was a great principal at Brock. Sending my condolences to his family and friends!
Doug Johnson
March 31, 2021
A very gentle man. While he was at Brock as 2nd Vice, I found him to be always supportive. Enjoyed the kids. Good bye my friend. Condolences to the family.
Tarrance Grieve
March 31, 2021
Gordon was a very influential educator. Sincere condolences to his family.
As Superintendent of Schools, I valued his perspective and advice. His contribution to the Kamloops/Thompson School District was significant.
Frank Marsico
March 31, 2021
Gordon was a great man and will be missed! My sincere condolences go out to his family.
Tod Beeton
March 31, 2021
God bless him I wish there were more men like him.
Brenda Lofdahl
March 31, 2021
I wrote him a message on Facebook the day I heard of his passing. He was quite simply an angel of a man. My life is still impacted by his being here. I hope his family can feel his love, always; as he radiated it all the time.
Ravinder Khrod
March 30, 2021
He was vice principal at Brock while I was there. All my interactions with him so positive and he was always trying to bring me out of my shyness. Condolences to his family.
Gloria Knous
March 30, 2021
Remember Gordon well. He was a friend of my brother Bruce and taught my kids in highschool. He was a lovely man.
Cal Belton
March 30, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to the family on the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather. He will be missed. Norrie & Cal Belton
Christal langier
March 30, 2021
Mr Tansley was one of my Favorite teachers, my husband and I became parents in grade 11 and he was so supportive, even offering us his office to talk in private if we needed. When I graduated the following year he said good job and that he was proud of me!! Made me feel great!! I took law class in grade 12 simply because he was teaching it. He will be deeply missed
Gregson John
March 30, 2021
I was in awe of you and your high school ‘accomplishments’.
You wouldn’t remember me, but I remember you and Ronnie at the Coke plant. RIP, you’re a great mentor!
Ken Hartt
March 30, 2021
Sorry for your loss... good man with a big heart. Hugs to all of you
Louise Shalapata
March 30, 2021
My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Mr. Tansley was my guidance counselor at Westsyde Secondary School from 1975 to 1979. Two encounters with him still stand out in my mind and always will.
The first was after I did a bunch of aptitude tests. He said of the results, and I quote: "You have the ability to do anything you want. And the ambition to do none of them." My goodness, he was so accurate it was shocking.
The second time was graduation ceremony night. I've always gone by my middle name (as do all of my family members) and he knew I actively disliked my first name and made a point of never telling any of my friends what it was. So what does the teasing wonderful man do? He calls out my full and complete name in front of everyone. Oh, he was a teaser. But I have to admit he never once said my surname incorrectly.
I have some truly wonderful memories of high school and Mr. Tansley will always be near the top of them.
Jason Perris
March 30, 2021
Unfortunately, my time with Mr. Tansley was as a problematic adolescent, Him as a Vice Principal. But I now admire his patience with me and understand his approach to maintaining a school with known problems. I had no idea of his hockey background which makes sense to me now.My condolences to his family along with my apologies to him and his family if he came home stressed a few times. I know I am better for knowing him and am sure I am not alone. My thoughts are with him and his family.
Michelle Campbell
March 30, 2021
Mr Tansley was my Vice Principal in Logan Lake in the early 80's. I was privileged to go to Vancouver on a trip to tour universities and BCIT with him and a few of my classmates in 1983 prior to my graduation in 1984. He was a special educator and he was always more than fair in dealing with us all. I have such fond memories of him. My condolences to his family. He was cared for by so many.
Patsi Yodogawa and Bob Jarvis
March 30, 2021
It is with the endless sense of humour that Mr. Tansley shall be remembered and his sense of Love for the Lord and with whom he shared Him with.
May we all be that much more Blessed for having the privilege of having
Mr. Tansley in our lives.
Rest In Peace.
Tudy Fortnum
March 30, 2021
This small space doesn’t allow for all we could say. Our hearts are sad he left. But our joy is overwhelmed in just saying “so glad we knew him!” The tribute the family left says all we could want to say ourselves. Rest well Gordon. We WILL meet again. Tudy&Cal Fortnum.
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