Gordon Harry LENNARD

LENNARD, Gordon Harry

After rallying many times over the past few years with his indomitable spirit, Gordon passed away peacefully at home in his sleep next to the love of his life, Beth, on December 8, 2014. He was born in Dundas, Ontario in 1929, son of Phyllis and Jack Lennard, brother of Graham. Gordon graduated from the University of Western Ontario and obtained his MBA from Harvard. He married Beth Murgatroyd who for 60 fun filled years remained his steadfast partner and his greatest joy. Love of family meant everything to Gordon and it has been instilled in his six children: Kathy (John Knowles), John (Peggy Doe), Sue (Steve Howe), Rob (Elvira Vargas), Joan (Carson Wynne) and Richard; his twelve grandchildren: Kaitlan (Steve Pratt), Sophie (Dave Cumming), Lydia, Alastair, Akosua; Charlotte, James, Jeffrey; Kylie, Andrea, Max; Eliza and William; and two great-granddaughters: Ginny and Madeline.
  Life was always a nonstop adventure with Gordon and nothing was ever impossible. While he and Beth adored exploring the world together, their favourite moments were spent with family each summer in Georgian Bay - every day was 'another day in paradise.' Gordon had a remarkable career at the CIBC during which time he demonstrated his creative business acumen while being transferred back and forth throughout the country - Toronto, Ottawa, Calgary and Montreal. In 1978, Gordon returned to Calgary and went into commercial real estate and established Lennard Corporation. Gordon became a director of many companies and organizations, including Petro Canada, Dominion Textiles, Ultramar, Bawden Drilling, the Calgary Stampeders and the Banff Centre. He was proud of his role as Hon. Colonel of the King's Own Calgary Regiment. He enjoyed a special bond with many of the soldiers. Gordon was fortunate to have a private audience with The Colonel in Chief of the Regiment, Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham Palace.
  Everyone who knew Gordon was touched by his zeal for life, his joy of music and photography, his generous spirit and his enthusiasm for almost anything, especially family reunions. He set the family 'beat' and we all danced to it. No day passed without a highlight. He will be missed by many but his positive energy, kindness and song will live on forever with his family and friends.
  A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 16 at Knox United Church, 506 4 St SW, Calgary at 1:30 p.m. Gordon will be returning to his family roots in Dundas this summer where we will be having a Celebration of Life while shouting hallelujah...'When the Saints Go Marching In.'
If desired, donations may be made to the Osu Children's Library Fund, a registered charity promoting the joy of reading in Africa, 188 Montrose St., Winnipeg, MB, R3M 3M7.