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17 Entries
David Zimmerman
April 10, 2024
I have very fond memories of my dear friend, Reverend Winch.
I was a volunteer at the Distress Centre back in the late 1970's.
I have since moved on professionally and now reside in the US.
As a physician, I try to emulate his wisdom, sensitivity and calm gentle demeaner.
Toronto is definitely a better place because of Gordon .
Rest in peace........
Barb Smith
March 21, 2024
I was a volunteer at the distress centre for twenty-nine years. I still remember all of the gems of wisdom that came from Gord. He was such a delight to work with.
Barb Smith
Elizabeth Seunarine
January 26, 2024
On behalf of the James Forbes Seunarine family, we send our heartfelt condolences to the Winch family.
Our late father Jim Seunarine (1921-1991) and (Uncle) Gordon were best of friends in the U of T days ( early 50's) and beyond. They would have long conversations late into the night, about many things including how to heal our world. Both had hearts of great compassion.
Our families had warm get- togethers. We loved Aunt Louise. We got to know Genevieve later. We even visited and stayed with Uncle Gordon's parents when we were visiting from the States in the late '60's, early 70's.
Uncle Gordon fulfilled Dad's commitments upon my Dad's sudden passing in 1991. He also spoke very movingly of their 40 year friendship at Dad's funeral.
Thanks Uncle Gordon for all you meant to so many in need, mentally and Spiritually. Rest in Eternal Peace. Cynthia and the Seunarine Family.
Helena Herscovici
January 17, 2024
On behalf of Victoria University, we send our deepest sympathies on your recent loss. Sincerely, the staff of Alumni Affairs & Advancement.
Anne Rawson
January 14, 2024
Such an inspirational life. I wish I had had an opportunity to learn from him. My kind of guy!
Bibi Withers
January 9, 2024
Gordon accepted me into the Distress Center volunteer team in the early 80's. He was so welcoming and supportive and his training has stood me in good stead over the years. Just yesterday I had a conversation with the mother of a young suicide victim and it is probably because I absorbed so much from Gordon's teachings all those years ago that the conversation was quite natural. Times have changed from the 80's when suicide was not discussed, a hidden shame, to now when intervention is more possible. The Distress Center was a foundation of the movement toward the present day openess toward the subject. Gordon Winch has affected more lives than can be counted. Ripples in the pond. A really great man in disguise as a humble human!
Carla Broger (Cutting)
January 8, 2024
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Malcolm Sinclair
January 8, 2024
Gordon was a United Church gem, exemplifying the best of us. He was a lifelong gift to so many. We are grateful.
The Rev. Dr. Malcolm Sinclair
Tom Tinsley
January 7, 2024
Gordon was an amazing human being. I was a volunteer at the Distress Centre in Toronto in the 1980's and helped with some walkathons the Centre did at the time as support raising events. Gordon was always supportive in everything and open to ideas. I'm so happy Gordon had a long full life.
Tammy
January 6, 2024
I have a lot of memories but the 1that i will always remember is grandpa taken me to work and i would either stamp his envelopes or lick them closed...yes he brought me water..love always
Marc Castonguay
January 2, 2024
Dear David and family, I was 12 when I first met Gordon at the family house on eglington ave,exanging time with Dave to learn English. When I arrived Gordon was sitting on the porch, he simply said hi Marc like I was part of family for ever, I will never forget that moment, true his work he made me realize what ( share) really meant, it was a new start in my life. I love you Gordon keep an eye on us...
Gerald Swinkin
December 31, 2023
Gordon made an enormous impression on me when I was a young man of 19. I was looking to do some community work and I was told about the Distress Centre. I went down to find out about it and I applied to be a volunteer. Gordon and two other volunteers interviewed me but I believe that it was Gordon who made the decision to allow me to be part of the volunteer group taking calls. At that point the Distress Centre had only been in operation for a couple years and it turned out that I was the youngest volunteer at that time. I treated it as a great point of pride that Gordon had the confidence to take a chance on me. I returned the favour by doing many overnight shifts. I recall so many relaxed chats with Gordon. He always listened closely and responded with something valuable. He was the epitome of empathy and he hardly ever seemed ruffled. He was a lovely spiritual man and I am certain that he was a beacon to many, May he rest in peace.
Aissata Ba
December 31, 2023
I didn´t know Gordon personally, but I know his son Peter Winch whose work changed and still is changing many lives in west Africa.
Thanks for all you have given to our world specially for suicide prevention. May you rest in peace Gordon.
Aissata Ba.
Terry Murray, Toronto
December 30, 2023
I was one of those Distress Centre volunteers trained by Gordon. I began volunteering there in mid-1981, and stayed for just over 10 years. I learned a lot from Gordon, about effective listening, effectively asking questions, and the workings of the human heart and mind - all of which helped me in my personal life and in my career as a journalist, as well as in my Distress Centre work. I stayed in touch with him for several years after I stopped my DC volunteering, but I think my last contact with him was more than 10 years ago when I called to tell him what an impact he'd had on my life. My condolences to his family and friends.
Ken Elliott
December 30, 2023
Condolences for your loss. From one of a grateful family who received support from Gordon´s work.
MaryEllen McGeachie
December 30, 2023
Hello Winch family. I remember your Dad´s and Genevieve´s Christmas dinners on LaSalle and how kind they were to include me. Many memories of growing up and seeing your Dad and witnessing his wry sense of humour. Lovely Globe and Mail tribute.
Suzanne Dunford on behalf of all the Hunt family
December 30, 2023
We were so sad to see this great and interesting man leave us. He was a daily presence in the lives of our parents: John and Marguerite Hunt. We have saved a beautiful message he left on the Dad's bathroom door, the day Dad died in October. This kind and gentle man will be missed by us all. RIP Gordon- you will be missed.
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