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Morley Bedford Funeral Services

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Toronto, Ontario

GORDON WINCH Obituary

GORDON WARD WINCH Gordon Winch, a social activist and churchman, promoted outreach to those less fortunate and needing to be heard, responding with a supportive, non-judgmental voice. He passed away on December 25, 2023, at age 96. Born July 21, 1927, in Belhaven, Ontario, Gordon was raised on the family farm near Keswick and Lake Simcoe by parents Edna and Perry, with siblings Perry and Ruth Mary; his sister lives in Newmarket and was always a best friend throughout his life. After finishing high school in Newmarket then a BA at the University of Toronto, Gordon graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Emmanuel Theological College. In 1952 he married Elizabeth Frances Louise Morrison; Gordon and Louise shared a commitment to humanitarian work. Gordon led a rural United Church parish in 1952, at Central Butte, Saskatchewan, then from 1955 to 1964 was the first minister at St. Paul's United in Oak Ridges, just outside Toronto. In summers, he ran a boy's camp, Camp Ahshunyung, near Pefferlaw, ON. In 1964 the family moved to Toronto where he became 'Padre of the Pubs' based at St. Luke's United near Allen Gardens. His mandate involved visiting patrons at hardcore inner-city taverns. Never any proselytizing, 'just talk.' The Toronto Star in 1965 painted a wry picture of the young pastor's mission: 'The man who drinks ginger ale in a pub.' By 1969, the parable of the Good Samaritan led to another mission, directing development of a suicide and crisis helpline called the Distress Centre, based in a downtown Toronto heritage house adjacent to Holy Trinity Church. As Executive Director of this volunteer-driven United Way agency, Gordon worked tirelessly, often donating his time for overnight shifts answering calls. There was always someone who needed to hear a supportive voice. Gordon described people needing 'someone to listen to them, to hear their pain.' He trained hundreds of volunteers. Through Gordon's leadership for almost 30 years, the Distress Centre continues as a vital agency in the GTA. The support program for suicide survivors is a successful innovative service led by Karen Letofsky. One anti-suicide effort focused on helping Toronto transit authorities change the way they were reporting subway deaths, without inadvertently encouraging subsequent suicides. Another initiative involved the installation of protective fences along the Bloor St. viaduct, largely eliminating suicides there. Gordon was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2005 for his leadership in suicide prevention programs. Gordon was also a non-conformist, often ahead of trends. In the early 1970s he was a pioneer commuter cyclist, riding daily the almost 6 km from Yonge and Eglinton to downtown. One newspaper chronicled this groundbreaking practice in a 1971 headline, 'Man Cycles to Work.' A beaming Gordon would recall decades later being often the only cyclist on his Yonge Street commute. That athleticism came out again in his completion of several full marathons and continued through swimming, long bike rides throughout Toronto and York Region, and later, daily walks around the Christie neighbourhood. Gordon was morally serious, enjoyed reading the Bible, yet was also perennially cheerful. An optimist with an excellent sense of humour, he enjoyed anything funny, from British slapstick to Mad magazine and Woody Allen. In the 1990s, he retired to enjoy reading, gardening, and the company of his grandchildren. He volunteered for Amnesty International and the University College Fall Book Sale with his partner, poet, book lover and university fundraiser Genevieve Cowgill. Gordon leaves four children: David (Carleen), Peter (Elli), Philip (Celestine) and Michelle (Isaac); nine grandchildren (Doug, Tammy, Nicholas, Zachary, Ryan, Joshua, Christopher, Alexander and Lucas); five great-grandchildren (Tyler, Richie, Carla, Lila Jade and Xavier); and three great-great grandchildren (Emma, Alex and Serenity). Gordon was predeceased by his brother Perry; wife Louise; partner Genevieve; and daughter Valerie. Gordon always appreciated the support of niece Susan DiTomaso (Michael) and especially during his time at Christie Gardens. The staff at Christie Gardens residence were kind and generous to the end: Salamat sa lahat. Per his wishes, donations to the Distress Centre, St. Luke's United (saintlukesunitedchurch.com) or Amnesty International in lieu of flowers are welcome. A memorial service will be held at Morley Bedford Funeral Services in late January.

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Published by The Globe and Mail from Dec. 30, 2023 to Jan. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for GORDON WINCH

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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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