GORDON WINCH

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.