Gordon Edward Dalziel

DALZIEL, Gordon Edward
November 25, 1932 - July 22, 2025
Some people accept and slip away peacefully. Some don't.
Though blessed with a long life, Gord fought hard to stay longer. When he accepted that he couldn't win the fight, and with family by his side, he held the hand of his wife and partner for 74 years, Barbara. They talked about their family, their accomplishments, their adventures … then said 'I love you, goodbye for now, we will see each other again.'

Gordon was a self-taught man of many skills. Whatever project he took on, it was studied and worked on until completed to his high standards. His many interests and talents always kept him busy.

At 24 years old, with a wife and two children, Dad built his first house in Los Angeles on his days off from his regular job. Returning to Victoria in the 60's, with two more children in tow, (and his treasured '58 T-bird), Dad continued to build houses while also working full-time, and eventually running his own construction company.

At a young age, Dad had fallen in love with flying. Airplanes were always part of his life, land and seaplanes. Whenever possible, he, and often Mum, would be off on flying adventures from one end of the country to the other … north to Alaska, and as far south as the Bahamas.

In later years, with their standard poodle, winter months were spent exploring warmer areas throughout the USA and Mexico in their motor home.

Dad's adventures and hobbies were diverse. He flew, he fished, he hunted, he panned gold. Loved his time as a Gyro. He drove commercial trucks. He worked on movie sets, one of his favourite being 'Superman', as the driver for Christopher Reeve. His memory was incredible, and his tales of who had met, and what he had done, were diverse and entertaining.

Mum once said that if she had to pick a song for Dad, it would be 'I Did it My Way' by Frank Sinatra.

You did it your way Dad.
We will miss you.
Barbara, daughter Debbi (Ted), sons Gordon (Muriel), Rory, Gary…your grandchildren, and growing group of great-grandchildren.

Hope there is a seaplane waiting there for you!