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BORN
July 18, 1943
DIED
August 30, 2020
Gordon HANSON Obituary
After graduating UBC in 1972 with a Masters in Anthropology / Archeology, Gordon was the Director of the Katz dig, a 500 BC site a few miles downstream from Hope, worked with the B.C. Provincial Museum and as Assistant Provincial Archeologist for B.C. He also enjoyed his work with the negotiating team of BCGEU. With over 30 years of experience in Aboriginal advocacy issues and resolution, Gordon consulted with many First Nation Councils where he developed friendships with council members as a devoted advocate.
In 1978 Gordon was elected NDP Member of the Legislature and served until 1991 representing the constituency of Victoria. He served as Official Opposition Whip from 1983 to 1988. As Aboriginal Affairs Critic from 1986 to 1991, he worked hard to lay groundwork to preserve Aboriginal Languages, 30 years ahead of the passage of Bill C-91 by the Federal Parliament in 2019. Gordon was instrumental in involving First Nations in the 1994 Commonwealth Games.
Gordon and Mary Louise Martin, his spouse, best friend and fellow traveler of over 25 years made idyllic Pender Island their home, overlooking Bedwell Harbour, perfect for Gordon’s firewood expeditions, fishing and gardening as well as for Mary Louise’ art and writing. His love and appreciation of family will live on with sister Marylou, nephew Todd (Christine) and niece Marle (Romy) and their families, and for fellow fisherman and great nephew Jackson. He loved his contact with step-son Sean (Laura Lee) and with his three grandchildren in Nova Scotia, as well as with step-daughter Lesya in Victoria.
After settling in Pender, Gordon loved the true sense of community of the Pender Islands and found great appreciation of nature there, perhaps not always expressed after hitting an errant golf ball into that natural beauty.
In these days of minimal gatherings, please give a minute of your time to think about your neighbour, your friend, about kindness and appreciation of your own life, and of those that are close to you, and about those who need a helping hand. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a Charity of your choice.
Memories and Condolences
for Gordon HANSON
15 Entries
Jan oates
April 28, 2025
We were lucky enough to make great friends with Gordon and Marylouise when they came to Melbourne Australia on a house swap. We continued our friendship meeting up with them in many locations for many many years.
He was a giant of a man in his love of humanity, his enormous intellect and generosity of spirit. Go well Gordon Hansen. What an enormous legacy this man left to the world.
Gloria Williams
October 24, 2020
It’s so good to read the many memories of Gordon shared by friends and colleagues. He was a dedicated unionist, a fighter for First Nations justice and a committed New Democrat who believed strongly believed everyone deserved a life without poverty, racism or discrimination.
Freda Nobbs
October 7, 2020
So sorry to hear of Gordon Hanson's passing. I only met him a few times during the 1970's when he was running for office, but he was athoughtful and articulate man, with a good wit and a kind heart, and he was an excellent representative for our area. My condolences to his family and friends.
Robin Blencoe MLA Victoria (Retd)
September 22, 2020
Very sorry to hear of Gordon's passing. My thought are with his family.
Gordon and I served for many years as MLAs for the dual Riding of Victoria. We tried to serve our constituency with honour, integrity and never forgot who paid our salaries. Thousands of constituents, over the years, turned to us in time of need . We insisted, particularly Gordon, that our service be not based on partisan considerations. Many constituents with varied political views supported our community service, exemplified by Gordon. Moe Sihota says here that our constituency (called Community Office) was a model for all constituencies, an honour for all Gordon's work and his former MLA partner, Charles Barber.
But so many stories to tell about our time together, particularly as we knocked on hundreds and hundreds of doors.
One afternoon we were in the Doncaster School neighbourhood.
Gordon pointed to a house that I should call on. Unbeknownst to me,
Gordon had checked out the house already! I knocked on the door and was greeted by huge German Shepherds that clearly were not NDP friendly!
I took off as fast as I could with the dogs right behind me. I did not open the gate, but threw myself over it, glad to survive the episode. But who stood on the other side of the street-Gordon laughing heartily . He knew what was behind that door!
Gordon bought the pints that night! So many memories of our time together.
Rest in peace Gordon. It was an honour to serve with you.
Kari Amies-Horbas
September 20, 2020
Gordon was always very pleasant and a really nice man.
Mike McManus
September 7, 2020
Gordon was a contributing neighbour in the Trincomali area of Pender Island. Always supportive and a real nice guy. He will be missed.
Gary Pargee
September 6, 2020
He was a good man to ride the river with.
Bryan McIver
September 6, 2020
Gordon was one of the most decent human beings I ever met.
Carole James
September 5, 2020
Such sad news to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was an amazing role model; a strong MLA, representing and staying connected to our Victoria community, while sharing his passion and expertise across the province.
Bill Sundhu
September 5, 2020
Deep condolences. Gordon was a warm and mind man. He signed me up to the NDP in 1984. Thank you, Gordon. RIP good man and dedicated public servant.
Patrice Pratt
September 5, 2020
Gordon and I worked for the BCGEU and in the early 1970’s decentralization/reorganization we were told to decide which one of us was going to Kelowna to open a union office there. It was me so he worked in Vancouver area for awhile then transferred to Victoria and the rest is history! When I was subsequently elected NDP president, we worked directly on the same team again. He did amazing work to change the world. Thanks Brother!
Moe Sihota
September 5, 2020
I am so saddened to read of Gordie’s passing. A man of compassion, with a gentle soul, soft spoken and remarkably persuasive. He worked tirelessly to protect First Nations language and heritage. He, along with MLA’s Charlie Barber and Robin Blencoe were exceptional advocates for their constituents and their model of constituency office outreach served as a blueprint for MLA’s on both sides of the House.
Within our Caucus he was a mentor for many of us who were elected in 1986 -always gracious with his advice and always encouraging us to fight for our values. Goodie never spoke much in Caucus, but when he did, you could hear a pin drop. I loved and respected the man and will be forever grateful for having the opportunity to have worked with him.
Mavis Degirolamo
September 5, 2020
Thank you for always caring and giving of your time and energies. Gordon will be missed by many.
Rest easy...
Brian Gardiner
September 5, 2020
Worked on Gordon’s nomination campaign back in the day. A dedicated New Democrat and labour activist. RIP Gordon.
Carol Pickup
September 5, 2020
Gordon Hanson was a very special man and an excellent MLA along with Charles Barber for Victoria. I ran for the NDP in 1975 and Gordon was always willing to lend support. He will be missed!!
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