G. Gordon Symons
Passed away in Caledon, Ontario on Thursday, November 22, 2012 in his 91st Year. Gordon was born in Lachine, Quebec on September 7th 1921, one of three sons born to Nelly & Wilfred Symons. Gordon is survived by his wife of 67 years Norma, his children Alan (Terri), Bob (Trish), Kirk (Patti), Doug (Renae), Karen, and Elizabeth, 20 grandchildren, six great grandchildren. A natural born athlete, Gordon played soccer, tennis, hockey and rowed with his brothers for the Lachine Rowing Club, participating in Canadian Regattas Gordon was a Quebec Provincial junior tennis champion. The Second World War interrupted his semi-pro hockey career in Montreal. The three brothers joined the war becoming flying officers with RCAF Coastal Command, flying twin engine fighter bombers, "Beaufighters and Mosquitoes". Their father had joined in World War I and again in World War II all four returned safely to Canada.
After the war, Gordon restarted his hockey career and began working in the insurance industry. Playing out of the MAAA Club, he became a three time Canadian Doubles Squash Champion. Golf was his summer passion, winning amongst many tournaments the Quebec Provincial Senior's Golf Championship. Gordon excelled at curling, playing out of Royal Montreal Curling Club. "The team" of Gordon, his two sons Alan and Doug and Clarence Campbell won many international tournaments. Gordon and Alan, with two other players won the Royal Montreal Curling Club championship several times.
Gordon became a prominent businessman in the insurance industry. With his sons, Alan and Douglas, they built Goran Capital, Inc. into an international insurance group with offices in Canada, USA and Bermuda, employing over 1,000 people.
He also enjoyed the arts; oil painting sing, garden, and built model wooden sailing ships. Gordon wrote and published a book about his experience during the war, "The Boys of Spring".
His son Bob brought Gordon into his home for the last year of his life for which he and his siblings are forever grateful.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11am on Saturday, December 1st, at Palgrave United Church 34 Pine Ave., Palgrave, Ontario L7E 0L9.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2 Entries
To Alan and Doug - so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know how close a family you were
December 3, 2012
Alan-- You are in my thoughts.
Best, Ted Qualkinbush
November 27, 2012
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