Gordon McMillan Jinks

Gordon McMillan Jinks January 28, 1921 - December 10, 2014 It is with extreme sadness that the family of Dr. Gordon McMillan Jinks announce the passing on Wednesday December 10, 2014 of a very special person, a true Vancouverite and patriarch of the Jinks clan.

Gordie was born to Frederick and Sarah Jinks in Vancouver on January 28, 1921, the oldest of four children; Doreen Grieg, Virginia Handley and Lionel Jinks, all of whom survive him. He entertained his grandchildren with stories of growing up on an urban farm in south Dunbar amidst chickens, horses and innumerable pranks. Our Gord loved nothing better than a good joke.

Following high school, he attended UBC then off to the University of Toronto where he obtained his Doctor of Dental Science. While in Toronto he met, courted, and eventually won over his one true love Norma Jean Wilson (Willie) whom he married on July 6, 1946.

After graduation they returned to Vancouver where they built a wonderful family life. Gordie and Willie had one of those relationships that was the envy of all. He loved her deeply and her demise in 2011 left a void that never could be truly filled.

Gordie was an outstanding paedodontist, carrying on with the profession he loved till he was 85. Aside from the numerous awards he won from his colleagues and professional associations (both Canadian and American) and the many lectures he gave internationally, the real tribute was how his patients, the children, loved him.

Ever the optimist, Gordie truly believed that creativity and scientific research changes the world for the better. His curiosity and inventiveness inspired all who met him. Gordie loved to travel, garden, watch football and fish. Trips to Hakai with his pals and then with his ever growing extended family were a joy to him. The BC Lions have lost a legendary fan.

Gordie was a beacon of inspiration to his family. Left to treasure his teachings and love are daughter Cindy (Web Macdonald), granddaughter Jody (Trevor Johnson) and Nate, Myles and Emmeline; granddaughter Alison (Palmer West) and Accius, Jules and Lio Emile; grandson Brock Macdonald (Tracy) and Sophie Grae, Marlow and Celia; son Barry Jinks (Linda) and grandsons Cameron and Matthew. Grampy, you were truly one of a kind!

The family would particularly like to express its deepest appreciation and respect to Loida Lacson who together with the rest of the "team", including her dog Molly, made Gordie's last years so much easier and comfortable for him.

Bright and caring to the end, this was indeed a life well lived.

There will be a celebration of Gordie's life at 2 pm on January 3, 2015 at the Vancouver Lawn Tennis and Badminton Club, 1630 West 15th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 2K7.