Gordon LAING Obituary
April 16, 1951 – May 25, 2013
Beloved husband, adored father and stepfather, cherished brother, uncle, and son, gifted singer and athlete, respected public servant, accomplished facilitator, excellent friend – has died of brain cancer at the age of 62. Optimistic and ready for the good fight, Gord met this challenge with abundant strength, patience, and grace. Our hearts are well and truly broken, but we have shared a great adventure with this unique and wonderful man, and we send him on his way with pure love.
Left to grieve his passing, and to be thankful for every moment we have shared with him, are his wife and soul mate Susan (née Schneider), his children James (Jeannine), Jennifer (Danny), Michael (Samantha), his mother Kathy, brother Cameron (Janick), sister Katherine, nephew Jeremiah, his step- children Jennifer and Daniel Finestone, and the mother of his children, Sue Mitchell. Predeceased by his father Allan in 1997. Gord is also a well-loved member of his second family – the Schneiders, Lisaks, and Granatsteins of Montreal.
We invite you to join with us on Thursday, 30 May 2013 at the Unitarian Church, 30 Cleary Avenue, Ottawa, to visit with the family and then to share in a service celebrating Gord's life. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., the service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private but we invite all friends to visit and remember with us, as we pay tribute to Gord's honorary Jewishness, by sitting Shiva at 11 Nanaimo Drive, Ottawa, on Wednesday, 29 May from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Condolences, donations or tributes may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
40 Entries
Brian Colton
December 5, 2013
I did not learn of Gord's passing until today from a former HC colleague. I worked indirectly with Gord on biotechnology food issues, and will mirror the words of another contributor that Gord was an energetic, gutsy, passionate, and generous person, who I was please to know did not suffer fools quietly. I enjoyed his straightforward approach and get it done attitude.
Joan Hounsell(Scowcroft)
October 31, 2013
I knew Gord at FPHS in the 60's. He was a lovely person and I am so sorry for your loss
John Patton
July 30, 2013
Sorry to read of Gordon's passing. He was a friend at Fisher Park and one the best Head Boys. My sympathies to the family.
Stephen Hare
June 3, 2013
I only knew him slightly as a fellow public servant, but he was the sort of person you never forget. Energetic, curious, gutsy, passionate, generous about work, friendly and open to new ideas. My sympathies to all his family and many friends.
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Peter Christie
June 1, 2013
Gord and I were colleagues at Fisher Park. We both sang in the Cantabile Club and played sports. Memories sustain...
Joan Darby
May 31, 2013
I knew Gord from Health Canada: he expertly Chaired meetings I took minutes for in the Food Directorate. He will definitely be missed--my sincere condolences!
Cille Harris
May 31, 2013
Dear Susan,
I am sending you and your family heartfelt sympathy.
With Love, Cille
Michelle Reimer
May 30, 2013
I am shocked to read this tonight and feel regret to not have had an opportunity to say goodbye to Gordon. He was a mentor, facilitator, coach and friend to many. The world was a better place with him in it. I wish your family the beautiful memories that come from crossing paths with a wonderful spirit like Gordon.
May 30, 2013
To Gordon's family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I knew Gordon for 10 years from work and at the gym where we had good laughs together. He will be missed.
Marc LeBlanc
Jay & Louise Thompson
May 30, 2013
Susan and family, so sorry to hear the heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with you.
May 30, 2013
Susan and family, I am truly saddened to hear of the news.
Jay Thompson
Birgitta Endemann
May 29, 2013
Dear Susan and family,
I am so saddened by this news. I worked with Gordon throughout the years at Health Canada, and found him to be so strong of character,professional and fun. More than that, he was ever- available as a friend and as a mentor. I admired his passion for health, and often wondered where he found such incredible zest for life. I wish you tenderness and peace for you and your family. I feel lucky to have known him and absolutely heartbroken over your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Joel Weiner
May 29, 2013
Dear Susan. I was terribly saddened to learn of Gordon's passing. I knew him in the former Health Protection Branch at Health Canada, where our respective responsibilities led us to interact and collaborate on some important initiatives. He was a wonderful human being, a consumate professional, extremely knowledgeable in his field and related areas, and very considerate of others. When I last saw him a couple of years ago, he informed me of his marriage to you and told me how happy he was. Please accept my sincere condolences and convey my deepest sympathy to the entire extended family.
Joel Weiner
Jan Yuill
May 29, 2013
This is heart-breaking news received today. Susan and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lyn More
May 29, 2013
Gord was a Health Canada colleage of mine and I thought he was wonderful and so kind. My deepest sympathies.
May 29, 2013
Thinking of you all at this most difficult time. The Threader Family
Véronique Martin
May 29, 2013
Susan et la famille; mes pensées et prières sont avec vous en cette période difficile. Gord aura été pour moi un patron incomparable, une inspiration exceptionnelle, un gestionnaire formidable. Il a su me transmettre sa joie de vivre, son dévouement, sa motivation, et surtout, je me souviendrai de son écoute....celle qui supporte, celle qui veut tout dire....parce qu'il croyait tellement en l'écoute de ses employés....Je lui serai toujours reconnaissante d'avoir cru en moi, d'avoir cru en mes projets, d'avoir cru en mon potentiel. Je me souviendrai toujours du grand homme qu'il a été et qu'il continuera maintenant d'être, autrement et pour toujours, dans nos pensées. Que la force combative de Gord soit avec vous durant cette épreuve. Mes sincères condoléances.
May 29, 2013
Pierre and I will forever remember the joy and laughter we shared at that extended Whalesbone night. Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Nancy Faraday-Smith & Pierre Crichton
May 29, 2013
I worked with Gord and considered him a friend and admired his passionate pursuit of what he believed in. He will be missed indeed. Scott J.
May 28, 2013
Dear Kathy and Family,We are so sorry for your loss. Dagmar and Michael Lachance
Bruce Baker
May 28, 2013
I knew Gord from the gym at Health Canada where he was a member and instructor. He was a good person that was always pleasant and upbeat. The last time I saw him he was telling me about the knee replacement surgery he had had and how well it was coming along. My heart is truly saddened over the news of his passing. May God's strength be with all of Gord's family and friends during this time of hardship. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marsha Lalande
May 28, 2013
My deepest sympathies to Gord's family. I worked with Gord at HC and it was a great pleasure to associate with such a kind, intelligent, enthusiastic and cheerful colleague. I hope you can take comfort at this very difficult time in the joy you all brought to his life - he spoke of you all so often with such love and pride.
Paul Hershorn
May 28, 2013
Dear Susan,
I was so sorry to hear of Gordon's recent passing. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
Sincerely Paul Hershorn
Shereen Farag
May 28, 2013
I'm so sorry for your loss Cameron. Your borther sounded like a wonderful person. Thinking of you.
Christine Belle-Isle
May 28, 2013
Cher Cam,
Mes pensées t'accompagnent en ces moments difficiles. Please pass along my deepest condolences to Susan.
Franco Pagotto
May 28, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family. Gord was an exceptional person!
Chris O'Toole
May 28, 2013
I worked with Gord at PHAC during a short and difficult time. I remember him as eternally optimistic, engaging, energetic and refreshing to be around. I am saddened to hear of his passing - his loss will be felt and Canada has lost an inspirational public servant. My condolences to his family.
M D
May 28, 2013
May God give you strength, support and comfort during these difficult times. Be assured of his deep love and concern for you. 1 JOHN 4:9, 10,19.
With My Deepest Sympathy
Byron Rogers
May 28, 2013
Cameron, I am very sorry to hear of your brother's passing. I remember him from PHAC, but did not make the family connection before now.
Claire and John Harrison
May 28, 2013
Our condolences and our thoughts go out to you, Susan and family.
May 28, 2013
Gordon has been a beacon of strength and inspiration to his family and his colleagues. Our hearts flow with love and remembrance. Melissa R. and Charlotte C.
Glenna Somers
May 28, 2013
I am sorry to hear of the loss of such an amazing character. Gord was a great role model, in the boardroom and on the golf course! He made a difference in the lives of many of his colleagues. My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved family.
Barbara Roesch
May 28, 2013
I was a fellow CAPper (Career Assignment Program) with Gordon! Thanks to Gordon, I became a big Rolling Stones fan. My deepest sympathies to his family!
Carolyn Harrison
May 28, 2013
Susan,
I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your wonderful husband Gord. I will always remember the joy in your eyes when you spoke about him. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care, Carolyn Harrison
Geoff Middleton
May 28, 2013
Gord was a great planner here in Health Canada, always ready to see the big picture for the organization, and continually challenged us to see new and better ways to work together. He will be missed. God bless and sincere condolences to the family.
Danielle Monette
May 28, 2013
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
May 28, 2013
Susan, my condolences go out to you and your family.
Josie Zec (Health Canada)
Merle Kastner
May 28, 2013
To Susan and Gordon's whole extended family,
My very deepest sympathies to all of you on your heartbreaking loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Merle (Joanie Liberman's cousin)
Merle Kastner
May 28, 2013
To Susan and Gordon's extended family,
My very deepest sympathies to all of you on your heartbreaking loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Merle (Joanie Liberman's cousin)
May 28, 2013
Gord & I were colleagues at the NEB plus on Cap together . I cherish the memories ,he was one heck of a badminton player !
My condolences to his family
Tom Miles
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