Gordon Brett Smith

it’s more about how he changed the world around him. Throughout his long, well lived life, he was a man of honour and service to his family, his community and his country.

Gordon was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on August 9, 1923. His young man’s dream was to fly, so after high school graduation in 1941 he answered the call and enlisted in the RCAF. He earned his Pilots Wings the following year. In 1968 he retired as Flight Lieutenant/Captain, “Gord the Whip” from NORAD

Intelligence, Duluth, Minnesota.

In June of 1944 he swept a Scandinavian beauty, Sophie Severson from the Prairies into his arms and flew into the wild blue yonder to bless this country with three accomplished children, Gordon (Sheryn), Judith (Tim) and Gregory (Julie). Beginning their married life in Winnipeg, Gordon literally, built their first home. Sophie however, soon became a woman of the world as she packed up all of their earthly possessions, their children and enabled Gordon to pursue military postings across the globe. They lived in various cities in Canada and the US as well as Europe. The children enjoyed an enriched life touring castles and climbing fjords while developing worldwide friendships that would last a lifetime.

Gordon’s outgoing personality was the perfect balance to Sophie’s quiet demeanor and they too developed everlasting friendships across the continents.

One of the many positions Gordon held during his career with the RCAF was that of Flight Instructor during WW2. But Gordon was much more than an instructor, he was a teacher. He taught us all about courage, fortitude and making a positive difference in the world.

The most important thing he taught his children was how to think. It gave them the crucial tool with which to build and fashion their careers and their lives. Although a cliché, Gordon led by example. He involved himself in community and church everywhere he lived. He was gifted with golden hands that built

houses, fixed all things broken and encircled his family with love.

In 1992 Gordon lost his beloved Sophie to cancer. In 1994 he re-married into the Severson family and joined hearts with Evelyn (White) Severson. They enjoyed 11 years of marriage and Gordon was thrilled with two wonderful step children, Kenneth, who passed Dec 2021 (Shannon), and Linda (Joe) and a wonderful clan of step grand, great-grand and great-greatgrandchildren with whom he spent many, many memorable adventures.

Gordon is also survived by his brother Leonard, grandchildren Dylan Schultz (Marlies); Jennifer Boeda (Jeff), great grandchildren Sophie, Penny Boeda; Kyle (Teresinha) Smith; Rae-Jayne and Daniel Smith and sisters-in-law Janet Smith and Laura Leoppky, brothers-in-law David and Oliver Severson as

well as numerous, loving nephews, nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his brother Bernard Smith and sister Peggy Welham.

A Memorial Celebration is planned for Saturday, June 18th, 2022 beginning at 2 PM. All are welcome to attend. Address: 2087 McMillan Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada.

In lieu of flowers donations in Gordon's memory to CNIB would be appreciated.