Gordon Richard Symonds

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing away of Gordon (Gord) Symonds at home in White Rock, BC. May 29th. Pre-deceased by parents Richard and Jean Symonds and brother, George Symonds. Survived by dear sister Rene Sutherland and brother Douglas Symonds (Bev) Will be greatly missed by his loving wife Deirdre, son Malcolm (Shuchita), daughter Eleanor (Brendan), much loved grandchildren Natalie, Peter, Catherine, Matthew, Jane, Sophie and Josephine. Remembered with much affection and love by relatives and friends in Canada, United States, and Sussex, England

Born and raised in Regina, Gord was always proud of his heritage and enjoyed talking about his Prairie upbringing. From his youth Gord always pursued his interests with focus, mastering a variety of often technically complex subjects. Gord’s involvement with the Air Cadets and the Regina Boys band were early signs of his enduring love for aviation and music. In the 1960s he hitchhiked east to study engineering at Ottawa’s Carleton University, a smaller school he had chosen as it could provide a more personal educational experience. While a student, Gord passed his summers doing survey work across Canada, often in remote wilderness. After graduation he was employed at the federal department of Energy Mines and Resources in Ottawa, where he played a key role in introducing computer technology to the Surveys and Mapping Department. Subsequently Gord worked at Health Canada’s Radiation Protection Branch until retirement. During his early years in Ottawa, Gord’s love for aviation led to a stint as a glider pilot with the Montreal Soaring Council. Some years later, a keen interest in antique radios surfaced; Gord was a founding member of the Ottawa Vintage Radio Club where he edited the Club’s newsletter for nineteen years. He and his wife Deirdre moved to White Rock in 2014 to take advantage of a gentler climate as well as to be near family. Gord continued to enjoy meeting with friends and never failed to have an entertaining story to tell. We are grateful for the precious years he was in our lives. May he rest in peace.

Tributes and condolences may be left down below.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday November 14th, 2022 at 11:00am at Victory Memorial Park Funeral Centre 14831 28th Ave, Surrey, BC.

For those unable to attend the service, we will be live streaming through this link https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/62975

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in his memory.