Gordon Clifford White

After 86 years, the constantly moving, boisterous, off the wall, unfiltered life of a wonderful father, Poppy and friend came to a sudden but peaceful end on April 29, 2017. Born on Bell Island, Gord (Nick to those who knew him) was a proud Newfoundlander. He loved old-time country music, strumming on his guitar and playing his harmonica. He was an avid hockey player and fan of the Chicago Blackhawks. His favourite leisure activities included playing “120” with his family, puttering in his backyard and tending to his fishpond and the skunk that took up residence under his shed. But his favourite hobby of all was to complain about everyone and everything. “I’m a critic,” he would say, “but I don’t get paid for it!” He was, however, paid for causing trouble at his job at Canadian General Tower for almost 30 years. When asked once by his employer why he only worked four days per week, his quick-witted reply was, “Because I can’t live on three.” As a father, he let his children learn life lessons by making their own mistakes. But on occasion, he would have to threaten them with, “If you don’t be good, I’ll cut you off to the knees!” Such a threat was usually enough to bring tears to their eyes (resulting from the peals of laughter that ensued). Gord will be sadly missed and hilariously remembered by his sons, Grenville (Louise) and Perry (Corinna), son-in-law Bill Koluk, grandchildren Nicki (Scott), Tammy (Daryl), Mandy (Blaine), Kristy, Tracy, Rob, Evan and Jeremy, 7 great-grandchildren, 3 surviving siblings, many nieces and nephews, and by his loving friend Shirley. Gord was sadly predeceased by his daughter Valerie Koluk, great-grandson Wade Grenville Woodford, and his wife Betty, who must have been a saint for living under the same roof with him for 48 years (turning off her hearing aid made it tolerable). Friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Gordon’s life and ultimate demise on Saturday, May 27, 2017, from 12:00- 3:00 pm at Barthel Funeral Home. Donations in Gord’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.