Raymond Alexander Gordon

After a long and courageous battle with Alzheimer’s, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Ray with Heather by his side. He leaves behind the love of his life and wife of 40 years, Heather, his cherished sons, Jamie and Justin and his beautiful granddaughter Mattea, all of whom were his entire world and could not be more loved by him.

He was the son of Alexander Hadden Gordon (Master Baker) and Susan Gordon (nee Duncan) of Aberdeen, Scotland , youngest brother to Alfie, Adam, Doris Rae (Vic), Hilda Booth (Alex), Mabel Curle (Sandy) and Edna Wood, (all predeceased). Ray will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his much loved nephews and nieces and their families in Scotland, his in-laws (whom he fondly referred to as out-laws) and his many friends.

Ray completed a 5 year apprenticeship in Ship Design, one year full time Prepatory course in Engineering Trade Course and 4 years part time towards National Certificate in Naval Architecture. In Feb 1963, he was recruited by Canadian Vickers, Ltd in Montreal to work on Canada’s General Purpose Frigate Program which unfortunately was cancelled by Paul Hellyer in August 1963. Ray progressed to Section Head at Vickers and was head hunted for his expertise to become Sub section Head, Human Engineering and Habitability, Director General Maritime Engineering and Maintenance at Department of National Defence (DND) in 1977 where he continued to thrive and rose to the level of Section Head, Maritime Human Factors in 1983, and various other positions until he retired as Director Maritime Class Management DDH280 in 2005. He was Chairman of the NATO group IEG6 SG8, Influence of Human Factors on Ship Design and widely known in DND as a dedicated and supportive leader, mentor and colleague by the many who had the pleasure to work with him.

Ray excelled in shooting and at the age of 12 was the youngest competitor at the Scottish meeting of the National Small Bore Rifle Assoc and the winner of the junior championship. He continued his love of shooting in Scotland and Canada and attained his goal of competing in Fort Perry against his brother Adam who was on the Scottish team. He turned in his rifle for a set of golf clubs when he met Heather. He even managed to attain his goal of beating Heather at golf the odd time at Hylands Golf Club where he enjoyed countless rounds of golf with “les guys” and passed on his love of golf to his sons.

Ray made the world brighter for those who knew him and his smile would light up a room. His life was filled with love, laughter and an unshakeable wit. He was a kind, caring and generous man who made everyone feel special. He was a gracious host and loved to take out his best malt whiskeys and wine for those special occasions, which really meant anytime we got together with friends and family.

As per his wishes, there will not be a funeral but a Celebration of Life will be held at Hylands Golf Club, Alert Road, from 1 pm to 4 pm on Sunday August the 10th.

As Ray found such joy in life and sharing it with others, the family asks that you do the same – go out and do something that brings you joy and share it with those around you.

We sincerely thank the dedicated PSAs, Nurses and Therapists on Geriatric North at The Royal who became family to us over the past 2 years. A special thanks to Dr. Lau, Dr. Shaw and Josée Lavoie whose professionalism and compassion brought great comfort to the family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations to The Royal in memory of Ray would be appreciated.

https://www.theroyal.ca/get-involved/ways-to-donate/donate-in-honour-or-celebration