Born on October 26, 1937 in Glace Bay to John and Veleta (Rideout) Simms. Gordon was a true Newfoundlander to the core. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humour. His repertoire of Shanty Songs was legendary. He loved a good scoff (being a good cook himself) and a good time. He learned the value of hard work early, starting at Beaver Mine at only 14. He fished on the Draggers for a while and then returned to mining working in #12 Collier and later retiring from Devco. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing and hunting with his son Eric. He also enjoyed a good game of Tarabish or Crib and was known to win more than his fair share of hands.
Gordon is survived and will be missed by his partner Linda Bailey, children Vera (Daniel) Beaulieu, Darlene (Otto) Smith, Gordon, Helen (Lloyd Holmes) and Eric (Catherine Mc-Grath), grandchildren Nadia, Dany, Cavell, Gordon, Shane, Troy, Brittany, Eric jr. Patrick and Keagan as well as 11 great grandchildren and one great great grandson He is also survived by his brother Jack, sister Brenda (Billy) Mundy and sisters-in-law Rose and Maureen as well as good friend Darrell Yates.
Besides his parents, Gordon was predeceased by his first wife Edith, second wife Veronica, an infant son David, brothers Art and Jimmy and sister Thelma.
A visitation will take place on Sunday, July 16 from 6pm until 9pm at Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay. Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 17 at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 8 Marconi St., Glace Bay. Inurnment to follow in Forest Haven Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.pattenfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
The family would also like to thank all of the Palliative care team and the VON for the wonderful care that they gave to Gordon during his illness.
