Gordon Russell David Maki

Gord was born in the Finnish community of Whitewood, Saskatchewan on March 31, 1935 to Aili and John Maki. He was the second youngest of 13 children. Gord grew up in Sudbury, where he loved skiing, curling and getting into mischief.

After high school in 1953, Gord joined the Royal Canadian Armed Forces as a Radar Technician which later also included teaching. Gord was stationed across Canada during his time in the Air Force. He retired in 1973 with the rank of Sergeant. He would be affectionately known as Sarge thereafter.

Gord was introduced to Dianne by Gord’s sister Mabel early in 1967 (as her Centennial project to find Gord a wife) and 6 months later they were married and living in Senneterre, Quebec where Gord was stationed in the Air Force. They welcomed son Allan in 1968 and daughter Shannon in 1971, shortly afterwards settling in Hamilton to raise their family. Gord started his second career in Hamilton at Dofasco where he worked for another 25 years before a well-deserved retirement.

Gord always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a story to tell. He told many stories of growing up under the watchful eye of his Mom and older sisters, although he always managed to trick his baby sister Joyce into his antics. He carried this joy throughout his time in the Air Force and had countless stories that he loved sharing with anyone who would listen. If you knew Gord, you definitely heard a story or two. Gord will be fondly remembered by all who visited “Sarge’s Bar”. He was in his element behind his bar, whether it be for a party, or at the Annual Christmas Eve Open house where all were welcome and many drinks were poured.

Gordon is survived by his children, Allan and Shannon (Chris Weston), his grandchildren, Chloe, Max & James, his sister Joyce (Henry Nelson) and many nieces and nephews across Canada. He will also be fondly remembered by Dianne’s surviving brothers, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by the love of his life Dianne (January 2026), his parents John and Aili Maki, and his siblings, William, Bert, Elsie, Walter, Edana, Leonard, Harold, Mabel, Doris, Melvin and Gilbert.

The family would like to thank the 4th floor staff at Arbour Creek Care Center, especially Janine for their care and kindness over the past 4 years. Thank you as well to the nursing staff at St Joesph’s Hospital - 4th floor Mary Grace wing, for their care and compassion during Gord’s final days.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Markey-Dermody Funeral Home, 1774 King Street East, Hamilton on Monday, May 11, 2026 from 10 am-12 p.m. A service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 12 p.m. Interment at White Chapel Memorial Gardens. Online condolences can be made at www.markeydermody.com.