Gordon Bruce Gard

Gord passed away peacefully at his home, March 15, 2013, with his wife, Fran, at this side. He was born on March 18, 1947, in Toronto, Ontario. He is survived by his wife Fran, Son Grant, daughter-in-law Anna, his brothers: Al, Bill, and Sister Sandra, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was married June 21, 1975 and his son was later born in 1977.

An endlessly creative spirit, he devoted much of his life to exploring new avenues of building and design as well as an exploration of the outdoors. Early interests began with cars, an interest he would carry throughout his entire life, restoring two beautiful cars (both Fords, a 32 and a 40) and sailing, an activity he would excel at by way of racing on Lake Ontario. His love of the water would follow him throughout his life, from fly fishing in northern Ontario to salmon fishing on the west coasts of Canada. Holidays were always spent with his family on various camping trips throughout Ontario and much of the east coast of Canada and the United States. An astute hobbyist; among endlessly remodeling his home, he would go on to tackle woodworking and stained glass, always taking the time to do the job right, “measure twice, cut once”.

Gord worked for twenty years at York University as Campus Superintendent of Glendon until 2003 at which time he took early retirement and moved to Port Alberni, BC. With the move brought a new position at the local Home Hardware where he could use his expertise to help others and take a chance to make some great new friends. Some of these friends would help bring him back to the water to take down some of the infamous west coast salmon he was after. Fishing would lead him to canning and smoking his own catch, which he was always happy to share.

A loving and devoted husband and father, he will be missed by many, remembering both his warm, caring and giving qualities and his readiness to teach and help others.

A private family gathering will be held. Donations can be made to the West Coast General Hospital on Gord's behalf. Stories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.chapelofmemories.ca

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