Gordon Thomas Christie

Gordon leaves to mourn his beloved wife of sixty-eight years, Joyce Christie; his son Wes Christie (wife Tracy) of Winnipeg; his granddaughter Ashlen Mathew (husband David); and his great-granddaughter Christie Mathew of Carmel, Indiana. He was predeceased by his parents, Lisle and Matilda Christie; and his older brother Edwin Christie, QC.

Born in Winnipeg on August 4, 1924 Gordon attended Robert H. Smith School, Queenston School, and Kelvin Technical High School. Following senior matriculation, he continued his education at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Engineering. His university studies ceased temporarily when he entered the RCAF in 1943, proudly serving his country and the allied cause as a Pilot Officer-Navigator until May of 1945. He returned to university thereafter and graduated with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering in 1949. Gordon married Joyce Standen on September 24, 1949, and together they moved to Toronto where he was employed at Burndy Electric. They returned to Winnipeg in 1950, at which time he was hired as the Sales Manager of Alpha Manufacturing Company Ltd. where he immersed himself in the design of fan and ventilation equipment. In January of 1959 he became the founder and President of Chicago Blower Canada Limited, and served in that role until March of 1983. Thereafter he continued his career as President and CEO of CML Northern Blower Inc. until his retirement in 2011.

Gordon was dedicated to his profession as a quintessential design engineer and was never found far from a slide rule or drafting board. He was the first editor of the APEM Bulletin, was a life-member of APEGM, and served a term as the Manitoba President of ASHRAE in 1954.

Away from work, Gordon was a doting husband, a loving father, devoted grandfather, and a true gentleman. From horses to golf, he had various hobbies that engaged him episodically over the course of his life, but his family was always his primary focus.

The family appreciates the careful oversight provided by Dr. Sikora at the Winnipeg Clinic, as well as by Dr. Ong at Manitoba CancerCare. Gratitude is extended to Dr. Bohemier, Dr. George, Dr. Joshua, and all the Grace Hospital staff for the professional attention Gordon received while in their care, as well as Dr. Bemmeke and the Poseidon Care Centre staff for the exceedingly kind and diligent treatment they dispensed through his final weeks.

A private celebration of Gordon’s life will be held by his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army at salvationarmy.ca or by calling 1-800-sal-army (725-2769).