Gordon will be missed by family, friends and the community. A fine man. A leader. Many of his family are personal friends of several in our family. We want you to know we are with you in spirit.

Zona Gordey, Jim Gordey, Greg Gordey, Valerie Beshears

Evelyn & family.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.  It has been a pleasure to know Gordon and to see you enjoying the years you spent together.  May his soul rest in peace.  With Love, Ila Jean & Gerald Ulrich

Even though we haven't seen each other for many years, I have thought of you so very often. It is so wonderful that you met the love of your life, and spent the years you did together. You will always have a special place in my heart.


This letter is from Gloria Woodward and Bert and Mary Woodward from Vancouver Canada,

We were unable to be here today but we wish to share with you our beloved memories of Gordon.

 

Gordon & Bert Woodward met 68 years ago when they were 19 years old. They joined the Canadian Merchant Navy in Toronto in 1942.  They were sent to the Merchant Marine Engineering School in Prescott, Ontario, to take a 3-month course in "Engine Room Artificer".

After completing the course, they were sent to Vancouver to man a cargo supply ship, carrying whatever supplies were needed in war-torn England, sailing through the Panama Canal, through the torpedo-infested waters of the Caribbean, to Halifax, where they joined a convoy of some 40 ships.  Arriving safely in Liverpool, were sent back to Canada, in a convoy, on the troop ship "S.S. Winnipeg II" to carry back to England whatever supplies were needed for the war.

 

On October 22, 1942, half way across the cold waters of the North Atlantic, at mid-night, on a night with a full moon, two torpedoes struck and their ship and the ship started to sink.  All 192 persons on board were lowered down safely into life boats, and picked up later by the Canadian corvette HMSC "Morden" . The British Admiralty advised the Captain of the "Morden" to leave the convoy and proceed with all speed to St. John's, Newfoundland as there were many injured, and only one rescued doctor, who worked on the injured for 3 days on just 5 hours sleep.  They were given a one-month torpedo leave and sent to Vancouver to man another ship.  

 

However, after the torpedoing experience, watching their ship sink, they both decided to join the Canadian Army, with the Royal Corps of Signals (Dispatch Rider).

 

They both took their basic training at the Vimy Army Base, Kingston, Ontario,  close to the Kingston Military College...then sent to Wainwright, Alberta,  & Vernon, B.C., for more training before being shipped to Halifax, to board a troop ship for Aldershot, England, and then to the Continent into Holland. They served in Europe until the war ended in 1945.

 

They both were born in Toronto in 1923.  But after being on the west coast in Vancouver during the war, they both decided to settle in Vancouver.

 

They were steadfast , loyal friends all their lives..... even though Gordon moved far away into the U.S.A., Bert & Gordon still kept in touch  traveling back & forth, visiting and reminiscing over the good times....and the bad.... right up to last spring.....when Gordon & Evelyn  paid us a visit and we all laughed and joked together over a leisurely lunch.

 

Gloria’s Memories of Gordon 

 

"Uncle" Gordon was my Godfather.  He held me, as a little baby, three months old, closely in his arms, while I was screaming, (so he reminded me many times ) as I was being baptized with sprinkling water, in the Orthodox Church.   

Perhaps it was because we both had the same initials in our name GAW…but“ Uncle “Gordon  or “Uncle Gordy “never forgot my birthday …he always sent a card “51 “of them to be exact with the last one only a few weeks ago… thank you Evelyn  

 At Christmas time, Gordon would always send a Christmas card with an enclosed newsletter which I always looked forward to reading. I suspect it was his background in the newspaper business that made his news letters so interesting. 

 

After my graduation in 1977 Gordon invited me down for a visit to Long Beach 

Gordon, knowing that my traveling companion loved horses had got us tickets for the sold out Royal Lipizzaner horse show, he toured us around Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm and insisted we even go for a ride on a Camel.

 

A few years later I visited Gordon and once again he outdid himself arranging for a private boat ride around Long Beach Harbour followed by a dinner at a Hawaiian Restaurant… Luau included…

 

In 1983 I called Gordon to tell him that I was engaged and getting married …he responded with an “ Oh  Ha …I can beat that I‘m getting married in Vegas “   He said he was so happy and so in love and couldn’t wait for all of us all to meet Evelyn.

 

 A few months later Gordon arrived for my wedding and spent the entire day prior in the kitchen preparing the most amazing appetizers for the day after when guests would gather for the opening of wedding gifts....on the morning of the big day he got up early, prepared a breakfast of scrambled eggs with green peas and breakfast potatoes with all the usual special touches …I had that nervous queasy stomach however Gordon insisted I have a big breakfast to get me through the busy day ahead ….always a gourmet in the kitchen we exchanged recipies over the years  however I could never live up to “Chef Gordon’s “cooking and I doubt that no one else could either.

 

When my first daughter was born Gordon and Evelyn had once again planned their usual visit up to theVancouver Area. 

Gordon arrived holding the cutest pink polka dot bikini size 6 months he was so proud to have found something so unique and had that usual big grin on his face…  It reminded me of when he brought me back a little grass skirt and Mu- Mu from his return stint in Hawaii  early 60’s I believe.

 

Over the years we would look forward to our visits with Gordon and Evelyn  

 Bert and Gordon were somewhat like a Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as they would reminisce about the ole days and all the trouble that they got into during the war years…

Gordon would always tease my Dad and tell him he was going to tell me the real stories of what had happened in the war. The two of them would always grin and we would wait for the next year to arrive so they could go through this all over again… I think what kept them friends for so long is their ability to joke and tease which they did every single time they got together. I suspect that is a quality that you somehow aquire having gone through a war with your " best buddy "

 

All joking aside they had a wonderful friendship and as I recall they both cried the last time they were together as they were both getting on in years and never new when they would someday not be able to reminisce any more… 

 Gordon would always be well dressed and as I recall he would have the most interesting ties around his neck. We would always take pictures and Gordon would say “come here and sit on my knee” just like when you were little and we would take more pictures…. 

 

Gordon was a truly loving thoughtful, caring and amazing man… I feel fortunate to have had him in my life for the last “51 “years …and will miss him dearly.

He will be truly missed by my Dad and Mom and we will treasure the memories and pictures of Gordon and our visits together.

This letter was received and read to Gordon on May 18.  We had a wonderful day with him, and he enjoyed the letter very much.

Hi Grandpa, 

Well I hope they've got you in a comfortable bed and are surrounded by cards and flowers! Not that you'll admit to liking them, but there are so many people that care about you I'm sure you've got lots of love to go around. I just thought I'd send you a letter to try to perk up your spirits!

 I was just looking at the pictures Jo and I have on the fridge and saw the ones from your last trip up here. If you remember, You and Evelyn met me at my old workplace, Zambris for lunch with Mom and Dad. Ryan joined us for a bit as well. I was just thinking about how it was so nice to be able to sit and talk with you as an adult because most of my memories are from when I was younger. Now that I'm older I'm big enough to give you a hard time! I remember being younger and you'd poke and prod me around and all I could do was laugh, but now I can fight back! I remember when I was younger I would think you were this tough, gruff grandpa always joking around giving me grief, and I almost believed it until you'd let a smile slip out and I knew it was all a big show. Underneath you'r a big sweetheart as much as you'll never admit it!

 Now that I'm older you can't hide it from me as much, although I still think you're a tough old guy.

 I wish I knew you as a young man because I've heard so many stories about you that I'd have loved to see that person in action! I think we would have gotten along just fine if we'd been the same age at the time. As it is I've got trips to Arkansas to remember, and all the times you went out of your way to travel to the great North to visit your family. I really appreciate all the times you come out here to see us, and although I haven't made it down to Arkansas recently I'll always remember the big Christmas dinners with all of the Arkansas family members. Be sure to tell everyone I say hello! Another memory that stands out was the time we flew down for your surprise birthday party, and the look on your face when you saw us will always stick in my mind. 

Anyways I just wanted to say that I really love you grandpa, and am grateful to have you as my grandfather. You are a great, strong man and I will never forget that. Now that I'm older I really appreciate what kind of an example you've been, not just to me but the whole family, we all love you so much! I don't think I can properly express what it is exactly I'm trying to say through this letter, perhaps a giant bear hug would be more appropriate, so I'll ask Mom and Dad to give you one for me instead. Just know that you are cared about deeply and just because some of us aren't there to see you, know that our thoughts are always with you and we are sending you much love at all times. I think about you all the time way up here, and wish I could be there to give you that hug in person. As it is I've got an exam tomorrow morning, and I'm not sure that I'll be able to concentrate on it with you in my mind but I've got to do my best, I know you'd want that! 

I love you very much grandpa and will be sending you healing thoughts and hoping you are happy! I hope this reaches you in good spirits, and if not that it at least brightens your mood a little! 

love your grandson,
Kevin

This letter is from Gloria Woodward and Bert and Mary Woodward from Vancouver Canada,

We were unable to be here today but we wish to share with you our beloved memories of Gordon.

 

Gordon & Bert Woodward met 68 years ago when they were 19 years old. They joined the Canadian Merchant Navy in Toronto in 1942.  They were sent to the Merchant Marine Engineering School in Prescott, Ontario, to take a 3-month course in "Engine Room Artificer".

After completing the course, they were sent to Vancouver to man a cargo supply ship, carrying whatever supplies were needed in war-torn England, sailing through the Panama Canal, through the torpedo-infested waters of the Caribbean, to Halifax, where they joined a convoy of some 40 ships.  Arriving safely in Liverpool, were sent back to Canada, in a convoy, on the troop ship "S.S. Winnipeg II" to carry back to England whatever supplies were needed for the war.

 

On October 22, 1942, half way across the cold waters of the North Atlantic, at mid-night, on a night with a full moon, two torpedoes struck and their ship and the ship started to sink.  All 192 persons on board were lowered down safely into life boats, and picked up later by the Canadian corvette HMSC "Morden" . The British Admiralty advised the Captain of the "Morden" to leave the convoy and proceed with all speed to St. John's, Newfoundland as there were many injured, and only one rescued doctor, who worked on the injured for 3 days on just 5 hours sleep.  They were given a one-month torpedo leave and sent to Vancouver to man another ship.  

 

However, after the torpedoing experience, watching their ship sink, they both decided to join the Canadian Army, with the Royal Corps of Signals (Dispatch Rider).

 

They both took their basic training at the Vimy Army Base, Kingston, Ontario,  close to the Kingston Military College...then sent to Wainwright, Alberta,  & Vernon, B.C., for more training before being shipped to Halifax, to board a troop ship for Aldershot, England, and then to the Continent into Holland. They served in Europe until the war ended in 1945.

 

They both were born in Toronto in 1923.  But after being on the west coast in Vancouver during the war, they both decided to settle in Vancouver.

 

They were steadfast , loyal friends all their lives..... even though Gordon moved far away into the U.S.A., Bert & Gordon still kept in touch  traveling back & forth, visiting and reminiscing over the good times....and the bad.... right up to last spring.....when Gordon & Evelyn  paid us a visit and we all laughed and joked together over a leisurely lunch.

 

Gloria’s Memories of Gordon 

 

"Uncle" Gordon was my Godfather.  He held me, as a little baby, three months old, closely in his arms, while I was screaming, (so he reminded me many times ) as I was being baptized with sprinkling water, in the Orthodox Church.   

Perhaps it was because we both had the same initials in our name GAW…but“ Uncle “Gordon  or “Uncle Gordy “never forgot my birthday …he always sent a card “51 “of them to be exact with the last one only a few weeks ago… thank you Evelyn  

 At Christmas time, Gordon would always send a Christmas card with an enclosed newsletter which I always looked forward to reading. I suspect it was his background in the newspaper business that made his news letters so interesting. 

 

After my graduation in 1977 Gordon invited me down for a visit to Long Beach 

Gordon, knowing that my traveling companion loved horses had got us tickets for the sold out Royal Lipizzaner horse show, he toured us around Disneyland, and Knott’s Berry Farm and insisted we even go for a ride on a Camel.

 

A few years later I visited Gordon and once again he outdid himself arranging for a private boat ride around Long Beach Harbour followed by a dinner at a Hawaiian Restaurant… Luau included…

 

In 1983 I called Gordon to tell him that I was engaged and getting married …he responded with an “ Oh  Ha …I can beat that I‘m getting married in Vegas “   He said he was so happy and so in love and couldn’t wait for all of us all to meet Evelyn.

 

 A few months later Gordon arrived for my wedding and spent the entire day prior in the kitchen preparing the most amazing appetizers for the day after when guests would gather for the opening of wedding gifts....on the morning of the big day he got up early, prepared a breakfast of scrambled eggs with green peas and breakfast potatoes with all the usual special touches …I had that nervous queasy stomach however Gordon insisted I have a big breakfast to get me through the busy day ahead ….always a gourmet in the kitchen we exchanged recipies over the years  however I could never live up to “Chef Gordon’s “cooking and I doubt that no one else could either.

 

When my first daughter was born Gordon and Evelyn had once again planned their usual visit up to theVancouver Area. 

Gordon arrived holding the cutest pink polka dot bikini size 6 months he was so proud to have found something so unique and had that usual big grin on his face…  It reminded me of when he brought me back a little grass skirt and Mu- Mu from his return stint in Hawaii  early 60’s I believe.

 

Over the years we would look forward to our visits with Gordon and Evelyn  

 Bert and Gordon were somewhat like a Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye as they would reminisce about the ole days and all the trouble that they got into during the war years…

Gordon would always tease my Dad and tell him he was going to tell me the real stories of what had happened in the war. The two of them would always grin and we would wait for the next year to arrive so they could go through this all over again… I think what kept them friends for so long is their ability to joke and tease which they did every single time they got together. I suspect that is a quality that you somehow aquire having gone through a war with your " best buddy "

 

All joking aside they had a wonderful friendship and as I recall they both cried the last time they were together as they were both getting on in years and never new when they would someday not be able to reminisce any more… 

 Gordon would always be well dressed and as I recall he would have the most interesting ties around his neck. We would always take pictures and Gordon would say “come here and sit on my knee” just like when you were little and we would take more pictures…. 

 

Gordon was a truly loving thoughtful, caring and amazing man… I feel fortunate to have had him in my life for the last “51 “years …and will miss him dearly.

He will be truly missed by my Dad and Mom and we will treasure the memories and pictures of Gordon and our visits together.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

This was received and read to Gordon on May 18th.  We had a wonderful day with him and he really enjoyed the letter.

Hi Grandpa, 

Well I hope they've got you in a comfortable bed and are surrounded by cards and flowers! Not that you'll admit to liking them, but there are so many people that care about you I'm sure you've got lots of love to go around. I just thought I'd send you a letter to try to perk up your spirits!

 I was just looking at the pictures Jo and I have on the fridge and saw the ones from your last trip up here. If you remember, You and Evelyn met me at my old workplace, Zambris for lunch with Mom and Dad. Ryan joined us for a bit as well. I was just thinking about how it was so nice to be able to sit and talk with you as an adult because most of my memories are from when I was younger. Now that I'm older I'm big enough to give you a hard time! I remember being younger and you'd poke and prod me around and all I could do was laugh, but now I can fight back! I remember when I was younger I would think you were this tough, gruff grandpa always joking around giving me grief, and I almost believed it until you'd let a smile slip out and I knew it was all a big show. Underneath you'r a big sweetheart as much as you'll never admit it!

 Now that I'm older you can't hide it from me as much, although I still think you're a tough old guy.

 I wish I knew you as a young man because I've heard so many stories about you that I'd have loved to see that person in action! I think we would have gotten along just fine if we'd been the same age at the time. As it is I've got trips to Arkansas to remember, and all the times you went out of your way to travel to the great North to visit your family. I really appreciate all the times you come out here to see us, and although I haven't made it down to Arkansas recently I'll always remember the big Christmas dinners with all of the Arkansas family members. Be sure to tell everyone I say hello! Another memory that stands out was the time we flew down for your surprise birthday party, and the look on your face when you saw us will always stick in my mind. 

Anyways I just wanted to say that I really love you grandpa, and am grateful to have you as my grandfather. You are a great, strong man and I will never forget that. Now that I'm older I really appreciate what kind of an example you've been, not just to me but the whole family, we all love you so much! I don't think I can properly express what it is exactly I'm trying to say through this letter, perhaps a giant bear hug would be more appropriate, so I'll ask Mom and Dad to give you one for me instead. Just know that you are cared about deeply and just because some of us aren't there to see you, know that our thoughts are always with you and we are sending you much love at all times. I think about you all the time way up here, and wish I could be there to give you that hug in person. As it is I've got an exam tomorrow morning, and I'm not sure that I'll be able to concentrate on it with you in my mind but I've got to do my best, I know you'd want that! 

I love you very much grandpa and will be sending you healing thoughts and hoping you are happy! I hope this reaches you in good spirits, and if not that it at least brightens your mood a little! 

love your grandson,
Kevin

Roy and I were just sitting and, once again, reminiscing about Gordon and I'll always remember when we worked together in advertising that the customers that he serviced always had an expression that we used when we discussed Gordon, our Press-Telegram representative,  - and that was, that Gordon's word was his bond.  He could never sell you an advertising program if he didn't feel that it fit your needs no matter how much the paper wanted to sell it and how much Gordon would benefit financially from it.  When he sold you a display advertisement, you knew that it would be profitable for your company.  
 
Just another very special thought to share. . .
 
Love, 
 
   Roy and Jan Smith

OBITUARY

Gordon A. Wilson

June 30, 1923 – May 25, 2010

McConnell Funeral Home

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