Gordon Lee

Gord passed away peacefully, surrounded by his best friend and wife, Cathy, his sister Barbara Lee of Montreal, and his sister-in-law Carol Petrie of Vancouver.

Gord was predeceased by his parents Eleanor and Walter Lee, his grandparents Helen and Hollis Marden, his mother-in-law Molly Petrie and by his brother-in-law David Keith Petrie.

He will be forever remembered by his nephews Sean and Kevin Petrie, cousins Stewart Sargent (Donna), Lee Petford, and goddaughters Patti-Kim Carlson, Julie Carlson-Pilon, and godson Jamie Carlson.

Gord grew up in Montreal, and was a very proud graduate of his high school years at Stanstead College in Stanstead, Quebec. The memories, experiences and enduring life-long friendships were always very important in Gord’s life.

At Bishop’s University, also in the Quebec Eastern Townships, in sociology class, Gord met the love of his life and soulmate, Cathy Petrie. They married in Montreal, and eventually moved to Ottawa, and lived a most happy and busy married life together for 48 years, always side-by-side.

Gord began a career in construction materials sales with Domtar, like his father and grandfather before him, and enjoyed creating strong relationships with his many customers on the road.

Eventually, Gord began working for Ottawa company Randall’s Decorating, where he began in paints and then moved into the furniture department, where he took charge of selecting and purchasing Ontario Mennonite furniture, where his knowledge and passion took him to St. Jacobs and Elmira backroad barns where craftsmen were building home heirloom pieces with beautiful hardwoods. Gord was always interested in people and could create an instant connection and trust with his open genuine rapport, and his wonderful sense of humour.

Gord and his dad used to garden together, and that love of digging his hands in the earth and creating beauty became a lifelong passion and love, as he was always out early in the morning watering and tending his garden, and he became well-known for the joyous bounty of blooms and colour that he loved creating.

Gord and Cathy loved to walk and hike together, and discovered so many paths and trails that they explored and revisited together, in every season and in all weather, sharing photos and locations for their friends to share. Gord never lost his sense of humour, finding gentle laughter and smiles with friends, and even strangers met along the way.

The passion and love of travel took Gord and Cathy to France, Spain, Portugal, Paris twice, Germany, Switzerland, and a love of Canada’s East Coast and West Coast became well-loved, especially PEI.

Always together, side-by-side, with shared smiles and laughter, each and every moment large and small enjoyed and celebrated.

Cremation has already taken place in Ottawa.

There will be a visitation and a Celebration of Gord’s Life in the spring, on Saturday May 31, 2025 at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home in Ottawa at 1411 Hunt Club Road, Ottawa, K1V 1A6 from 11am-12pm. Memorial service will be in the Chapel at 12pm. A reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donation to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

The family would like to give special thanks and appreciation to all the staff on 5th Floor North-East, and to the Palliative Care team of the 6th floor, of the Ottawa General Hospital for such gentle and loving care.