Gordon Geoffrey Braithwaite

Gord was predeceased by his father Bernard Geoffrey Braithwaite and his mother Florence Mitchell. He is survived by his wife Sandra Braithwaite, daughter Ainsley Braithwaite, sister Lynda Bowie and nephews Greg (Kris) Bowie and Kent (Launi) Bowie.

Gord was born and raised in Vancouver and later attended Malasapina College to become a welder.  He worked for a time on Northern Vancouver Island before deciding to take an adventure across Canada with his small car and a little one-man tent. Gord also travelled abroad spending time in the States and many places like China along with a year in Australia where he worked on fishing boats and toured.

In the 70's Gord made his way to Fort McMurray where he worked in the Oilsands. Gord was a welder on many milestone projects which included draglines and bucket-wheels.  Some of these are on display today near Fort McMurray's Museums with his name engraved on them.

In April of 1981, in Fort McMurray, Gord met Sandra on a blind date. They were then married 6 months later in October. A few years after, in October of 1986 their daughter Ainsley arrived.

By 2005 Gord was wrapping up his 24 year career with Suncor. His daughter graduated in 2004, so Sandra and he retired to Qualicum Beach, BC. They enjoyed many years of the “Island Time” feeling and made many new friends together.  He took up golf, where he became inches shy of his 3rd hole in one, curling and swimming at the local pool. One of Gord's favorite annual trips was to the mainland to play in the annual Chicken Am golf tournament. It was hosted by and included his friends from as far back as grade 1.  

Gord's, “what you see is what you get” genuine personality, laughter, stories, love and caring nature will truly be missed.

A special thank you goes to the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Gord with such kindness during his brief illness.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: Nanaimo Hospital Palliative Care Unit 1200 Dufferin Cr. Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 2B7