Gordon William Dick

Gord is survived by his three daughters, Lisa Dick, Jennifer Wilson, and Melissa Murphy; his sons-in-law, Lee Wilson and John Murphy; his future son-in-law, Gavin Almeida; and his granddaughters, Sara Wilson and Amanda Jenuwine.

Gord was preceded in death by his parents, William “Bill” Dick and Edith Dick (Prince), and his beloved wife of 59 years, Whaneta “Gayle” Dick (Purdy).

Gord grew up in Windsor, Ontario, where he was a gifted athlete. He competed in track and field, earning several awards in the 100-yard dash, 220-yard dash, broad jump, and high jump. He was also an avid hockey player. It was during these years that he met Gayle. She would attend his hockey games, and the two also went to several dances together. They quickly fell in love and were married.

Gord pursued post-secondary training at a trade school in Detroit, Michigan. In 1969, he completed his apprenticeship as a tool and die maker through the Society of Tool and Die Craftsmen. He began his career at Modern Die and Tool before joining General Motors, where he worked for 36 years until his retirement in 2006. In 1977, Gord and Gayle moved their family to the “States” to be closer to his work, eventually settling in Roseville, Michigan.

Fishing was one of Gord’s greatest passions. For many years, he took his boat onto Lake St. Clair to fish for perch. He also treasured his fishing trips to the French River in Canada, where he caught northern pike, walleye, and bass. He enjoyed pheasant hunting as well, and his family fondly remembers that he was once fast enough to catch jackrabbits with his bare hands.

Although he loved the outdoors, Gord was also very much a homebody. He had an impressive green thumb and maintained a large vegetable garden throughout his life. Over the years, he grew corn, purple beans, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, pumpkins, and many other vegetables. He also loved birds. He kept the feeders filled with seeds and enjoyed watching the visiting birds through his binoculars.

Gord read the newspaper every day. While Gayle completed the daily Jumble, Gord enjoyed working on the word searches and crossword puzzles. It was one of the many quiet routines they shared throughout their life together.

A skilled tool and die maker by trade, Gord was naturally talented at repairing things. He loved cars and could fix almost anything. He would sometimes retrieve lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other items that neighbors had discarded, repair them, and give them a second life.

Gord will be remembered for his love of family, the outdoors, gardening, and working with his hands. His loss is deeply felt by everyone who loved him. Although we miss him dearly, we find comfort in knowing that, after four years apart, Gord and Gayle are together again in heaven and watching over their family from above.

The Twenty-Third Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.