Gordon Blenis Donahue

Born 20 miles east of Sydney in a coal mine town in Colliery number 11, Glace Bay NS. He always remembered the snowstorms off the Atlantic in his childhood where his father would climb out the window to shovel as the door wasn’t accessible and “skate” polishing the linoleum floors with his sisters.

Gord joined the TTC as a driver at 23 years old. Starting on the street cars and retiring from the subway 32 years later. He was heavily involved in the TTC recreation programs and played hockey and baseball against other TTC divisions.

Gord met Linda on a blind date at the Blackhorn restaurant October of 1984, they married January 30, 1987, there was terrible storm that day, but everyone made it out to celebrate the occasion. Gord and Lynn’s love for each other was unwavering, they were each others best friend and soul mate.

Gord was always great with children taking on the roll of fun stepdad to Ted and Barb immediately. Introducing them to country music festivals travelled to in his beloved van with an 8-track. His position of Papa was his most treasured, investing much time to play with Kyle and Ashlee as they grew, all visits to grandma and papa started with “is papa home?” followed by “can he do something with me?” i.e. go to the park, or watch a favourite show, the answer was always yes!

Thornhill Baptist Church was a large part of Gord’s life. Converting when he married Linda, he rivalled only his father-in-law for most volunteer hours and dedication to the church community. He was a member of the property committee for 28 years, which included seeing through a major renovation. As a bus driver, Gord was always available to support the church’s extracurricular activities and volunteered his time to get the youth group to their various weekend retreats.

Gord was an avid sports fan and true supporter of the Leaf’s and the Blue Jays. He loved Elvis and country music and was always quick with a joke.

He was preceded in death by his parents Myrtle and Harold, and sister Ruth. He is survived by his wife Linda, children Ted (Teresa) and Barb, and grandchildren Kyle and Ashlee, brother-in-law Larry (Maria), his sister Gail, and niece Nadine and her family.

Parking is available at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home on Saturday, August 16th, 2025. Just north of Thornhill Baptist church.