Gordon teaching Kelsey how to “waltz”. Kelsey loved “uncle” Gordon and always looked forward to the weekends he would come out to visit. He and I would collaborate to cook a big meal Saturday. I learned so many recipes from him. Sunday was usually a walk along the dyke or PoCo Trail and a stop to play at the park. What I would give for another weekend.

Gordon was such a good friend to our children. From the day Paul arrived, Gordon always made time to visit. As Paul got older, Gord spent time at the park, pushing him on the swings, kicking the soccer ball and being a good “uncle”.  I don’t think Gord particularly liked combat sports, but when Paul started competing with Battle Field Fight League, he came to every card that Paul fought on. He was so supportive… We miss him so much and always will.


gord took piano lessons - 
i thought he was pretty good - 
when it was my turn - 
i wanted to take piano lessons - 
those piano lessons are still a big part of my life today * * * 

gord had good taste in music - 
his record collection included - 
miles davis, stan getz, chuck berry - 
i remember -  - dream - by the voices of walter schumann - 
my favorite record  was - splish splash, i was taking a bath - 
by bobby darin * * *  

when they lowered the drinking age to 18 - 
early seventies - 
gord took me to bars -  to see bands - 
we saw an early version of rough trade - 
i remember the coal bin -  near the td centre - 
the colonial on yonge * * * 

gord was good at sports - 
he was junior champion at william burgess track and field day - 
he played on the east york collegiate football team - 
he was on a relay team that won the ontario championship - 
he was a good skater - 
he played hockey on the rink at william burgess - 
gord taught me how to throw a football - 
one summer -  he took me to east york collegiate - 
to throw the ball around in the football stadium - 
this helped me make the team in the fall * * * 

gord was a good skier - 
when i was in high school - gord took me skiing - 
he taught me the snowplow - 
i spent the afternoon on the bunny hill * * * 

around that time - gord went skiing in europe - 
on some real hills - 
i guess that's one of the reasons he moved to vancouver * * *  

i heard splish splash the other day - 
it reminded me of gord






I met Gord in 1973 and we enjoyed a long friendship; sharing a house in Toronto with others for one year;  and keeping in touch after he moved to Vancouver, especially playing scrabble on Facebook.   During his yearly September visits, he joined me for fun  TIFF movies.    On my way back from Australia and New Zealand in April, 1982, I spent a few days visiting him in Vancouver.  We actually skied at Whistler.   At New Years, we often gathered at a friend's home for singing and celebrating.  Or attended the family gathering at his parent's home.  It is always sad to say goodbye to dear friends,  but we have our memories for comfort.  

Thoughtful, compassionate,  honest, straightforward, smart,  righteous  Could  be stubborn.  LOVED  HIS  FAMILY.  Never  wanted to disappoint them Cared for his friends  HELPED THEM IN ANY HE COULD.  Not judgemental to new experiences  PERSONAL  SOCIAL

HE WILL BE MISSED BY ME.  IWILL MISS HIS WISE COUNSEL
HIS KINDNESS  AND UNDERSTANDING

I worked with Gordon (Gordie and How to me, but I don't think he liked that nick name) in Vancouver for about 20 years. We lived in the same neighborhood so I often gave him rides home. One time I drove him to our company bbq in Tsawasswen and we were chatting so much, I missed the turn off. We ended up at the Peace Arch border crossing and after pulling in to the duty free, we couldn't turn around and go back.So we went across and did the u turn back, which automatically meant we now had to go through customs. We had to go into the customs building while they searched the car. I had no id with me and thankfully Gordon reminded me I had a work photo id which freed us. Oh we talked about that for years! 
I had a picture of me with David Suzuki on my computer, and everyone thought it was Gordon with me!
I called Gordon a couple of times from Australia where I now live, and he was so friendly and we chatted like old friends.
You are missed Gordie.

My heartfelt condolences to John, Bruce, Alison, Lauren and Justin.

Gordie, Gordon, Gord and Tortuga.  His name changed as he grew older or depending on who knew him.  David & I nicknamed him Tortuga because he poked along like a slow moving turtle.

I have many wonderful memories of Tortuga, the most memorable ones when he lived with David & me in Mexico.

Gord had a hearty appetite for good food & drink and enjoyed different cuisines & exotic dishes.  Nevertheless, one of his favourite Mexican foods was plain ol' corn tortillas.  He'd eat them hot off the press.

His appetite for exploring lead him to travel around Mexico alone & with some of our Mexican friends who didn't speak or understand a word of English.  Gord spoke no Spanish so he used sign language, learned phrases & words - especially food words and carried around his trusty old Spanish phrase book.

We spent a lot of time at a desolate private beach sunning, swimming in the ocean, exploring the uninhabited area, fighting off mosquitos, having many diverse conversations and enjoying each other's company.

I will remember him fondly.

May you rest in peace my dear cuz Tortuga.





Cousins John, Bruce, Alison, Lauren, Justin,

We send our deepest sympathy at this very sad time. 

We have fond memories of family gatherings at Christmas, Cousin Gord flying in from Vancouver. 

Gord was always such an engaging conversationalist, always interested in learning what you were up to.  He was such a smart dresser, we can see him in his black slacks, black sweater, neat and handsome as can be. Gord had a love of food and zest for life, we used to chuckle at how he couldn’t wait to dig in to my Mom’s miso salmon (once a year!). 

We are saddened by his loss, our thoughts are with you and family.  Hope to see you in 2021, stay safe and well. 

Dorothy Stickles & Larry Saisho
Calgary

John, Bruce, Alison, Lauren and Justin,

Our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family.  Gordon will be deeply missed.
May the good memories see you through the difficult times ahead. We are all here for you.

Our thoughts are with you.

Love Aki, June, and Joanne

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.  Our memories of Gord is with a great story and a glass of wine in his hand.  He will be missed 💖

With lots of love and hugs 
James Cindy and Warren Jung

Dear John, Bruce, Alison, Lauren and Justin.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Gord's kindness toward me and how he made me feel very welcome in the family.
May his memory be a blessing to you all.


I met Gord many years ago through Julie Nishino and her family and had the good fortune to enjoy social occasions with him.  I remember particularly when the Nishinos would have New Year's Day open houses. It was a good time to catch up with Gord. We would have great conversations about our lives, sharing our joys and woes.

One year when I was in Vancouver, we had the opportunity to visit a couple of times, first at lunch in the Market and then at a gathering in a friend's home. I regret not keeping in touch with him directly in the past few years, but through Julie, I was able to learn about his life.

Gord was a lovely human being and he will be missed.  May he rest in peace.

With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of our nephew Gord and send our sincerest condolences to John, Bruce, Alison, Justin, and Lauren.

We remember many happy occasions with Gord over the years. We'd be sure to see him every time we went to Vancouver. We'd go on long walks, visit local sites, have pleasant dinners and, of course, great conversations. We'll surely miss him.

He was also a great support to Amy's sister Tak and her husband, Tats in Vancouver. He'd run errands for them and join them for lunch and or dinner on many occasions.

In his early years Amy and Gord lived in the same family household in East York. Starting when he was about 7 or 8, to celebrate his birthday, Amy would take him to see a movie and to Swiss Chalet for dinner. In later years he told Amy that he had really enjoyed the Swiss Chalet dinners. 

One particularly memorable birthday was when Amy chose a movie called "Court Jester" starring Danny Kaye, a comedy which Amy was sure he'd enjoy. He did, but afterwards told her that he hadn't wanted to go to see a film about lawyers and courts! 

Rest in peace Gordie. You'll always be in our thoughts.

          








To John, Bruce, Alison, Lauren and Justin:
I am heartbroken to hear of Gord's passing. He always made me laugh and I loved hearing his stories.  He was a wonderful tour guide when I came to Vancouver to see my brother Tom and nephew Warren. I will miss him dearly, especially at our "Nish" Christmas dinners.  Passing away on my dad's birthday will make that day even more bittersweet. May he rest in peace with Uncle Kei and Auntie Barbara. Love cousin Dawna xoxo

Tío Tortuga, that's what I used to call him. My fondest memories of Tío are when would visit Auntie Barbara's house for New Year's.  Usually hanging out in the kitchen in his black sweater or turtleneck helping prep food away, we would catch up about life in Mexico and he would then share his amazin mexican stories with me, always with a smile from ear to ear. Loved having these moments with Tío, he will be missed dearly.

My deepest condolences Uncle John, Uncle Bruce, Auntie Alison, Lauren & Justin 

It was always great seeing Gord at Christmas and  New Years' Day whenever he was able to come back to Toronto . He had a great sense of humour and many stories to tell.   
 My condolences to the Saisho family 

Our deepest sympathy to John,  Bruce, Alison, Lauren and Justin. 

Although we were separated by distance, I have fond memories of meeting up with Gord in Vancouver several years ago when Nick and I vacationed there.  Although we did not see Gord often, he will be remembered as a kind, quiet and thoughtful cousin.

Love and condolences from Karen Dmytryshyn, Amanda & Rob, Mark and Michael.  



We were so sorry to hear about Gordon. He was more than just a friend, he became part of our family over the last 30 years. From stepping up as the emcee at our wedding, to babysitting our kids, to helping me in the kitchen so I was able to host holiday meals for our friends, he will always have a special place in our hearts and memories. 

OBITUARY

Gordon Takeo Saisho

April 6, 1947 – February 15, 2021

Glenhaven Memorial Chapel

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