Peacefully on December 21st with his beloved wife of 64 years and family at his side. Born in Bishop Briggs Scotland in 1925, Gord emigrated to Hamilton in 1929. Growing up he attended Stinson Street School and Central Collegiate. He was a choir boy at St. Thomas Anglican Church and became a King’s Scout at age 16. World War II interrupted his schooling, and he went oversees as an Air Gunner in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was honourably discharged in 1945 and returned home to enroll at the University of Toronto. He graduated from the School of Optometry in 1950 and received his Doctor of Optometry designation in 1962. Gord became active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce and went on to build a thriving optometry practice in Hamilton for over 40 years. He was also a proud founding member of the Hamilton Probus Club. During high school he met Mary Louise Allaster and they married in 1949. Gord leaves their four loving children; Ruth Ann (Michael), Sara (Will), Elizabeth (Keith), and Christopher (Elaine); 10 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He will also be missed by his nephews and nieces here and in the States. An active sportsman all his life, Gord ran track and played basketball in high school, enjoyed tennis and became an excellent golfer. He and Lou sailed together competitively (Albacore Fleet RHYC) and were ‘husband and wife’ Canadian Champions. He was an avid skier until his 83rd year. He hiked the conservation trails around Hamilton and had a special fondness for exploring the British Isles. A lifelong learner and dabbler, Gord experimented with wine making, photography and most recently oil painting. Gord joined the Central Presbyterian Church in 1963 and became involved in many facets of church life, including membership in the choir for 40 years, serving as its president for 2 years. He was Chairman of the Board of Managers and an Elder of the Church from 1976 until 2012 when he was appointed Elder Emeritus. His love of gardening led him to undertake some garden improvements at the church, eventually earning the Central Presbyterian Church gardens a Trillium Award. Gord was also a co-founder of Central Church’s ‘Out of the Cold’ meal programme. Family and church gave Gord endless joy, as did his many friends. Cremation and a private family service took place on December 24th. A Memorial Service will be held at the Central Presbyterian Church, corner of Charlton and Caroline Streets, Hamilton, on Friday, January 17th, 2014 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Central Presbyterian Church Choir will be gratefully accepted. On-line tributes may be made at www.marlattfhhamilton.com.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18