William Gordon Rose

Gordon was born November 22, 1961 and grew up on a farm near Newdale, Manitoba, Canada where he loved all the animals and the farming. Gordon received his education in Manitoba and British Columbia, Canada. He soon after began working in the restaurant industry. Gordon began his lifelong career in this industry with McDonald's and later worked at Earl’s Restaurant, before making the decision in 1990 to work for The Olive Garden. Gordon had a long and exciting 20 year career with The Olive Garden which included the Canadian cities of Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg and Edmonton before moving to Bellingham, Washington in 1995 and becoming an area Director for the company. Gordon later moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and then in 2006 moved to Raleigh, North Carolina to continue to share his passion and experience with The Olive Garden family.

Gordon will be dearly missed by his mother, Connie Rose; brother, Blaine Rose; sister, Carol Mitchell (Bill), niece, Shannon Peppinck (Rob), and great nephew, Josh, all from Canada, his Aunt Audrey and Uncle Stan Goss from South Carolina, and a number of cousins. Gordon is preceded in death by his father, John William Rose. Gordon was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend to many.

Gordon will always be remembered for his big heart and giving spirit, his willingness to help those in need, his jolly laugh and the love that he had for his family and friends, eh.

A memorial service to celebrate Gordon’s life will be held on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:00AM. The family will receive friends from 10:00AM to 11:00AM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, North Carolina. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to The SPCA or The Heart or Lung Association.

Please join Gordon's family and friends following the service for a meal and fellowship. Directions will be provided at the service.