Gordon Wallace Blake

He leaves behind his children, Bryce (Deanna Little), Carol (Toby Wendland) and Doreen; his grandchildren, Jayden, Camryn, Liberty, Cooper, Huxley, Jacob, Ella and Fabienne and a large extended family. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Bryce and Madge Blake and his niece Debbie Erickson.

Gordon lived his life with a special happy-go -lucky optimism that was infectious to anyone he encountered. He was always smiling and whistling no matter what he was doing. He was an amazing, loving father and grandfather, involved and caring and always available to give advice or share a laugh. Gordon was also a very loving spouse who made sure everyone knew how much he loved Angie and how he would marry her again in a minute. The love they shared is something we all should aspire to.

Gordon was a lifelong Port Alberni resident, and immersed himself in all aspects of community life. Whether it was volunteering up Mount Arrowsmith or being a train conductor with the Heritage society, driving the logging trucks in the parade or representing Port Alberni to the rest of Canada on the Harbour commission. Gordon threw himself into community activities with the same enormous energy and enthusiasm. Gordon had a diverse career from running Alberni Engineering to working in the mill shop, to mobile sales to eventually settling into North Island College Vocational School tool crib working closely with the woodworking, automotive and welding students. He never stopped working and in his later years Gordon even took up a new career selling Gordon’s Kettlecorn along with his extra special shortbread, jam and teas at the local farmers markets. Everyone loved stopping by for the popcorn and a chat.

Gordon was born with a genetic issue that began to impact his heart at the young age of 52. He had many health scares but each time he pulled through and we had many more years together. His family is so grateful for the advances in cardiac care that extended his life to 84. Anyone wishing to honour Gordon’s memory can make a donation to the Canadian Heart and stroke in his name.

The family hoping for a get together in the fall where we can share hugs and memories and laughter, exactly as Gordon would have wanted.