William Thomas Gordon

William Thomas Gordon was born in Nelson BC, May 16, 1927 to parents Tommy and Dorothy Gordon.

When Dad was 7, he and his family moved to Vancouver where he grew up.

Dad followed his dream and joined the CPR as his own father had at the age of 17 to become a fireman and then engineer for 42 yrs.

He started his railroad career in Revelstoke as a wiper, then fireman. He also worked on the Royal Hudson.

Dad was an active member of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was president of the union for many years. He was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge #115 for over 60 years,

He loved golfing and gardening. He and mom travelled and enjoyed many trips to Europe, Asia , Canada and the USA.

Dad had many railroad buddies, he always kept in touch with all of them. Dad’s was the last one standing.

Dad loved music. He and mom went to many concerts to see the big name entertainers. Dad always bought good seats to enjoy the concerts.

In 1954 he met our mom through mutual friends.

In 1958 they were married in Mom’s home town of St Vital, Winnipeg.

After their marriage 1958, they bought a beautiful home in North Vancouver where they raised their 2 daughters Karen and Leslie. Dad always tried to juggle his work schedule so that he was able to attend our sports days, dance recitals and school activities.

In 2001 they moved to a new home in Tsawwassen. It was during these years that dad lost his sight to macular and had to give up his 3 hobbies, golfing, driving and reading the Vancouver Sun. Although these were difficult time for him, we never heard him complain about the challenges he faced.

In 2017, they moved to an independent living apartment in Burnaby, where they could be closer to family.

This last year was difficult for Dad as he required more care and was moved to George Derby Care Center. Mom visited him almost everyday, helping him with his lunch and keeping him up to date on family activities.

Dad had a wonderful sense of humour, he always had a joke to tell. He enjoyed holding court with friends during dinner parties and family get togethers. Dad was an excellent letter writer and never shied away from voicing his opinion about issues he felt strongly about. Dad loved watching his grandkids play sports. He and mom travelled all over the lower mainland and Vancouver Island to watch them at soccer or track and field.

Dad leaves behind his wonderful wife Betty of 62 years. Daughter Karen (Don), Leslie (Lorraine). Three grandchildren, Mark (Michelle), Avery and Kevan (Sal) and 2 amazing great-grandsons, Kashtin and Jake. He was a favorite uncle to Linda, Sharon and Bob.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Norma Jean, brother in-law Roy, and nephew Ron.

We want to thank the staff at the George Derby Care Center for their care and kindness towards our Dad and husband.

During the Pandemic Derby Manor and George Derby took extraordinary measures to keep our elderly parents safe and we truly appreciate this.

By request there will be no service. If you wish to make a donation to a charity of your choice, in his name please do so.

“ Dad, You may be gone from our sight but you are never gone from our hearts.”