Wednesday, August 5, 2015
I was only 18 and Gordon 22 when he charged up in his white mustang to the front door of Rosary Hall, and rescued me from an excruciatingly long and painful death by boredom. I was a pretty sheltered farm kid and boy, what a tour guide to life in the “big city” Gordon proved to be! From dancing in Yip’s to the music of Legend and Old Scratch, to sitting down in the Sportsman drinking 25 cent drafts while he played (and won) endless games of pool, to drag racing on 8th Street – you couldn’t go anywhere in the city with Gordon where people didn’t know him. It was like being with a celebrity. People were drawn to his relaxed charm and gregarious nature, and he would always stop and visit. Getting from one point to another on time and as planned was constantly challenging.
Over the years, our paths have crossed and parted on many occasions. Our times together were always filled with great conversation, laughter and the ease that comes from being with an old and trusted friend once more. Opportunities to let your guard down and just be yourself are in short supply these days, but that was his gift to you and I treasure each moment that I had with him. The Gordon that I knew had a crazy sense of humour. He was frank but deeply compassionate and sensitive. He laughed genuinely, often and without reservation. He was outgoing and generous and always willing to help a friend or a stranger. Although chronic pain was part of his life for many years, he rarely complained to me but there were days, often many in a row, when he retired to deal with it in private. This method of coping no doubt necessitated a more solitary existence than suited his personality, but he bore it with good grace and without the need to blame.
One of the wonderful things about living in Saskatoon was that you would never know when you might run into Gordon again. I will miss knowing that possibility is no longer, just maybe, around any corner. Rest well, my old friend. I will forever remember you and the great times that we had together. Ann (Childs) Smith
