ENGLISH, Gordon
July 5, 1926 – July 2, 2016
Gordon English passed away on July 2, 2016 in White Rock, BC, with family by his side, just a few days shy of his 90th birthday. Gordon was born in Vancouver in 1926, the youngest of four siblings (Fred, Margaret and Beryl). Early on, Gordon discovered a love for radio and communications and parlayed that into a career that would take him across B.C., Canada and around the world.
Gordon served briefly in the Canadian Army at the end of World War II, working in the Signals Section. Quick to learn and eager to succeed, he returned to civilian life and started his career in radio, working at CJOR, before venturing into sales. The lure of more advanced technical work saw him take on jobs with the B.C. Forest Service and then B.C. Rail. His love of challenges and ability to grasp opportunities led Gordon to found Westronic Engineering Sales Ltd. During his years at Westronic, Gordon also served as a Regional Director for the IEEE Canada. Gordon retired to Salt Spring Island in the 1970s with his second wife Sandra (Skinner).
On Salt Spring, Gordon didn’t slow down and volunteered his time and talents for many years, serving on the Board of Directors of the Lady Minto Gulf Islands Hospital, chairing the Southern Gulf Islands Community Health Council, the Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association and the Salt Spring Island Golf and Country Club’s President’s Golf Academy. Through his leadership over five years, Gordon oversaw the fundraising campaign and construction of Meadowbrook Seniors Residence, where he and Sandra spent their last few years on Salt Spring.
Gordon was most at home in his workshop, whether designing and building an electric car or crafting beautiful, original furniture and boxes out of local wood. He also loved being on and near the water. From summers on Indian Arm at Woodlands to boating on the Banook, he was never far from the ocean. On Salt Spring, you could often find Sandra and Gordon playing golf and tennis and socializing with their many friends, where he was often at the centre of lively conversations. His family loved visiting the island and will remember him for his sage advice, unwavering support, his beautiful whistling and lively sense of humour at the dinner table. Dad, as a professional, volunteer, friend, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, you taught us how to succeed and how to be caring people.
Gordon is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Sandra, his five children Elizabeth (Peter Smith), Susan (Mark Bullock), Geoffrey, Janet (Bruce McMorland) and Diane (Rick Phillips) and his first wife Margaret (Peggy) English (Fennel). He was a cherished grandfather to Angela, Craig, Kyle, Colleen (Jason Riggs) and Evan, and great-grandfather to Kyle B. and Bethanee.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Gordon’s name to The Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, The Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Salt Spring Island on September 18th. For those unable to attend Salt Spring, a small gathering will be held in Vancouver in August as well.
For details on either event, please contact McKenzie Funeral Services at 604-926-5121 or the website. www.mckenziefuneralservices.com

CPFF link for donations:

http://cpff.ca/get-involved/donate/


GISRA link for donations:

https://www.canadahelps.org/dn/19221

You can also send a cheque or money order to the address below:

Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
47 Squire Bakers Lane
Markham, Ontario L3P 3G8
Canada

Gulf Islands Seniors Residence Association (GISRA)
Meadowbrook
121 Atkins Road,
Salt Spring Island, BC V8V 2L6
250-538-1995