Don Gordon

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Alton Gordon of Winnipeg, on June 22, 2022.

Don is survived by the love of his life, Gisele, his daughters Carla (Wayne), Lisa (Dave), grandchildren, Lucas, Cole, Emily, and William, Mother Mavis (Percy), brother Rick (Linda), sisters Della, Linda, and Buffy (Duane), along with his many nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his father Richard and brother Randy.

Don was born in Vancouver, BC on June 26th, 1952. He spent most of his years in Winnipeg and Brandon. In 1970, he met his wife Gisele through mutual friends. They were married in Winnipeg in 1974 and lived in Toronto where Don completed his schooling at Humber College to become a funeral director.

In 1975, Don returned to Brandon to work with his father at Rosewood Memorial Chapel and Gardens and became owner-operator until he sold the business. During their years living in the countryside beside Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Don and Gisele spent their summer days gardening, entertaining friends and family by the pool and enjoying the delicious meals Gisele cooked up for all the guests their family loved to host.

Don had a passion for learning and embraced taking on any new challenge, often through reading and being self-taught. Whether it be fixing machinery, building a shop, or developing computer databases for his business, he accomplished anything he set his mind to. He loved music, watching documentaries and reading history and autobiographies.

After receiving a 25th wedding anniversary gift from Gisele for flying lessons in 1997, Don earned his pilot’s license and spent time as president of the Brandon Flying Club where he flew his Cessna Cardinal airplane. He had wonderful memories of the experiences he had during these years and the people he met through the club.

After retiring in 2012, Don and Gisele moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their family. They fulfilled their retirement dream to have a boat and joined the Royal Manitoba Yacht Club where Don volunteered as Fleet Captain and Treasurer. Don loved to enjoy the beautiful prairie summers from the water with friends and family, while listening to all his favourite music.
Don cherished his time with his daughters, his sons-in-law, and grandchildren. He especially looked forward to having them visit him and Gisele at their winter home in Arizona. He made every visit special, ensuring everything was perfect for a relaxing and entertaining vacation.
Don will be remembered for his humour, his kindness, and his generosity, and for his vast knowledge which made every evening watching jeopardy a friendly competition to see who could shout out the answer the quickest.

Respecting Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life is planned for September 11, 2022 at Larters at St. Andrews, located at 30 River Road, St. Andrews Manitoba, from 2 – 4 pm. All family, friends and acquaintances are welcome to join us to share our favourite memories of Don and to listen to his favourite music while enjoying some appetizers and drinks.

If you wish to donate in remembrance of Don, please choose any charity that is close to you or loved one’s hearts.