How do you say good-bye to a person who has become your heart, body, and soul? Let me see if I can tell you just a little about this man.
I met him in the summer of 1972 while I was working at the T-Bird, he had just hired on with CNR. One fishing trip with my family sealed the deal that he was hanging around.
We married in 1973 in October and started our family. Mark was born in 1974 in December and Brent came along shortly thereafter in 1975 in December also. Children born within 18 months are called Irish twins. Our sons did look like twins off and on for many years. Not only did they look a lot a like from time to time but as they became men both took on provincial officers careers, Gord could not have been prouder.
As life went on Gord became an engineer for CNR and LOVED his career. He was known at work as the mad Russian because he could have a voice and was not scared to use it when he wanted to make his point dealing with rules. He knew the rules well and carried his little black book on every trip. Gord loved working the road; he enjoyed the freedom it allowed him to always be his own man. The career was stressful, long hours mostly night work, but he loved it! The scenery was breathtaking, he said many times he wished I and the boys could be with him to witness the beauty. As any Hog head knows facing the Sun maker in the early mornings was a nightmare, but he was always grateful to arrive safe back in the yards.
At home we called him GMan. It suited his personality ruff and tuff and never minced words, let’s just say he had a colourful vocabulary.
Gord loved working out and on his off time you could find him at Golds Gym, running or biking, later in life he learned to love long walks, and always enjoyed a cold beer on a hot day.
He had so many hobbies, hockey being right at the top along with hunting, fishing, skiing, boating, movies but most of all eating. There was not a sport that could not grab his attention. He loved to travel when time permitted, we were blessed enough to enjoy a few memorable vacations.
The best holidays were always spent with our children and grandchildren, they were the pride of this man. Gord was a very private man yet extremely sociable when it suited him. He adored hanging out with our sons and grandchildren. When you have children so young there is a gift that comes with that. The gift is you get to grow up with them as well and not fall behind in a generation gap. We learned so many things from our sons and our grandchildren.
When the grandchildren came along it opened new doors for adventure again. It’s funny how you get second chances when you are lucky enough to get to know your grandchildren on their level by paying attention to their interests.
He took the time to listen, give advice when not asked ha-ha, and always had an understanding way.
His dedication to his family was carried out until his last day, and for that we will be forever grateful. He always put us first in everything he did, that was his standard of a man, husband, father, and grandfather.
His battle with cancer was a long and hard one that lasted over twenty years. There were so many bends in that winding road but at each turn he showed up 125% wearing a new set of battle armour. He faced everything in his life head on like the HOG HEAD he was. He was a force unto himself, and I was extremely proud to be the wife by his side.
I am grateful to him for too many things to mention but let me share these. I learned how to stand alone when I needed too. He made me a mother and there was no gift higher in my heart as a wife. He told me this day would come, and I would have to be strong and not fold like a cardboard box and remember to live life for him and Brent. He said I will be with Brent and you and Mark have each other to lean on and take care of our grandkids, he was right.
There is an old saying I heard from my childhood dear friend Rae today that goes like this. We all die twice, once when our bodies are gone, and the other is if your name is forgotten and not spoken.
I can assure you the name Gordon will live side by side with our son Brent name in our heart forever. It was almost six months to the day Brent was called home and there is not a day that has gone by that my soul does not feel this absence in pain. The only consolation I have with Gord’s passing is first knowing he is no longer living in pain, but more importantly that Gord is now with Brent.
Moving forward will be hard I have no doubt of that, but knowing I have Mark, Broden, Ellery and Grayson next to me will help ease the pain and sorrow.
I am blessed with extended family and friends who are loving and caring people. I got lucky the day he walked into the T-Bird who knew the journey I was about to embark on. The excitement, the joy and pleasure my life would be, I can tell you this we won the lottery being able to share over fifty years of LOVE and Friendship.
Thank you! GMan you always made me proud to be called your WIFE! XO
25 thoughts on “Gordon Artimowich”
My dearest Sandi, I am so sad for your loss. Despite Gordie’s grumpy exterior he was a good egg. I loved giving him a bad time and getting him going. He was indeed a force to be reckoned with and the best darn vacuumer ever! I didn’t dare mess up his carpet lines. You are so strong to have been by Gord’s side through it all. I am sure you will have many days ahead to sit and quietly remember of all the years you had together. The crazy times with your boys and the fun with the grandkids. Those memories become even more precious now. Never met a guy like Gordie that would give me a nickname so quickly but he sure didn’t hesitate. I am sure in the coming days you will hear lots of fond memories of Gord. He had a big personality and as such impacted more people than you know. May he rest in peace with Brent and your fondest of memories help you through this difficult time. Sandi, your friends are always just a phone call away.
“Wherever a beautiful soul has been, there is a trail of beautiful memories.”
I just wanted you to know that I’m thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He had a huge presence and always was welcoming to our family. I am certain he will live on through his grandchildren and the fabulous memories your family has created. We wish you peace and support from our family.
I always enjoyed working with Gord. All the stories. He will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Gords passing, my condolences to to your family. it was a pleasure to know and work with Gord, may he rest in peace now. Highball Gord!!
Deadheaded home with Gordy AKA The mad Russian , on train 439 out of Fort Frances on February 21st 2005 . Pulled my camera out & took a picture of one of the great railroaders, that I had the pleasure to know and work with.
Always had a smile and a great sense of humor, even when he found out, he had the big C.
Douglas Charban
I worked with Gordon @ cnr.He was a great guy.and didn’t hold back if he had something to say.RIP Gord
Uncle will be missed. I will always have fond memories of the laughs that we would have. Take care
Love Jason.
First of all, sorry for your loss. I have to say that is the best testimony to a soul I’ve ever read. I loved working with Gord because he was a character with humour and integrity. Always a pleasure to work with. This world just lost a good man, the next is surely happy to receive him…..God Speed Gordy 🙏🏽
Seen Gord walking around Saga Creek last year and got to talk to him 3 or 4 times . Worked with lots too . RIP Gord 🚂🚂🚂
My heart goes out to you at this time. Love has a way of healing your soul…past, present & future. Praying for you! And may he rest in peace.
Immediately upon meeting Gord I admired his love for his family and his sense of humour.
I am deeply saddened by his loss for his family & friends. Much love to Sandra, Mark, Broden, Ellery & Grayson.
~Rest easy Gord
I arrived in Winnipeg from siouxlookout back in 1980 and met Gord on one of my trips to Rainy River. What a great guy to work with and he knew I was new to Symington yd and he was a huge help to work with in that sense. He will be missed by many. RiP my friend
Awe so sad,he was one hell of a guy to work with and with out a doubt one of the best hogheads to ever work out of symington.whenever you got called to work and the crew caller told you your hoghead was Gord the mad Russian you knew was going to be a great trip.RIP Gord.
Sorry for your loss RIP Gordo
Sandi and Mark and grandkids, I’m so very sorry for your loss.
💔💔
Sandi,
Thinking of you, Mark, Broden, Ellery and Greyson at this time,
Sending love and light to you all.
Denise
My uncle was a wonderful uncle who was always there for everyone and made no moment dull. My uncle was a caring and a loving Uncle whos heart shined bright through his smile. I am so thankful for being able to have such a wonderful Uncle in my life. I will miss you Uncle and i will cherish the memories we had shared.
~Brooke~
He touched hearts all over this world even down under. It was an honour to have met him and enjoy his warmth. It was an almighty battle you put up G-man but I know your now reunited with Brent looking down and still guideing your family. My heart goes out to you Mark and Momma Arti. God bless xo
First off my condolences to you family and friends I worked with Gord off and on for many years, and play defence with him Cn hockey. Because of his looks I called him John Fergusons twin as he was fearless of the puck and any body else will be missed by all rip
Soul, yes he did have it and to echo Doug’s comments well said testimony. I always enjoyed every moment I spent at work with Gord and put a smile on for every reminder of the German Sheppard scaring me back to the train after failing to line a switch at Navin. Condolences to the entire Artimowich family as I see he will be missed .
Sandy, again I am so very sorry for your loss. I didn’t know your husband well, just meeting him once at the Gwen Fox Gallery that day when we dropped off our Art. But after reading your wonderful words I feel like I know him at least in spirit. A wonderful man, husband, father and Grandfather. The picture video truly shows how much love you all had for each other. 💕
My Condolences and sorry for your loss of the Gman , I new him as the mad Russian and he will not be forgotten ! RIP Gord !
My Deepest Sorrow to the Family :
I started my career with Gord in June /72 . We worked our first shift together.
A couple years after having Brain Surgery for Tremors in a parking lot waiting for my wife to finish grocery shopping . The Mad Russian mugged the Bigfoot. I will never forget what he said We are Still Alive !!!.
Gord was a Great Guy & will miss him. He made work fun.
Rest In Peace . I am sure I speak for other Rails . You were the Best .
Bigfoot.
My deepest condolences to Sandy and the family. I first met Gord in Grimly, 1976 on the Hogheads course. We became good friends and hung out often at the beach and in the bars, my nickname was Alfalfa, later on it was Jackpine Savage. GMan was a riot, never a dull moment, you will be dearly missed old friend…
Alfalfa out _ _ – _