Gord grew up with two older sisters, Lil and Arlene and he was very fond of both. He was a doting and loyal son and had a very special relationship with his Mom, or ‘Nana’ as she was called by all.
He played a variety of sports as a child but was especially enthusiastic about hockey and loved to tell stories about his heroics on the ice. His family and friends were well versed in the four or five favorite stories that were told repeatedly at family dinners and get togethers. For Gord, he was always the star, and they were as exciting as the first time he told them.
Gord had an early passion for cars that continued throughout his life. He spent hours repairing, tinkering, washing, and polishing his many vehicles over the years. His two favorites were his 1969 Corvette Stingray and Chevy Silverado Truck. We all knew not to mention Ford vehicles in his presence. Gord was a favorite and very frequent visitor at both the local car wash and automotive garage. Many times, going on coffee and donut runs for the mechanics and staff. In his younger years he could be found hanging out at the Red Top restaurant with friends and with a spotless sports car in the parking lot, no doubt.
Gord started working at Safeway at a very young age and worked there until his retirement. He spent time at numerous stores around the city as produce manager. Gord had a very strong work ethic and was well respected by his coworkers. He especially liked to chat with customers and went out of his way to help them in any way he could.
During his life, he enjoyed working in his yard (he was a lawn connoisseur), coaching his kids in sports, and watching any and all sports on television.
One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his two sons. He was either coaching, watching, or playing along side them. You could find Gord in the stands at every game with a Timmy’s coffee or hot chocolate in-hand. He spent many days and nights helping the boys with anything they needed, whether it be help or guidance with a home reno, fixing their cars, or as a dog walker for hire. Gord was a one-of-a-kind Dad and would do anything for his two boys. Gord also spent a lot of time with his Grand puppy Charlie, going for walks, sharing snacks, or fighting over their spot on the couch. Charlie will miss you dearly.
A summary of Gord’s life would not be complete without mentioning his sweet tooth and his love of good food and snacks. To say his favorite drink was Pepsi would be an understatement. Most summer nights, you could find him the garage watching sports and drinking Pepsi out of a chilled glass.
Gord had a gentle and kind way about him and made friends easily with his fun loving and easy-going attitude. He used to tell his boys to “kill them with kindness” if a conflict ever arose with someone and it needed to be resolved. Gord had a great sense of humor that he carried with him until his last days. He was not afraid to break into spontaneous dance or do something silly to make you laugh. Gord was not given a middle name and later in life he jokingly like to opine on possible middle names for himself (Graham seemed to win out in the end).
Gord will truly be missed as husband, father, and friend after a lengthy battle with cancer and dementia. We will cherish the memories we made with him forever.
Our family would like to thank the unbelievable staff members at St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Care and Grace Hospice for their compassionate care.
9 thoughts on “Gordon (Gord) Brokop”
Our condolences tol the Brokop family. We lived across the street on Wakopa from Gord,Sharon, Sean and Cory, when the kids and our kids were young. We have such great fun memories of Gord and the whole family from way back. What lovely, heartfelt obituaties from both the Free Press and on this site. Its easy to tell he was so very much loved. Rest in piece Gord.
Mona and Charly Jackson
A beautiful tribute to a great husband, father and friend.
Rest in Peace Gord.
My sincere sympathy Sharon and Family.
What a lovely tribute to your Dad. He will always be remembered as the kindest, most generous man. He was devoted to you boys and you in turn were loyal to the end bringing him joy during these last difficult months with your presence. We hope you find comfort and strength in your fond memories of him and knowing he passed with such loving care. Love and hugs, Dawn & Lindsay.
I am so sorry to hear that my long time friend has passed. We used to spend a lot of weekends evenings together playing cards or just hanging out. Gord was always kind and giving of his time. I remember when our kids were quite young and we needed a fence for our yard Gord offered his help and we got a fence. I especially remember the Corvette that was Gord’s pride and joy and all the Pepsis that Gord loved. He could have done an ad for Pepsi!
I want to offer my condolences to Sharon, Sean and Cory. Your dad loved his sons and went out of his way to be helpful to them.
He will be greatly missed by many people.
Chris Kaye (McWilliams)
Our sincere condolences to all the family.
REST PEACEFULLY GORD.
Gord was the Produce Manager at the Ellice and Wall Safeway location when I started working there part time in the 60’s while going to school. I started as a grocery clerk and then moved into the produce department. I really enjoyed it, and Gord taught me so much that when I decided to work full time it had to be in produce. I worked with Safeway for seven years and when I moved on I too was a Produce Manager and owed it all to Gord for his kindness, patience, and mentorship. To this day when I see a Corvette I think of him. Rest in Peace,
Jim Rose
So sad to hear about Gords passing. I worked with Gord for many years at Safeway, his knowledge and wisdom benefited me greatly in my role as a produce manager. After Gords retirement we played golf at least once per week,he was always fun to be with and could hit the ball a mile. His friendliness and sense of humour will be fondly remembered by his golfing buddies. Rest in peace Gord, you will be greatly missed and always remembered. My condolences to the Brokop family.
So sad to hear about Gords passing. I worked with Gord for many years at Safeway, his knowledge and wisdom benefited me greatly in my role as a produce manager. After Gords retirement we played golf at least once a week, He was always fun to be with and he could hit the ball a mile. His friendliness and sense of humour will be fondly remembered by his golfing buddies. Rest in peace Gord, you will be greatly missed and always remembered. My condolences to the Brokop family.
So sad to hear about Gords passing. I worked with Gord for many years at Safeway, his knowledge and wisdom benefitted me greatly in my role as a produce manager. After Gords retirement we played golf at least once a week, he was always fun to be with and could hit the ball a mile. His friendliness and sense of humour will be fondly remembered by his golfing buddies. Rest in peace Gord, you will be greatly missed and always remembered. My condolences to the Brokop family.