Gordon Thomas Pottinger

March 9, 1951 – November 12, 2024 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Thomas Pottinger on November 12, 2024, at the age of 73, at St. Boniface Hospital.

He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and he leaves behind his wife Lynda; daughters, Kimberly (Ian) and Kellee (Adam); granddaughters, Chelsey (Connor) and Bradi; and brothers, Norman (Dawn) and David (Sandra), mother-in-law, Carrol Wronski, niece Angie (Grant) and many other family members. He was predeceased by his mother and father Daisy and Thomas, sister Louise, brothers, Lloyd and Harvey, nephew Steve, niece Tracy and father-in-law Joe Wronski.

Gord joined the Winnipeg Fire Department in 1976, dedicating 30 years of service and retiring as a Captain on April 30, 2006. Firefighting was not just his career, it was his true calling; fueling countless stories that leave a legacy. Among his many achievements, he made history as the first to rappel down the TD building as the High-Angle Response Team Leader. Yet, no single fire or emergency stood out above another in importance—it was his passion and dedication that defined him. Gord was always eager to be the first one in.

Inducted into the Manitoba Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2013, he collected 12 championships over 22 years in both field and box lacrosse, maintaining status as a top scorer throughout. After retiring as a player, he spent years giving back to the next generation of players as a head coach, leading his teams to many victories.

Gord was a beloved member of the Elmwood community, where he proudly raised his family. For years, he could be seen on daily walks around the neighborhood, cleaning up graffiti, and helping wherever he saw a need. He took pride in everything he did—from hanging a shelf or installing a fence to renovating a bathroom—you could be sure it was done straight, done right, and built to last.

From marriage, fatherhood, and grandfather-hood, to firefighting, friendship, lacrosse, and hockey, Gord gave everything his all. He had an incredible ability to see people for who they truly were and to lift them up simply by being around him.

The family would like to thank Palliative Care, Ostomy Manitoba, CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Wong, Kim, Dr. Helewa, and their care teams for the kindness and care they provided throughout his battle with cancer.

A celebration of life will be held in his honour at the Elmwood Royal Canadian Legion, located at 920 Narin Avenue, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gord’s name to CancerCare Manitoba.