HOPE, Gordon Thomas
Gord was born and raised in Keene, Ontario and started out working with his dad and brothers on the family’s dairy farm.
He met the love of his life, Bettie Wilson in 1953 and married in 1957 and along with their four boys spent the early years on the Hope family farm and the Wilson lakeside resort in Keene. Many happy times were spent with both the Hope and Wilson families.
Gordie, as he was affectionately known, started to work up in Sudbury in the late 1960’s, heading up North to work during the week, where he would camp out on Onwatin Lake. He eventually bought his own crusher business and moved his family up North.
Onwatin Lake is where the Hopes settled. Gordie welcomed all visitors to their home with open arms and treated them like part of the family, always ensuring that a good time was had by all.
Gordie was a hard worker who never stopped and was a part of the fabric of Valley East, helping to build communities including his beloved Onwatin Lake Road and Dominion Parc subdivision. He employed many people in his time and most would say he was the best boss they ever had.
Gordie touched the lives of many people, he always had a smile, a hug and twinkle in his eye; being with him meant there would be lots of laughter and fun. He was generous beyond measure, and could always be counted on by family, friends, neighbours and his community.
Gordie will be greatly missed by Bettie, his boys, Lavern (predeceased) (Debbie), Lee (predeceased) (Carole), Eugene (Doreen) and Shannon (Jennifer). Papa dearly loved and was so proud of all of his grandchildren: Jaimie (Andrew), Kyle (Chelsie), Whitney (Chris), Christie (Andrew), Brooke (Chris), Trent (Chanel), Chandice (Justin), Lexie, Seren and Osian and great grandchildren: Jaida, Maddox, Paige, Kasha and Viv. He will also be missed by his brothers, with whom he spoke with every day, Wayne (Shirley) and Warren (Marg) and their families and brother-in-law Mel (Rosemary) and family and many good friends.
Gordie will never be forgotten as his spirit and zest for life will live on through his family.
In honour of Gordie, spend some quality time with family and friends, have a laugh, if you’re so inclined have a drink, better yet make it a Gordie Special: full wedge of lime squeezed, lots of ice to the top of the glass, full jigger of Bacardi white rum (or more) and half a Pepsi. www.cooperativefuneralhome.ca