November 22, 1924 – February 7, 2025
It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Gordon. In his 100+ years, Gord enjoyed an active and interesting life. Born in Toronto to Bob and Kathrine Paterson, Gordon was the eldest of three boys. He is survived by his middle brother, the Venerable Eric Paterson of Thunder Bay and predeceased by his youngest brother Dean, formerly of Bancroft, ON. He was a loving husband to his late wife, Jean. Surviving him are his children, Barbara McCrady (Brian) of Newmarket, ON and Ross (late Mary Jane) of Oro-Medonte, ON. His granddaughters feel a profound loss at his passing. They are: Elaine Hordo (Jonathan) of Calgary, AB and Anna McCrady (Benjamin Mason) of Victoria, BC. Gordon was blessed with 3 great-grandchildren: Elodie and Laurel Hordo and Finneas Mason.
Gord graduated from the University of Toronto in 1947 with a BSc in Civil Engineering. After graduation, he was a lecturer at U of T until he joined the Foundation Company of Canada, headquartered in Montreal. He worked in several Quebec communities along the St. Lawrence and was later employed in the construction of the Alaska Highway. He came to the Sault in 1954 for a short stint with the Foundation Company and ended up staying for almost 7 decades. It was here that he met his future bride, Jean Becking.
Gord saw opportunity at an expanding Algoma Steel and joined its ranks in 1954. He remained there until his retirement in 1987. He retired as Vice President of Engineering.
Gord and Jean travelled extensively in their retirement and enjoyed many happy junkets with friends. However, Gordon was probably happiest on the ski slopes at Searchmont or at his beloved camp on Batchawana Bay. He loved to sail and swim. He became a dog lover later in life and he enjoyed a parade of faithful Corgis over the years.
Gordon’s favourite piece of advice to his children was, “Paddle Your Own Canoe”, a phrase which we gleefully repeat to one another to this day. You taught us well, Dad. We will miss you always. Until we meet again.
Memorial donations in Gordon’s honour would be very much appreciated by the SAH Urology Clinic or ARCH. A private family gathering will be held in the summer to celebrate and give thanks for Gord’s life.