GORDON JOHN BROOKE

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GORDON JOHN BROOKE Peacefully, on Monday, December 24, 2007, at the Victoria Hospital, Gordon Brooke passed away at the age of 86 years. Gordon, Dad will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife Joyce; their children, Christopher (Peggy), Sharron (Beau) Fritzsche; grandchildren, Gordon (Lindsay), Eric, Everly; all of Winnipeg; his sister Dorothy Burchmore; of Montreal, niece Debbie of Montreal and Trevor (Cathy) of Oshawa. Gordon served for four and a half years from 1941-1945 with the Royal Canadian Navy rising to the ranks of Chief Petty Officer.During that time Gordon served on destroyer escort vessels helping to assure the safe passage of valuable supply ships bringing much needed support to the British/Allied war effort. These crossings of the North Atlantic were treacherous at the best of times and the odds of making it safely across were never in the convoy's favour.But Dad perseverd and by the war's end he had participated in over 30 missions. Dad was proud of his service and honoured to be a sailor. After the war Dad returned to his home in Montreal eventually meeting a young slip of a girl named Joyce Stewart at Cunningham's store in Greenfield Park. They were married in 1948 and settled in St.Lambert, just off the island of Montreal where they lived for 35 years. In 1984 Dad retired and he and Joyce moved to London, Ontario. After 12 happy years there they decided to move to Winnipeg to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Gordon worked for 35 years in the industrial hardware business serving as a Sales Representative for the James Walker Hardware Company and Caverhill Leamont Limited. Everyone who met Gord easily grew very fond of him in a very short order. He was always chipper,kind,helpful and had a devilish sense of humour that was always belied by a little twinkle in his eye. Dad was an honourable,decent and honest man who's word was as solid a guarantee as you could find. His many colleagues in business and the clients he served knew that Gordon Brooke was a man of immense integrity whose moral compass defined all aspects of his life. Dad was always about family and home. He was most happy when we were all gathered together..and home. After all those unsettling years at sea Dad wanted nothing more than to be at home. With Joyce they created a comfortable,warm and inviting environment wherever they lived. Everyone was welcomed at 'our house . As kids and teenagers Dad was always encouraged my sister and I to have our friends over to our place almost any time...and believe me they came at times in droves. Dad knew them all and they sure knew him especially if you were in need of a late night reminder that maybe it was time to go home. Pretty much all of our friends loved and respected Mister Brooke and understood that to get down to the basement at our house usually required a requisite chat with our Dad either outside on the lawn or in the entranceway of the side door. For most this was no problem ,in fact most of our friends looked forward to catching up with Dad and he with them. Dad,you simply were the very best. No one had anything bad to say about our Dad...never! People just liked being with Dad and admired his easy manner and subtle charm. Being with Dad was like having your own mobile safe place ...you just felt good being with him! But now our sailor has sailed and has safely reached 'home' once again. Peace to you our brave man,dear husband, sweet father, loving Papa and loyal friend. And for all of us who knew and loved 'Gordie Brooke' keep a piece of him in your heart and a smile will always cross your lips. Good-bye. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 28, Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., Winnipeg, Manitoba. Interment will take place at a later date. Special thanks are extended to the nursing staff of the Victoria Hospital for their exceptionally wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gordon to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to: Glen Lawn Funeral Home 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. 204 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2007