HUMPHRIES, R. Gordon
Passed away peacefully at home on September 4, 2013, overlooking his beloved Evening Cove with his daughter Jennifer by his side. Much loved husband of the late Margaret (White), who predeceased him in 2008.
Gordon was born in Calgary, Alberta on April 21, 1921 and was raised there with his brother Jack. After graduation from Western Canada High School, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. His landing craft, LCI 115, was one of the first to land on Juno Beach in the D-Day Invasion. He retired at the end of World War II with the rank of Lt Cmdr. While serving in the Navy at HMCS Cornwallis, he met his wife, Margaret. They were married in Toronto on June 14, 1945 and moved to Edmonton after they were both discharged from the service.
In 1949, Gordon graduated from the University of Alberta with a B.Sc in Petroleum Engineering. He and Margaret then settled in Calgary, where they raised their four daughters. Gordon was a founding member of the oil and gas community and never lost his passion for this industry. He was well-respected for his honesty and professional standards. His handshake was his word.
In 1986, Gordon and Margaret retired to their dream home in Ladysmith, BC, where they spent many happy years.
An excellent athlete, Gordon was an avid skier and golfer and fan of the Calgary Stampeders and Calgary Flames. He was a longtime member of Willow Park Golf Club in Calgary and Mt Brenton Golf Club in Chemainus, BC.
Gordon was loved by his daughters, Susan Humphries (Richard Domin), Shelagh Dann (Jerry Skinner), Catherine Humphries, and Jennifer McCormick. He is also survived by his nephew, John Humphries, and his nieces Adele Meyers and Mary Murphy. His only brother, Jack, predeceased him in 1953.
“Poppa” will be deeply missed by his six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held in Chemainus United Church, 9814 Willow Street, Chemainus, BC at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 28th. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Chemainus United Church or a charity of your choice.
FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES
Duncan, B.C.
Condolences may be shared online at
www.dignitymemorial.com