Gordon Richards was born in Endeavour, Saskatchewan on March 12, 1931 to Mabel and Thomas Richards. He grew up on the family farm and became the man of the house at an early age when his father enlisted in WWII. During this time, he learned to trap muskrats and hunt deer and birds, which became one of his lifelong passions.
He met Margery for the first time at a cousin’s wedding dance when he was playing the fiddle. From there, their romance blossomed. Then in 1950, when he was 19 years old, he moved east to work in the bush camps and ended up in Auden, Ontario. Mom and Dad were married in 1953, with Dad working for Abitibi cutting pulp and Mom working in the camp kitchen. In 1954, Dad started his first business, Gordon’s Saw Shop, where he sold, maintained, and repaired chainsaws and started to sell ski-doos. Ever since that time he was self-employed.
In 1962, the family and the business relocated to Thunder Bay. Dad ran Gordon’s Saw Shop on Simpson Street until 1971. During this time, he sold chain saws, boats, motors and ski-doos in northern Ontario. His next endeavour began in 1971 when he redirected his energy into the construction industry and started a successful excavating business that continued in operation for 50 years.
Gordie, as he was called by his friends, lived many adventures, but first and foremost he was a great husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He wore many hats during his life, including farmer, lumberjack, trapper, prospector, entrepreneur, businessman, equipment operator, contractor and sales man extraordinaire. He loved playing the fiddle and having music jam sessions, going to dances with Mom, playing cards and gardening. He loved socializing with family and friends. Mom and Dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May 2023.
Dad died peacefully surrounded by his family on October 26th 2023 at Hogarth Manor. He is survived by his wife, Margery; his sons, Bart (Carol); Trent (Susan); and Clayton (Andrea); and his daughter, Luanne (Erik); grandchildren, Luke (Brittaney); Jake; Valerie (Jordan); Thomas (Alisha); Nathan; Grace; Jane and Hazel, and great-grand-children, Adeline; and Lilah. He is survived by sisters, Elva (Peter) and Lucille, and numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by their beloved daughter, Debbie Joy in 1961; his parents, Thomas and Mable Richards; his sister, Dorthy (Keith); and brother-in-law, Bob.
A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 2pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Parkinson’s foundation or charity of their choice.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
