Obituary of Gordon Thomas Ormston

ORMSTON, Gordon Thomas With grief and great love, the family of Gordon T. Ormston announces his death. Gordon completed this life�s journey on September 2nd, 2006 at the age of 82. There will be a deep sorrow in the hearts of his large extended family. Gordon was the beloved husband and soul mate of Yvonne for an all too short 27 years. He will be greatly missed by his daughters Donna and Sharon (Rick) and their mother Grace. He was the proud and respected stepfather of Nicholette (Greg) who gave him great joy and of his predeceased stepchildren Peter and Gail with whom he also had a most special bond, and his late brother Raymond. His grandchildren will deeply miss his love and interest; Grandpa to Nathan (Susan), Rachel, Leah, Sarah (Trevor), Matthew, Jason and Zachary (Katie); BonPa to Jonathan and Josh as well as his stepgrandchildren Michael, Tim and David. Some of his great-grandchildren will sadly never feel his gentle touch while some will have cherished memories of him. Great-grandpa to Rebekah, Lindsay, Cameron, Abigail, Ethan, Grandpa Ormston to Madeleine, Morgan, Tyler, Cole, Zach and Jaid. He also left behind our family in England, beloved nieces and nephews and many dear and close friends. Gordon embraced them all and loved each and every one and they returned his love. Gordon�s proud career was entirely with CIBC, beginning at the tender age of 16 as the sole teller in a small branch. He retired as Executive Vice-President after 43 years. Apart from the years he spent overseas in WWII with the RCAF as a bomber pilot, he gave his life to the bank and truly enjoyed every minute of his career. After retiring he set off in new directions, joining the Board of Directors of the National Club, The Soldiers Aid Commission, the first board formed to build Toronto�s Seaquarium to name a few. Gordon played tennis, golf and learned to ski at the age of 55. He loved to dance and among his other joys, there was music, the ballet and he even embraced the opera. He loved life to the fullest and brought his wit and joy into our lives. Above all though, this extraordinary gentleman and gentle man valued nothing more than his family and friends and a chance to laugh about life and he never complained about the disease that cut short his enjoyment of all these things. The family would like to thank sincerely the many nurses who cared for him at Belmont House and at home with such professional care and kindness. Their names are not here but they all know who they are. Among those who helped us through the struggle of his disease stands out one, Dr. S. Alibhai, whose gentle kindness and genuine caring made the pain a little more bearable. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.on Friday, September 8. A funeral service celebrating Gordon�s life will be held at THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER, 162 Bloor Street West on Saturday at 11 o�clock. In Gordon�s memory and in lieu of flowers, the family would most appreciate donations to either Belmont House, 55 Belmont Street, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1R1 or The Church of the Redeemer (Homeless Outreach Programme) 162 Bloor Street West, Toronto, M5S 1M4