Obituary of Gordon Ridgely

Gordon Sinclair Ridgely Gordon died peacefully at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre on Saturday, September 7, 2013 with family by his side. Loving father of Justine (Douglas Taylor), Zachary (Laura Adamo) and Duncan (Shari Amram). Dear grandfather, "Papa Gordon" to Sophia and Ben Taylor. Uncle to Stacey, Melanie, Gillian and Stuart Ridgely and David and Megan Loach. He is survived by his former wife of 25 years Libby Ridgely, his sister-in-law Karen Ridgely and his in-laws Ken and Jackie Loach. He was predeceased by his parents William and May Ridgely, brothers Norman and Allan and nephew Ryan. Born in Oshawa, Ontario in 1938, Gordon attended Harmony Road Public School and O'Neill Collegiate, he then moved to Toronto to attend the University of Toronto School of Architecture. An exceptionally talented architect, Gordon started his career with Shore & Moffat before going into partnership with his good friends and classmates Bill Bennett, Peter Hamilton and Tony Kemp. Gordon established his own architectural practice in 1970 and had no intentions of ever retiring. Gordon designed numerous significant, beautiful and stately homes in Toronto and New Brunswick and gorgeous summer cottages in Pointe au Baril, Georgian Bay. He was best known for his mastery of Georgian-style houses but he also loved modern design and embraced it whenever the opportunity arose. Gordon was passionate about all things visual and he always transformed his surroundings into places of beauty. He lived life to the fullest, believed that "normal is boring" and made sure he lived a life that was far from normal. Gordon will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10. A service will be held in GRACE CHURCH ON-THE-HILL, 300 Lonsdale Road on Wednesday, September 11 at 3:00 p.m. If desired, donations may be made to the Critical Care Unit c/o the Sunnybrook Foundation, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto M4N 3M5, 416-480-4483. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.