Obituary of Gordon Whitehead
Gordon Whitehead passed away at home (Wilmot Creek, Clarington, Ontario) on July 6, 2018 at the age of 84, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gordon was the deeply loved and cherished husband of Gloria (nee Haak) and much loved and adored father of Thomas (Brenda), Elizabeth, Pamela Tyson (Tom) of England and was predeceased by son Michael of England. He was also a devoted Stepfather to Georgina Kempster.
He was a loving Grandfather to Kayla Buttle, Ashley Townsend, Curtis Griffith, Isaac Whitehead, Anna-Louise Tyson, Grace Whitehead and Christopher O'Connor. He was also a loving Great-Grandfather to Ryleigh Geairns.
He was a dear brother of Jonathon Whitehead and Margaret Fletcher of England. He was predeceased by brothers Ernest, Kenneth & William of England.
Gordon was born in Workington, England on June 12, 1934, the fourth son of William Whitehead and Sarah (nee Casson). At the age of 17 years and 4 months, he began his career with the Royal Air Force, which made him the youngest air cadet signaller in the RAF, later becoming the youngest sergeant in the RAF. As he was both adventurous and brave, he went on to spend a good portion of his career as an Air Traffic Controller in England, Hong Kong and then Canada. He also worked for the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal, Canada, as well as working in Nigeria, Burma (now Myanmar) and twice in Pakistan. He was never afraid to move for work.
He moved to Canada in 1968 for work. He first worked in Moncton and later Ottawa.
Gordon met Gloria, through his work and they were married in Ottawa in 1979 right before moving to Nigeria... They went on to spend 39 wonderful years together. They loved spending time with their children and grandchildren. They travelled the world and shared many incredible adventures. Gordon and Gloria were blessed because they enjoyed a love that many never find and only dream of.
Gordon was a wonderful man who made many people smile with his charming personality and his wonderful sense of humour. He was a real character and proper gentleman. He knew how to enjoy life, from appreciating the simple beauty in nature to creating big adventures. He knew how to not take life too seriously, loved to see humour in things, made friends easily everywhere he went, was a lot of fun to be around and is loved dearly by so many. He loved life, his career, his friends, his adventures, and he most loved spending time with his family.
Gordon touched the lives of many, with his witty sense of humour and huge heart, and will be greatly missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.
A Service to Celebrate his Life will be held on Friday July 13th, 2018 at St. Luke Lutheran Church, 326 MacKay St., Ottawa K1M 2B9 at 11 am. Reception to follow at the church. A futher Celebration of his Life will be held locally at a later date. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to The Salvation Army through NORTHCUTT ELLIOTT FUNERAL HOME, 53 Division Street North Bowmanville.
