It breaks our hearts to announce the tragic passing of Gord on May 12, 2023, at the age of 62.
He will be forever loved and always remembered by his daughter, Evergreen Armstrong; granddaughter, Phoebe Isla; his mother, Joyce; 2 brothers, Kenneth and Brian; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends from everywhere. Also to miss him dearly is his work family at Local 210.
Gord was predeceased by his father, Kenneth, in 2017.
The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Edmonton Police Services for all their assistance and kindness, and to the Whittaker family, along with many others for their support.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home.
Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home.
Randy J. Sexsmith says
My heart breaks for Gordon’s family and friends, my condolences to all of you. To my fellow Sisters & Brothers of Local 210, may Gordon’s light always shine brightest on every stage we ever touch. Rest in peace, Gord..
Peter Gerrie says
A positive soul has moved on to be with the family and friends that were waiting for him. It was not Gord’s time yet. He still had things to do, shows to get back to work on and questions to ask. He left an impression on all that knew him, a character, a hard worker, an honest guy.
We will remember him
Noreen Jani says
My sincere condolences to the family, friends and IA 210 work family of Gord. He always had a smile, knew your name and had a welcoming, friendly spirit.
May Gord Rest in Peace.
Bob Schock says
Gordo…. thanks for everything buddy… you put many smiles on my face …. off to your last call… you got this..❤❤❤❤
Diane Hankewich says
Gord, I am so sad this happened to you. I can’t imagine ever working in gondola row without you there. We danced, we laughed,, we sang,, we helped each other. I loved your personality, kindness, and manners. I will never forget you. Rest in peace.💕
Deborah (Debi) Joynson Danielsson (Cousin) says
When Grandad Armstrong visited Canada he returned with a picture of an Indian for each of his children.
Mum, Mavis, (Gordon’s Aunty) hung our Indian picture on the wall and I recall the saying that accompanied him:
‘You cannot know a man unless you have walked a mile in his moccasins.’
This highlights how, although our love and best wishes are send to Gordon’s family today, we cannot possibly know the emotions they must endure after such a tragic event. But, please know that our deepest sympathies are with you and thoughts of a cousin who’s moccasins we may not have shared but who clearly has walked many miles and achieved success and respect.
Kindest regards
Cousin Debi.
New Zealand.
Diane Hankewich says
Gord, I am so sorry you have left us. Wardrobe will never be the same. I will miss your joking, dancing, and singing in gondola row. Rest in peace. You are forever missed.
Mavis Snelson says
Our hearts go out to Joyce Gordon’s Mum, his daughter Evergreen, granddaughter Phoebe Isla & brothers Kenneth, Brian my nephew’s. I remember Gordon as a happy 5 year old going off to Canada with his family, they made a lots of friends in their adopted country & I am sure like our family they are sad to hear of his tragic accident, Gordon & Joyce came to U K when Gordon was a young lad he came to see me at my Cub Scout Headquarters proudly wearing his Canadian Cub Scout uniform & showing my cubs the Cub Scout badges he had work hard for he became a role model for all the cub scouts in my pack never to be forgotten. Gordon you will always have a place in our hearts love Aunty Mavis, Gary, Debi Chris, here in New Zealand & Michael, Jessica & Jaiden U K.
Tracy Mason says
For Joyce Brian Kenny and Evergreen.So very sorry and sad for all of you on the sudden loss of Gordon.More than 50 years of friendship began when we were all newly arrived in Canada with our kids.Gordon one of the youngest then and full of energy.Everyday was an adventure.We have shared so many fun times and cared through the hard times too.And now Gordon is with his father and his grandparents and free from pain.You are all in our hearts and memories.We send our love at this sad time and wish you peace.From Jean and Denis and All The Family.
Sylvia says
No words I say can ever be enough at this terrible time. Just want you to know that you will all be in my thoughts in the difficult days ahead.
Sylvia. x
christine says
Dearest Aunty Joyce and family, we were so shocked and saddened to hear about Gordon. What a very difficult time this is for you to come to terms with. We send our deepest heartfelt love to you all. May the love and fond memories you hold within your hearts forever bring him close to you and may this bring you comfort whenever you feel you need it the most as he is forever in your hearts.
Much love christine, jimmy, sophie, daisy and abigalye xoxoxo
Francie Goodwin-Davies says
Our hearts are broken. Gord was extended family to me . Our parents became friends 60 years ago and Gord and I became friends. We shared a love of theatre. I’m devastated losing this gentle, kind, sweet man. My heart breaks for Joyce, Brian and Kenny. To his daughter and all his family as well as his theatre family and friends. I’ m so sorry for this terrible loss. 💔
Elizabeth Marsh says
Dear Gordon.
Words can never express the sadness we feel knowing you have been taken from us in such a senseless and cruel way.
You will forever be remembered by those of us lucky enough to have experienced the joy of your friendship.
Rest In Peace you sweet man.
Elizabeth and Steven Marsh
Jo Montgomery says
My heart hurts at the thought of not seeing you again. You were a great friend and a dependable work mate for many years. It meant so much to us that you sent love and contacted my girl during such a difficult time. Rest in peace and enjoy the view. Love Jo.
Lorraine Price says
Dearest Gord,
It may take some time before this truly feels real. I can’t quite imagine yet, rounding a corner at the Jube and not meeting smile for smile.
I’m sad I won’t be able to share with everyone in your formal farewell, but I look forward to remembering you often and fondly for years to come. Travel well good man💞
Much love to you and all who loved you,
Lorraine
Mike Tomouk says
Safe journey brother…
You are loved and will be missed.
A new show call awaits you……..
RIP 🙏
Mike Tomiuk says
Safe journey brother…
You are loved and will be missed.
A new show call awaits you……..
RIP 🙏
Mark Kandborg says
Gord was such a fixture in all my IATSE call memories. He taught me a lot when I first started (when all others left me to figure it out on my own). For the rest of my IA career, I don’t think I connected or disconnected a camlock without thinking of him. He was a kind, helpful and positive colleague. So sorry to hear that he’s moved on.
Bernard says
Hey Gord, my deepest condolences to your family and loved ones. I’m so sorry and the circumstances are deeply disturbing. You were a very hard worker and knowlegable. You taught me a lot, when I first started in IA 210. I won’t forget lifting tape at the Citadel for Peter off that linoleum ever. I know you are up there working hard on your new calls. Different hall though. RIP Gord.
TODD RECZKA says
I only knew Gordo for a very short time working in show calls together, and I will always remember him as an enthusiastic,hard working,generous person. I showed interest once in doing follow-spot and Gord offered to show me how to do.
I recall his accident recently on a call, and I was wondering a lot of his recovery. Then the news of his passing. I am saddened.
Brother Gordo, you inspire me to work harder and be a better person.
Sweet rest. My thoughts go out to your family and loved ones!
Glyn Williams says
The tragic loss of a good friend Gordon deeply saddens both of us. Gordon had some difficult times recently, but remained very positive. He was super proud of his daughter and her family in England. I’m sure all who knew Gord will miss his excitement sharing his family photos on his iPhone. Gordon loved his work and especially his family. We will all miss him. Deepest sympathies to Gordons family who he loved dearly and they loved him too.
Sincerely
Glyn and Karen
Lesley Fehr says
Dearest Joyce,
My heart breaks for you. Just know that Lynne and I have been thinking of you with much love all through this very sad and devastating time.
Sending all my love,
Lesley
Brian Dornan says
Gord you are missed……..Truely a Union Brother……God Bless
Warren Gibson says
Gord you and I did not always see eye to eye but you were a conscientious hard worker and we all knew we could trust you. RIP
wayne alexander says
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gordon’s family. I will miss him. He was always vibrant, positive and friendly to others. A good friend, full of life, much to young to leave us.
Brian Krushel says
We were all deeply grieved to hear about Gordon’s death. We have also been amazed by Kenneth’s courage in the midst of his grief. We send our sincerest condolences to the Armstrongs – Joyce, Brian, and Kenneth.
– Brian Krushel, Chaplain
Duncan Mason says
Gordon’s father, Kenneth, and my father had become close friends by the time Gordon and I arrived in Canada c. 1966.
Many evenings of cheerfulness ensued as our two families spent time together, and subsequently we went on picnics together in and around Calgary.
Years later we found ourselves living across the street from each other in Pineridge, and as teens we shared a mutual interest in music (Genesis, Audience, Led Zeppelin, etc.).
After 1990, we found ourselves both living in Victoria, and subsequently found ourselves fathers to Evergreen and Rael. Vanda, Mary, Rael and Evergreen, Gordon and I wandered the parks and trails of Victoria during those happy times.
After that, our paths veered away from each other down roads that did not cross until just a few years ago.
I am so happy that we were able to reconnect for a beer, a walk and a talk. Everyone who knew him talks about how positive he was, especially in light of his recent leg injury.
Godspeed Gordon, you will be missed.
Alice Oscar says
Gord was a great friend and 210 Brother. I enjoyed working with him and listening to his stories. He was kind and friendly. He was taken from us all too soon.