We regret to announce the death of PDG Gordon Christopher on November 11 2013. He served Rotary as Governor of District 504 in 1976-77
 

In 1954 Gordon joined the Rotary Club of Nanaimo, before moving to Vancouver in 1959 and joined the Vancouver Rotary Club. He served as Committee Chair, Director and President.

As Governor of District 504 (which included the current 5040 and 5050) four new clubs were chartered, and a record number of Paul Harris Awards were made. He succeeded in having the President of R.I., Bob Manchester, visit Vancouver together with the first Vice President, Keith Burnham; and as President's representative to his conference, he secured Clem Renouf, later President of R.I. Gordon later served R.I. as a committee member on the 3H Program, and for 1980-83 is a member of the R.I. Membership Development Committee. He represented the President of Rotary International at district conferences in Edmonton and in Minnesota.

 

Published Obituary:

CHRISTOPHER, Gordon Arthur March 2, 1931 - November 11, 2013.

It is with profound sadness that Gordon's loving family announces his sudden passing in Rancho Mirage, California on November 11.

Gordon is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Mary, his daughter Cathy, sons Doug (Eva), Phil (Cherie), and David (Teri). Also missing him terribly are his adoring grandchildren Nikki (Dan), Peter, Scott, Jill, Sean and Megan.

Gordon was the guiding light of our family - an inspiration, a mentor and a wise friend. Gordon was a community leader, a passionate humanitarian, and a true gentleman. He lived life to the fullest in Vancouver, Savary Island and Rancho Mirage, and he will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched. Gordon was passionate about his family, nature, reading, music, fishing, cribbage, lifelong learning ... and the color red! He was an accomplished golfer, celebrating three holes in one and enjoying the game until his final days.

Gordon was born in Victoria and moved to Vancouver at the age of eight, graduating from Magee High School and earning a BA and LLB from UBC. All who worked with him at Nelsons Laundries, Fletchers Fabricare and the family businesses will miss his wisdom, kindness, and leadership.

For the past 50 years, Gordon has devoted at least half his time to philanthropic causes. A Rotarian since 1955, he was also a dedicated board member of Junior Achievement, the Young Presidents' Organization, Crofton House and St. Georges Schools, the Vancouver General Hospital, BCAA, CAA, the Pennask Lake Fishing Club, Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, the Springs Club and the Pacific Northwest Seniors' Golf Association.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Rotary Foundation or the Mary and Gordon Christopher Foundation in his honour would be appreciated.

A celebration of Gordon's life will be held on his birthday, Sunday March 2, 2014 from 2 until 5 pm at the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club.

We all miss you Big Fella...and you will live on in all of us, forever.