G. Gordon Symons

Passed away in Caledon, Ontario from heart failure at the age of 91. Gordon was born in Lachine, Quebec on September 7th 1921, one of three sons born to Nelly Shaw Howarth and Wilfred Gerald Symons. His oldest brother John, passed away a couple of years ago leaving his loving wife Gail and three nephews of Gordon. His younger brother Arthur (89) lives with his wife Yvonne in Vancouver and has two nephews and one niece of Gordon. In his teenage years Gordon was a Quebec junior tennis champion, outstanding soccer player, and rowed with his brothers for the Lachine Rowing Club. They participated at the Royal Canadians pilot Henley Regattas in St. Catherine’s, Ontario winning many medals. The Second World War interrupted his semi-pro hockey career in Montreal where he played against a lifelong friend, Herb Carnegie. He joined the RCAF, flying twin engine fighter bombers, “Beaufighters and Mosquitoes” and was stationed in England and Scotland with the RAF 143 squadron carrying out raids on German shipping. His two brothers, John and Arthur, were also flying officers with RCAF Coastal Command, and along with their Dad, who was stationed in England, returned safely from service overseas. Gordon wrote and published a book about his experience during the war, “The Boys of Spring” and a movie is in the process of being produced. Upon returning to Canada, Gordon restarted his hockey career and began working in the insurance industry with Stewart Smith in Montreal, Quebec. He married Norma McElligott in 1946, one of five sisters from Lachine. Norma and Gordon had their first child Alan, born in 1947, and Gordon and Norma started looking for their first home of their own. In 1948 Bob was born and the family had to move again, this time to Benny Farm in NDG. In 1950 Kirk was born and Gordon and Norma moved to Toronto where they lived for three years .Douglas was born in Toronto in 1952. Now with four children, Gordon moved the family back to Montreal and joined Morgan Insurance Agency. They took up residence in Montreal West. In 1956 Karen was born thus the family moved to a home Gordon had built in Baie d’urfe. In 1959 Elizabeth was born and the family had to move again, this time to larger house in Beaconsfield. Gordon formed his own insurance agency G. Gordon Symons Insurance Agency in 1963 .Gordon became a prominent businessman in the insurance industry in Montreal and Toronto. With his sons, Alan and Douglas, they built Goran Capital, Inc. into an international insurance group with offices in Canada, USA and Bermuda, employing over 1,000 people. Gordon, playing out of the MAAA Club, became a three time Canadian Doubles squash champion with his partner John Martin. Golf was his summer passion, winning amongst many tournaments the Quebec Senior’s golf championship. He was a member over the 70 years he played golf at: Beaconsfield Golf Club, Kanawaki Golf Club in Montreal, Summit Golf Club and Lambton Golf Club in Toronto, and Mid Ocean Golf Club in Bermuda, where he lived in various residences over the years, and John’s Island and Windsor Golf clubs in Vero Beach, Florida. In the winter, Gordon excelled at curling, playing out of Royal Montreal Curling Club. “The team” of Gordon, his two sons Alan and Doug and Clarence Campbell won many tournaments in New York and Boston, including three time winners of the Stockton Tournament at The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. Gordon and Alan and their team also won the club championship of Royal Montreal Curling Club several times. Norma and Gordon with their teams also achieved the ultimate “a curling perfect 8 ender”. Gordon was one of the founding supporters of the Lakeshore General Hospital and a gracious supporter of the Montreal General Hospital. He helped his friend Herb Carnegie build his foundation into a major supporter of young people in need of a helping hand. Gordon rose to the occasion many times helping young people get through life and earn their education. Gordon enjoyed oil painting and his art is hanging in many homes of his friends and family. He loved to sing, garden, and built model ships. Gordon is survived by his wife of 67 years Norma, his children Alan (Terri), Bob (Trish), Kirk (Patti), Doug (Renae), Karen, and Elizabeth, 20 grandchildren, six great grandchildren. His son Bob brought Gordon into his home for the last year of his life for which his siblings are forever grateful. Karen spent countless hours helping Bob with Gordon’s needs. Kirk, Doug and Elizabeth spent many hours with Gordon helping him upon his admission to hospital.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers and friends who helped look after Gordon as his illness progressed over the last two years. Especially to Eric, Doreen, Carole and Jane who ensured Dad’s dignity at all times.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday November 30th at Egan Funeral Home 203 Queen Street South Bolton, Ontario L7E 2C6.

The Funeral service will take place Saturday, December 1 at Palgrave United Church, 34 Pine Street, Caledon at 11 a.m.

Burial will take place and a reception is planned to follow.

In lieu of Flowers, a donation to Herbert H. Carnegie Future Aces Foundation 905 947 9131 Warden Avenue Unit 2 Markham On.L3R 8B2 www.futureaces.org

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com