Ralph A. GORDON

GORDON, Ralph A. DSO, DFC, CD Brigadier General (RCAF) Ret'd. Peacefully at home in Ottawa, Ontario on November 8, 2005, aged 87. Predeceased by his beloved wife of 55 years, Esther of New York City, his parents Charles and Mary of Bobcaygeon, Ontario and his brothers Ted of Bobcaygeon and Jack of Ottawa. Much loved father of Larry and his wife Betty of Toronto and Bruce and his wife Cathy of Carleton Place, Ontario. Proud grandfather of Amy, Heather, Christine and Andrew. Sadly missed by his loving companion Nancy Guthrie of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Following operational tours during World War II as a pilot in Nova Scotia and England and as the highly decorated Commanding Officer of 436 Squadron in Burma, Ralph remained with the RCAF where he had a distinguished career with many senior command positions including Air Officer Commanding, Maritime Air Command. After retiring from the Air Force in 1968, Ralph continued his career with the federal Public Service where he represented Canada as Counsellor for the Environment at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Prior to his recent illness, he enjoyed many years of boating at his cottage on Big Rideau Lake and at his condo in Fort Myers Beach. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the Victorian Order of Nurses (Ottawa), The Hospice at May Court and Dr. David Tobin for their outstanding care, compassion and support. Friends may visit at the West Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue (at Richmond Road), Ottawa on Thursday, November 10, 2005 from 1:00 p.m. until service in the Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the Victorian Order of Nurses (Ottawa) or The Hospice at May Court, Ottawa would be appreciated by the family. Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 11/9/2005 - 11/10/2005