Obituary of Gordon Jenkinson

Gordon was born and raised in Darwen, Lancashire, England. He met Betty in 1952 and they married in August 1955.  They had two children, a son, Douglas born in 1957 and a daughter, Deborah born in 1960. After serving two years conscription in the RAF he worked as a truck, taxi and ambulance driver, rising to assistant transport manager and later served his time to become an Engineer specializing as a tool and die maker. Gordon’s ability to fix almost anything made him sought after by a large chain of launderettes where he became the maintenance man.

After holidaying in Canada to visit Betty’s sister Margaret and her family, Gordon and Betty decided to apply for permission to immigrate and three of them left England in 1977 to spend the remainder of their lives in Canada. Douglas had decided to remain in England to marry Kathleen, his wife now for 40 years. Gordon leaves behind two English grandchildren, Kelly and Scott.  Deborah married Kim (unfortunately recently deceased) in 1983 in Regina giving Gordon three Canadian grandchildren, Heidi, Drew and Erik and four great grandchildren, Luke, Ben, Ryan and Logan.

Being the DIY person Gordon was he eventually began working at Sears as the building maintenance man and remained there until his retirement in 1991.  Gordon and Betty loved ballroom dancing where they met and made many wonderful friends.  His years in the Boy Scouts instigated his love for camping and he continued to enjoy this throughout his life. The love for travelling took Betty and Gordon across Canada from East to West in a RV and on many cruises around the world.  As well as visiting England to see Douglas and family and Gordon’s sister Muriel every other year. 

Gordon was diabetic for 45 years eventually requiring dialysis which curtailed his life over the last couple of years.  He was a wonderful husband, father, and provider.  His home and his family were his pride and joy.  He was a good man who will be sorely missed.