Gordon Norman GOODMAN

Gordon Norman Goodman

April 9, 1942 – Jan. 2, 2021

After a long and very difficult struggle with dementia, Gord Goodman is finally at peace and pain-free.  Gord was born and lived in Winnipeg until 2003 when he and Linda relocated to Nanaimo, BC. 

Gord is survived by Linda, his wife, with whom he shared 35 years of love and laughter. He died at Eden Gardens, surrounded by compassionate caregivers who supported both him and Linda during his final months. Also mourning his loss are his brother Ray (Lillian), his sister Arlene (Charlie), his children: Norm (Karen), Gary (Kj), Whitney and Murray along with seven grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends who loved and appreciated him. 

Gord was fiercely loyal to his family, regardless of the circumstances.  He had no time for disrespect or cruelty and he never wavered on those principles.   He always believed that people should be encouraged to recognize their potential and realize their dreams.   Gord was kind and caring, often going out of his way to help others with no expectation of recognition or fanfare.  He was person of great integrity with high personal standards.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Gord loved his work.  His clients benefitted from his knowledge, skill and exceptional ability to communicate.  He taught accounting classes and was highly regarded because of his ability to explain difficult concepts and his willingness to work with his students until they understood. Gord was very intelligent, possessing an exceptional memory for numbers and all things pertaining to accounting.

Gord was a proud member of the Masonic Lodge and was a Third Degree Master Mason. Throughout his life, Gord was committed to the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.  Later, as a Shriner, he was dedicated to the philanthropic work of supporting health care for all children, regardless of background or family ability to pay.

Gord had a wonderful sense of humour and he liked to make people laugh.  He loved sports of all kinds, particularly golf.  He was also very musically talented and enjoyed playing the snare drum in the Khartum Shrine Fife and Drum Band.  Gord had a beautiful, bright smile and he could click his heels in the most amazing way. He was mischievous with a wonderful twinkle in his eye, and he loved a good party.

Though his final years were extremely difficult, the qualities that made Gord so special endured.  He was well loved and cared for by the staff at Eden Gardens.  They saw the wonderful person he was in spite of the devastating effects of the illness he suffered.  To the very end, he was determined, had a mind of his own and could light up the room with his smile.  Linda was so grateful to know that he was in such good hands.  The world was a better place because of Gord.  He was so loved and will be missed by many. There will be no formal service; instead, smaller virtual celebrations of Gord’s life will be held.  There is so much to celebrate.  

Please consider honoring Gord by supporting the excellent work done through the therapy programs at Eden Gardens.  Eden Gardens is a registered not-for-profit dementia care home in Nanaimo.  Donations can be made through canadahelps.org. 

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