COURTNEY, Gordon - Former Orangeville Mayor, Gordon Courtney passed away peacefully at Trillium Health Partners – Mississauga Hospital on Friday, November 22, 2019 at the age of 92.
He was predeceased by his loving wife and best friend Jessie (nee Rusk).
Gord had a colorful life, much of which was spent in Orangeville, where he was born and still lived at the time of his death. Together with Jessie he opened Coffee Corner Restaurant. He sold the restaurant in 1976 and opened Gord’s New and Used Furniture, which they operated until their retirement in 1990.
For a number of years, and well past retirement, he also worked part-time for longtime friend Bert Gauthier at Dods & McNair Funeral Home.
Those who knew Gord would attest, he never met a stranger. After years of attending Orangeville Council Meetings as an observer he decided to throw his hat in the ring as a Councillor, a position he held from 1976 to 1982. He served on every committee as a Councillor and was elected as Mayor in 1982, serving three terms until 1991. During that time, it was a tradition for his and Jessie’s large family to gather at the house on Townline following the Mayor’s New Year’s Day Levee for a holiday feast.
As Mayor, Gord presided over the opening of the Avalon Care Centre, a place that would become both his and Jessie’s home during the final stages of their life. He was excited to be asked to speak at the Avalon’s 35th anniversary in 2017.
An active community volunteer, Gord devoted his time to the Salvation Army, Independent Order of Odd Fellows (Maple Leaf Lodge #57), and PROBUS Club of Orangeville (charter member), among other organizations. In 2012, Gord was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his service to Orangeville as a Councillor and Mayor as well as being a long-time dedicated member of the Oddfellow Lodge. In 2017, Gord received his 70-year membership pin from the Grand Lodge of Ontario of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
But more than any of these accolades or activities, family came first for Gord. He was a beloved father to Dianne McCormick (Danny), Debbie Henderson (the late Roy) and David Courtney (Wendy Slyter) and proud grandfather of Michelle McCormick (Alexis Thorne), Ashley McCormick (Brent Wilson) and Donnie Henderson (Lisa Lougheed) and great-grandfather to Leila Thorne. He was a loving stepfather to Paul McConnell (Kim), Bev Aikins (Ralph) and the late Marilyn Amos (Bruce), and the late Wayne McConnell, along with grandchildren Tammy, Kelly, Bob, Jeff, Brad, David, Jason, Paul, Holly and Justin. Great-grandfather of 14. He was predeceased by his brother Carl and his sister Lorraine. Gord will be greatly missed by other relatives and many friends.
Visitation will be held at the Dods & McNair Funeral Home, Orangeville on Tuesday, November 26th, 2019 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Wednesday, November 27th, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. Interment to follow.
Memorial donations to the Salvation Army Church, Orangeville or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
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