Monday, August 12, 2013
I was very sorry to hear of Gord's passing. I will always remember him with respect and affection, as he was the most capable, compassionate principal I was privileged to work with during my 31-year teaching career. The consummate professional, Gord created an atmosphere of calm - not an easy thing to achieve in a building filled with teens! - at Oakridge Secondary School, where I arrived as a young teacher in 1985. The fact that Gord was such a capable captain of his ship, left his staff free from unnecessary stress, and able to give our "all" to the kids in our care. I learned a lot about good leadership from him. Always his own man, Gord never let the opinions of others interfere with his own code of ethics; he always acted according to his own conscience. I respected him so much for that. Ever the compassionate father-figure, he was there for me in 1987, when I lost my fianc and needed to know that it was "okay" to grieve my own loss and rely on the support of others for a bit. He made a difference in all our lives, and I will never, ever forget him. I am certain that he will rest in peace.
