We need to have music that contributes to the well-being of the spirit. Music that cradles people’s lives and makes things a little easier.” – Merle Haggard
Gordon Henry was the third child born to George R. and Margaret (McArthur) Brown in Bruce Township. It was Friday, May 29, 1931 and already little Gordon had experienced loss as his twin sister, sadly, was stillborn. He was baby brother to Lloyd and Margaret and in time, older brother to Jean.
Along with his siblings, Gordon was educated first at S.S. #15 in Bruce Township, and then attended Paisley Continuation School. Not one for school, Gordon left after Grade 10 and returned home to help his father out on the farm. Soon after, he started working with Ron McKeeman, a close friend, in the tile drainage industry. He enjoyed this job, which gave him many opportunities for the next ten plus years. His brother Lloyd soon married, and ended up keeping the home farm on the 10th of Bruce. George R. then bought a farm at Lot 1, Concession 20 of Greenock Township in1950, which ended up being Gordon’s home for the next 66 years.
In June of 1953, Gordon was at work and happened to use the survey equipment to spy on a young woman by the name of Eileen Thompson. Soon after, Gordon’s father sold a horse (Bess) to Eileen’s dad, and conveniently Gordon rode the horse over to their home for delivery. Once there, he quickly realized that he had no way of getting home, so Eileen offered to drive him home. During that car ride, Gordon asked Eileen to a dance that evening. It was June 26, 1953, and just the beginning of over 63 years together.
The following year on November 20, 1954, Marjorie Eileen Thompson and Gordon were married at the Anglican Rectory in Paisley by The Rev. F. Tomkinson. Gordon bought the farm from his dad in April of 1955. Soon their family began to grow as they welcomed Dan in 1956, Ron in 1959 and Jamie in 1964.
Together the young couple mix farmed, with Gordon still tiling as well, until 1958. It was then that they bought the hundred-acre farm kiddy corner to theirs on Concession 19 (McGregor farm). In 1980, another fifty acres was purchased from the estate of Eileen’s parents. Their growing family helped them with the farm and their success relied heavily on Gordon’s good business sense and his success in wheeling and dealing.
Faith was of the greatest importance to Gordon and he was an Honorary Deacon of the Paisley Baptist Church. Besides his family and faith, Gordon’s greatest love was his music. Gordon was introduced to music at a young age. His mother, Margaret, played the piano at the Paisley Baptist Church and was his inspiration. In addition, his father played the violin and Gordon’s uncle, Neil McArthur, liked to sing. In the early years he had his own band, “Gordon Brown and the Country Gals” that later transitioned into “Gordon Brown and the Strangers”, loosely based on his hero Merle Haggard’s band. Gordon played music professionally since 1963 and gained a good reputation over the years. His bands played in community halls and legions alike, usually two to three times a month. He played rhythm guitar and was the lead singer. At first he was very nervous in front of the crowd, but soon grew his stage legs and enjoyed performing for his audiences. He was well-known and liked, both within the music community, as well as outside of it. Aside from Merle Haggard, Gordon loved Johnny Cash, Charlie Pride, Willie Nelson and George Jones, to mention a few. He always enjoyed performing with his many friends, and with his family. He participated in a number of music jams and hosted many in the shed at the farm. Singing remained a stronghold in his life, even through his battle with Cancer. His last performance was only a couple of weeks ago, and he sang “You are my Sunshine” with his family the day prior to his death.
Gordon had a love for antique tractors, usually owning 2 – 4 of them depending on the year. His collection included Massey-Harris and John Deere, with John Deere being his tractor of choice in recent years. Gordon was an original member of the Bruce County Heritage Association, and always enjoyed bringing his collection to their annual farm and steam show. When he wasn’t busy on the farm or playing music, Gordon would enjoy watching wrestling on television, or a good hockey or baseball game.
The phrase used to describe Gordon was that he was “an all-round good guy!” He was as honest as the day was long, a very passionate farmer, and always insisted that “you do everything only once, the right way!” He was a reliable and hard-working man, a good relator and communicator. Besides being a great musician he also was witty with a great sense of humour; his laugh was contagious. He was very hospitable, offering a meal that Eileen would miraculously create for unexpected visitors or stranded snowstorm drivers. He was also very particular about his equipment, as it was always clean, in tiptop shape and ready to go to the field. This trait was ever apparent in one of his final wishes to his family, “please clean up my workbench”.
In 2011, at the age of 80, Gordon experienced a stroke but made an excellent recovery. Thankfully this was the case, as Gordon was able to further build his relationships with his beloved grandchildren and experience the joy of being a great-grandfather. As Gordon’s health declined over the last several months, the Brown family treasured every moment and were blessed to be able to reminisce and create new memories with Gordon.
Sadly, holding an imagined guitar pick in his hand, Gordon Henry Brown of R.R. #2 Paisley, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in his 86th year.
Beloved husband of Eileen (Thompson). Loving father of Daniel (Tuulikki) of Mississauga, Ronald (Cathy) of Owen Sound and Jamie (Liana) of Formosa. Gordon will live on in the hearts and minds of his grandchildren, Amanda (Ken Klages), Emily, Celina (Alex Kuntz), Andrew (Rebecca), Cory, Carah and great-granddaughter Cora. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Margaret (Stanley) Raymond and Jean Warden. Brother-in-law of Mary Teeple, John Thompson, Jean Albright and Marilyn Thompson. Gordon was predeceased his brother Lloyd and parents, George and Margaret (McArthur) Brown.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Friday from 1 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Gordon’s life will be held at the Paisley Baptist Church on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 12 noon. Interment in Lovat Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Paisley Baptist Church or Walkerton & District Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by Gordon’s family as expressions of sympathy.
