Gordon Leslie Elder passed away surrounded by his loving family at Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce on Monday, June 29, 2015 in his 97th year. Gordon was born November 23, 1918, the only son of John and Edith (Stoddart) Elder of Sullivan Township.
Gordon married Blanche Calhoun April 19, 1941 and they lived together on an Elder homestead for over seventy-four years. Gordon was a dedicated and hardworking farmer. He farmed first with his father John and then for more than fifty years with Blanche. Gordon decided to retire in 1990 at the age of seventy to their new home on another Elder property north of the homestead. It was then that Gordon began making oak Grandfather Clocks as a hobby. Over a period of about four years he made twenty-five clocks with the help of his wife, for their family, grandchildren and friends.
Gordon is survived by his loving and devoted wife Blanche who has cared for him 24/7 since returning from the hospital after breaking his hip at Easter 2012. Blanche also sat by his bedside for weeks in the Owen Sound hospital and later in hospice until he passed away.
He was a kind and loving father to four children, all who loved him dearly; Helen (Jack) Cumming of R.R. #2 Dobbinton, Keith (Sherry) Elder of R.R. #4 Chesley, June Craig of Guelph and Bernice (Don) Ewart of Owen Sound. Gordon will be lovingly remembered by fifteen grandchildren and twenty-seven great-grandchildren.
Gordon was predeceased by two sisters Gladys (Dave) Kobe and Ferna (Howard) Mackie and his parents John and Edith.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Thursday from 6 – 8 p.m. A celebration of Gordon’s life will be held at St. John’s United Church, Chesley on Friday, July 3, 2015 at 1 pm. Interment at Chesley Cemetery.
Memorial donations to Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce or St. John’s United Church would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
“Go in peace. You have been a good and faithful servant. We will remember you always for your quiet and gentle ways. Your parents and sisters are waiting to welcome you to your heavenly home. We love you Dad.”
