Obituary of Gordon S. Laurie

LAURIE: Gordon Spencer. A resident of Blenheim, Gordon Laurie passed away at Riverview Gardens in Chatham with family by his side on Saturday, April 3, 2010 at the age of 83. Born in Blenheim, Gordon was the son of the late Frank and Marjorie (Spencer) Laurie. Gord was the beloved husband of 59 years to Marie (Slocombe) Laurie. He was the loving father of Paul Laurie of Shrewsbury, Peter Laurie and his wife Chrissie of Blenheim, and the late Joyce Laurie. Proud grandfather to Spencer Laurie, Arden Laurie of Blenheim and Curtis Lewis of Barrie. Gordon is survived by his brothers George and wife Norma Laurie and family of Chatham, Shirley Dawson and family of Edmonton as well as Jim and Jo-Ann Laurie and family of Blenheim. Also survived by Sister in Law Jean Cameron of Blenheim. Gordon was a special uncle to Mike Laurie and family of Blenheim, Jen and Mike Bush of St. Thomas, Jim and Pat Bennett and family of Erie Beach, Murray and Liz Butler and family of Ridgetown, Byron and Sharon Stoehr and family of Toronto and Wayne and Deb Stoehr and family of RR#3 Blenheim. He will be dearly missed by many great-nieces and nephews. Gordon, who was the owner/publisher of the Blenheim News Tribune will be remembered by many staff members who worked with him at the Tribune over the past several decades. He first started at the office in 1941 as a printer's devil, and had progressed through the ranks to become the owner and publisher, a position he held since the late 1960's. Gordon semi retired in 2005 after a 64 year career. He was very well respected by staff and those he associated with and was known as a generous community supporter. Over the years he was active in the Blenheim Kinsmen Club, The Blenheim Community Golf Club as well as the Blenheim Golden Acres Curling Club and Branch 185 Royal Canadian Legion. Family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim on Wednesday from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Funeral Service to be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Bruce Cook of the Blenheim United Church will be officiating. Interment to follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Pallbearers are Pete Laurie, Spencer Laurie, Hank Derkzen, Dave Stepniak, Denver Reed and Dexter Reed. Acting as Flowerbearers are Sheila Johnston and Jan Taylor. Donations made in memory of Gordon can be made to the Alzheimer's Society, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 141 Park Street, Blenheim, Ontario (519)676-3451.