GORDON HERBERT PIMM died in Ottawa, Ontario, on August 6, 2023. Gordon was born on August 22, 1923, in Gaspé, Quebec, in his mother's family home (née Zoë LeBoutillier), where she was spending the summer with her family. Gordon was the youngest in a family of five children, including three older brothers and one older sister. He grew up in the city of Cornwall, Ontario.
During the Second World War, when Gordon was 17 and in his final year of High School, he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy, serving as a Signalman on the Corvette HMCS Saskatoon, K158, and the Frigate HMCS Longueuil, K672, during The Battle of the Atlantic. Following the war, Gordon enrolled at McGill University, where he earned a B.A. in Commerce. At McGill, he met his wife of 75 years (née June Pickering), and they were married two years later. After he graduated from McGill, Gordon joined Dustbane Enterprises, a nationwide Canadian company.
In 1973, Gordon moved with his family to Miami, Florida. During this time, Gordon earned his Master's degree at The University of Miami while continuing his career in business. In 1997, Gordon retired, and the couple returned to Ottawa. After his return to Ottawa, Gordon wrote Leos’ War, a book based on letters written by his Uncle to his family in Gaspé during World War I.
Gordon enjoyed sports, especially playing golf. But his true love was sailing. He was a Britannia Yacht Club member for many years, cruising and racing his beloved sloop, Koi Hai. He also enjoyed traveling, visiting all of Canada many times, and roaming the world—from Europe and Scandinavia to Russia, the Far East, Australia, New Zealand, South America, and even to places as remote as Easter Island. Perhaps sailing the seas with the Royal Canadian Navy instilled his love of travel and adventure.
In his later years, as his health deteriorated, Gordon took up art making, and his many paintings, works of pottery, and woodwork are a testament to his insatiable curiosity and creativity.
Gordon also loved animals of every kind, and they seemed to know this instinctively, coming to his hand or nestling in his warm embrace. Since childhood, he always had at least one dog and one cat by his side, enjoying every minute of his life’s journey.
Always with a book in hand, Gordon was a human encyclopedia and an amazing resource for anyone in the family curious about an obscure fact or quotation. No need to ask Google. “Just ask Gordon; he’ll know the answer!” Always with a ready smile and a very dry British sense of humour, it will be the glint in his eye and his laughter that we will all remember and cherish.
His wife, June, survives Gordon; his children, Martha, Robert, and Matthew; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to HUMANE CANADA in memory of Gordon: https://humanecanada.ca/how-to-help/donate/
A funeral service for Gordon will be held on Sunday, August 20th at 1:00pm at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave., Ottawa. A burial at Beechwood will follow on Monday, August 21st at 12 noon.
Livre de visiteurs
Lenny Ellis
Ted Lemoyre
I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences during this time of sorrow for for the family . Uncle Gordon was a wonderful kind person , loving husband , father , grandfather , great grandfather and uncle . I will always remember his smile , laugh , humour , and definitely the glint in his eye . My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this difficult time . Rest in Peace Dear Uncle .
Gordon Wells
Although I never met your dad Bob, Dorothy and I offer our condolences to you and you family. Your dad led an interesting and distinguished life and I wish I could have met him. Take care and prayers to you and your family.
Julie and Marty Westbrook
It is never a good time to lose a loved parent but when life becomes a struggle it is better for them to go in peace. Our thoughts are with all of you. He was an admirable man who lived a happy and fulfilling life.
Glenys and Sudhir Sundaresan
Dear June , Bob , Matthew and Martha . Our sincere condolences on the passing of Gordon. I will miss Gordon’s wonderful smile . The smile he always managed to give even when he was feeling unwell . I always enjoyed our visits and his wonderful sense of humour .
Nancy Levesque
My deepest condolences to you June, Martha, Bob and Matthew. Gordon's lighthearted demeanour and wit will forever be remembered in my heart. It was a pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace xx
Stu Jelenick
My sincerest and most heartfelt condolences to Bob and the entire family on the loss of a man who wore every hat with exceptional grace, wit, and wisdom. Remembering your Dad's wry smile, kindness, and caring through those many school years we shared in Rockcliffe will forever warm my soul . Let his memory and his spirit always bring you solace.
Victor and Lorraine Styles
We send our condolences to June and all the family at this sad time. We have many happy memories of Gordon. We remember the times we spent together both here in England and Miami. Gordon was a gentleman, with a sympathetic nature. We will keep him in our hearts and our thoughts.
Lise O’Nell (Laframboise)
Gordon Pimm was loved and respected by all of us Laframboise’s, especially both our parents. What a lovely, interesting, long life well lived. Big hug to June, Martha and all the Pimm descendants.
David Karpf
May Gordon rest in peace ✌️ He was a wonderful man who lived 100 years!!
I send my sincere condolences during this time of sorrow. The Bible promises that your loved one will live again in a beautiful paradise earth when death will be no more. (John 5:28, 29; Revelation 21:4)