Gordon Albert Jennings

Gordon Albert Jennings

October 9, 1925- September 21, 2024

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Gordon Albert Jennings, who passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, just a few weeks short of his 99th birthday.

Son of Albert and Florence (Terry) Jennings. Predeceased by his wife Barbara (Linklater), brothers Gerald and Robert, sister Adele (Keetch) and daughter Mary Beth ( Craig Martin).

Survived by his son Grant (Christine Robinson), and grandchildren Collin, Brittany, and Brianne.

Born in Huntsville, he served in WW II (Royal Canadian Artillery) attaining rank of Lance Bombardier, Driver i/e, Crossed Rifles and Crowns.

After military duty, he attended Ryerson University in Toronto, obtaining a degree in accounting.

Employed with the Department of Lands and Forests/Ministry of Natural Resources from 1950-1983, working in Algonquin Park, Simcoe District, Geraldton, Sudbury, Huntsville, and Toronto. He started as a Park Inspector, wolf bounty officer, and auditor. Later, directed Provincial Park Inspections and Provincial Accounting Services.

Gordon played hockey for Huntsville High School, Canadian Armed Forces team, intermediate teams in Huntsville, and obtained a  “C Form” (tryout) for the Toronto Maple Leafs camp.

He also played lacrosse in Huntsville throughout his youth, as well as in the 1949 Intermediate “A” Champions.

Later he coached High school hockey in Geraldton, Sudbury, and Huntsville. He was on the Executive for the Sudbury Skating Club and Treasurer for the “Northerns” Skating Competition.

Gordon also scouted for the Sudbury Wolves NOHL Hockey Club and for the St. Louis Blues NHL Club.

He volunteered with many community organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Huntsville Ratepayers Association, Royal Canadian Legion Executive, Huntsville Community Policing, and the Huntsville 500 Club.

Donor to Huntsville Algonquin Grace Hospice, Huntsville Hospital, Muskoka Heritage Place, Royal Canadian Legion and Fairvern Nursing Home. He was also instrumental in initializing the Veterans Memorial Garden.

Gordon participated in many memorial services held overseas, travelling to Holland and France, where he laid wreaths, poppies, and town buttons on the graves of those young friends from Huntsville. In addition, he donated funds for the building of the Juno Beach Centre and purchased a “brick” in honor of his late brother Gerald.

A long list of accomplishments for a long life lived!

To summarize Gordon’s life… he was a proud Canadian, a model citizen, a community activist, a great friend, father, and grandfather. He really was the most unselfish man- a true hero.

He will be sadly missed by so many.

A huge thank-you to all those that helped make Gordon so comfortable during the last part of his journey. Special thanks to Pam, Chrissy, Mary, and Vanessa. You truly are angels on earth.

And to quote Gordon… “Time marches on!!”

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Muskoka Burial and Cremation Services. In Gordon’s memory, donations to the Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville would be gratefully appreciated by the family.

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