The life of Gordon - Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa and friend

Gordon was born in Birmingham, the youngest son of a jewellery manager and a secretary. He went to King Edwards Grammar school, Five Ways. He left after his O levels and started work at ICI. Whilst there he graduated in Metallurgy from Aston University. At sixteen, he had a holiday on a half decker yacht, on the Broads & developed a love of sailing & the Broads.

When Gordon was eighteen, he came to the Lord after watching a Billy Graham film. The next day, he met Dr Ford who ran a boys' Bible class and his fifteen year old daughter Rosemary. Within a few months, they were boyfriend and girlfriend. He seemed very grown up and glamorous to her, having a motorbike and a sports car.

Gordon & Rosemary married in July 1961 and began to lead Aldridge Youth Fellowship together. They had 3 children: Andy, Debbie and Simon. In 1965 they joined Wycliffe Bible Translators and started studying at Birmingham Bible Institute. Gordon gained a Diploma in Theology, taking the exam in London, following their move to Merstham in Surrey, to manage the British Wycliffe headquarters there.

As the M25/M23 intersection meant Wycliffe had to move, Gordon organised the move to Horsleys Green. In 1973/74, the family spent a year in Arizona, helping the translators to the Papago Indians. A large fire on the Wycliffe Centre in 1975 destroyed the kitchen and dining hall. Gordon was heavily involved in managing the aftermath and overseeing the creation of the new buildings.

In 1988, they joined the Africa area Wycliffe team and spent the next thirteen years travelling Africa which they both felt was their most rewarding Wycliffe assignment. Following retirement, they spent a few years on St. Andrews staff. During this time, they were blessed with grandchildren. Gordon had 7 grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Hannah, Nick, Sam, Zoe, Abi, Dan and Josh. He was also Great Grandpa to Nico, Olivia and another on the way.

Gordon was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in March & sadly died four months later.

Gordon was a fun, adventurous, free spirited, kind, generous, wise person and was always willing to help. He enjoyed games and was competitive, loved music, dancing and keeping up with current affairs. He was a good listener and always open to discussion. Gordon enjoyed a project, especially a practical one. One winter he got a bit bored so the next winter he decided to build a lodge in his garden. He was extremely likeable and so very loved by all who knew him.

WE LOVED HIM AND WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.