Obituary of Robert Bruce Gordon
On May 29th, a parting glass of cocoa was raised to Bruce Gordon. “Remember… love is always wise… Laugh hard, run fast, be kind.” The last words of his favourite Doctor truly express the essence of his life.
Bruce resonated with the Irish phrase, “You are the place where I stand on the day when my feet are sore.” Gentleness and trust infused his marriage. He relished fatherhood; it was his chance to tenderly mess with his kids’ minds. During advent, the Wisemen’s journey to Bethlehem began in God’s kitchen with the making of the star. Bedtime stories required a repertoire of accents; there were Russian cats, Irish mice, Scottish badgers… He would cite the Oatmeal Act of 1992 or declare “Tax” to capture a bite of their food. He was there. He was delighted to know his children’s partners whom he loved and respected. He had a beautiful extended family and for Bruce, friends and colleagues easily became that family as well: all the old gang, the St. Thomas More worshiping community, friends and colleagues at Kinship, Autism Centre (Regina) and Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools. “Blessed be those who love you into becoming who you were meant to be.”
He had a joyous way of seeing beyond the ordinary: a pile of wood chips became a kookaburra nest, and a tea cozy became his hat while reading the paper and waiting for tea, Earl Grey, hot. For many years, CKOM’s weekly ski report wasn’t complete without comment on the Big Lonely, until management discovered the mountain didn’t exist. He was notorious for answering the phone with the Klingon greeting, “Qapla,” or by welcoming you to Cross Country Checkup, Canada's national open-line radio program. His dog was given voice – “Dat’s nice.” If you parked your tractor on his lawn, you could be sure that he would climb aboard.
This Saskatoon born and bred so enjoyed a hike especially in the rainforest of the West Coast or along the seawall. He marched his son up mountain sides and his daughter through the jungle of Manhattan. Declaration of an “I know the way” would surely add another 10 km to the journey.
Huskies Men’s Hockey dared to give Bruce the microphone. Play-by-play – it was a Habs fan’s dream come true. As an off-ice official and with comrades in arms, Roger Doucet’s O Canada, was the only way to begin a game. There could be whale calls during intermissions, rogue sponsors like Howie’s Food Crypt where, “we don’t sweat the expiry dates and pass the savings on to you,” a wave and mic blessing to the refs, and an announcement of, “Time out Huskies, Shhh,” followed by “You may return to your raucous cheering.” And of course, attendance at the dog house was always 666.
And he ran fast. As a clinical psychologist, he relished teamwork that would improve the mental health of children. He taught resilience with an enthusiastic and humorous approach. He had the knack of being able to speak in kid — “It’s a trap.” He appreciated and learned so much from his colleagues and his clients. You must be on the right path to receive a note, “I hope you are having a good day Dr. Bruce.”
He was privileged to work alongside First Nation and Metis colleagues with the hope that he could answer the call to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was humbled by the warm welcome that he received to participate and share stories. He was graciously taught how to be a Circle Keeper and incorporated this Indigenous tradition into his practice. He was honoured by the mentorship he received, honoured by his naming, Medicine Rock. His commitment to action sent him to Corrymeela, Ireland’s oldest peace and reconciliation organization, because he believed that in sharing stories, there is hope.
“Never fail to be kind.” Under the guidance of mentors, Bruce collected stories from the poet-philosophers, O’Donohue, Whyte, O Tuama, Boyle, stories with the power to heal. He embraced the practice of positive psychology. Acts of kindness were very much a part of the fabric of his being. With Bruce, you knew he was listening, and you knew you were heard because he had a gift to respond, gently and often with humour, but always with kindness, so that you could just be better or stronger or have more faith in yourself. He believed in service, faith joined by good works; he believed in kinship. Thank you, Bruce. With love, Deb Korol, Erin Gordon & Logan Shuya, Will Gordon & Ashley Gillis
“What’s next?” At this time, COVID still has the potential to stress our frontline workers. Only close family will be present at the funeral mass. A memorial service will follow and will be announced. Our apologies to the Representatives of Illinois Law Enforcement Community who so wanted to be here but were stopped at the border. We are grateful for the expert care he received while sick and for all the prayers that have carried us through.
In lieu of flowers, we hope you can do a random act of kindness for someone you meet today. God bless.
