15 Oct 1944 – 17 Feb 2024 (79)
1 & 2 PPCLI
It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Gordon Descoteaux on February 17th, 2024, at the age of 79, in St Albert, Alberta. Gord was born October 15th, 1944, in Nottingham England, to the late Dorothy and Marcel Descoteaux. Gord immigrated to Canada with his older sister Yvonne and his mother Dorothy in 1946. Eventually his father would return from the war and Gord, along with his siblings, Yvonne, Lilianne, Denise, Mark, Sue and Jo made many loving memories, growing up together on 2860 Paul Pau Street in Montreal. Gord had many jobs as a teenager, from fixing cars to peeling potatoes, eventually working at the Montreal Gazette for 5 years before landing on his true passion, being a soldier. Gord joined the military at 22 years old and attended basic training in Wainwright. He served in many units around the world, and during a fortuitous posting to Germany, he met the love of his life, Nancy. They were wed in Germany, joined by a small group of family and friends. They left Germany to return to Canada, with their first child in tow, daughter Samantha. Their son Marc was born in Calgary 2 years later. Gord had an illustrious career in the Canadian Armed Forces, reluctantly retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer, at 55 years old. Not ready to be fully retired, he began working with the Bank of Montreal, and made lasting friendships there over many years. He remained more active than most throughout his retirement, fond of routine and discipline, he enjoyed going to the gym, doing puzzles, (crosswords, sudokus), watching the Steelers and making weekly NFL picks with Marla, adventures at “The Land” with Jeff, and solving the world’s problems at coffee club with “The Moustaches.” Gord always maintained his connection to the military through association meetings, mess dinners and monthly beer calls. He took much pride in knowing that his military legacy was being carried on by his son Marc, Capt (RCMS) and grandson Bryce, Cpl LdSH (RC). Gord loved spending time with his Grandchildren, Bryce, Sarah, and Rachel as well as with his grand dogs Hank and Ned. Despite his fear of flying, Gord developed a love of travel with his friends and family, particularly to hot destinations, and recently returned from a once in a lifetime trip with his closest friends, Mike and Mary. He was preceded to heaven by his mother Dorothy, his dad, Marcel, his sister Denise, his brother-in-law Roger, and his beloved wife Nancy. He is survived by their children, Marc Descoteaux (Marla Descoteaux), Samantha Descoteaux -Kahane (Jeff Kahane); his sisters Yvonne (Jean – Louis), Liliane, Sue, Jo- Anne and brother Mark (Suzanne); Brother in law Kurt Hartmann (Janice), his niece Katrina, nephew Curtis, and his three Grandchildren Bryce, Sarah and Rachel (Micah McLaren), and was very excited to welcome his first Great Grandchild, Shep. Gord was a deeply beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend. His passing was sudden and unexpected but quick, just like he always hoped it would be. He left an indelible mark on all of us and to each of us in a unique way. He will be forever loved and missed.
A celebration to honour Gord’s life we be held at The Royal Canadian Legion Kingsway Br. 175, 14339 50 Street NW Edmonton, AB on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request donations may be made directly to the Veterans Food Bank and Valour Place
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/edmonton-ab/gordon-descoteaux-11674318
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