Gordon Douglas Black, dearest brother, uncle, cousin and friend died unexpectedly from a heart attack, on Friday February 10, 2023 at his home in Montreal. He is survived by his loving companion Antonia Ganis, his sister Heather (Derry Bunting), nieces and nephews, Jessie, Beth and Stuart McBride, James Bunting (Kathryn Rowles), Lauren Bunting (Mike Drimba), Kristie Bunting (Chris Sopik) and his great niece and nephews, Maclean, Owen, Shea and Emma Sopik. He is predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Rita Black and his sister Nancy. Gordon was 66 years old.
Gord grew up in the Montreal area. His love of sports started at an early age, with cycling, hockey, baseball (when we could sneak into the field of Summerlea Elementary school), and basketball, including games of 21 in the driveway with his taller sisters (at the time) He played football at John Abbott college, where he earned a commerce diploma before he went on to McGill to study Industrial Relations. As an adult he enjoyed golfing and cycling and cross training, watching formula One racing, tennis (taking our aunt on special excursions to the Rogers Cup) and even wrestling.
His career began at the Bay, where he worked as a salesperson, then moved into human resources. When he left the Bay/Simpsons organization, he was director of industrial relations. His work continued in this area for the City of Westmount, and he spent the last 18 years as the director of human resources for the Town of Mount Royal.
Family and community were so important to him, whether it was his immediate family, good friends or his work family, he genuinely cared. His calm and level demeaner were so appreciated in many situations. He was a cherished and valued friend; a mentor and advisor offering a safe and caring space to talk and listen. He saw the good in others and the possibilities in any situation.
And there was his sense of humor, quick puns, funny memes, jib jab birthday cards- he loved to share and get you in on his jokes.
Visits from family, would almost always include a drive up to the summit to take in the views at night, a trip to St Viateur for espresso and a supply of bagels to take back to Toronto, and other wonderful spots he enjoyed and wanted to share. He loved his food and he loved his city.
He had the opportunity to travel to China, which was an incredible experience for him. The influence of that trip could be recognized in his many pictures in his office and some of his furniture at home. He also trained to do an amazing cycling tour in Europe, which had been a dream of his.
We will miss his witty texts, his crazy puns, the fun visits, his crafted poems and so much more. We are better for having had him in our lives, and to have so many happy memories to cherish.
A celebration of life will be held on April 29, 2023 at the Country Club in Connaught Park, 1620 Graham Blvd, Town of Mount Royal, from 2-4 pm, with special tributes at 3:00. All are welcome
If you wish, a memorial gift in tribute to Gordon can be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada https://muscle.crowdchange.ca/28265
Envoyez vos messages de condoléances.
Merci Gordon de m'avoir laisser la chance de travailler avec vs pour TMR reposé en paix trop jeune pour partir mes les bonne personne parte toujours en premier merci encore pour tout. Toute mes condoléances a toute ça famille et amis force et courage en ces moments difficile il était une belle personne une belle âme repose en paix et encore merci 🙏🙏🙏😢
This is incredibly sad news. Gordie was such a wonderful, kind, and funny person (and great athlete). I have fond memories of both him and Nancy from our Lachine High School days. Taken far too young. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends. RIP Gordie.
I have very fond memories of Gord from our LHS days. A great guy and everybody's friend. Sending huge Lachine hugs and condolences to Heather and family.
He was truly one of the “ good guys “
Dear Mr. Black How saddening you all leave us. Memories keep rushing through my head, as I can only see you smiling and briskly walking, enjoying life and the world as you enjoyed it. To me, he was “Mr. Black” for my last 13 working years. Ever since I’ve known him, early in 2005 when he started working at TMR, he would not fit in the mould of a conventional boss: sensitive, human, humorist, good pastry baker who would bring cupcakes for our birthdays. We enjoyed his “sitcom”-style chronicles about his apartment-block neighbours in Cote St. Luc, adding “spices” to our sometimes stressing jobs in HR. Mr. Black had the touch to ease our days. Definitely, he will be missed by all TMR personnel, as he cared for “his children”, as he would kindly call his employees. Mr. Black also had a talent for poetry, which he used whenever the opportunity came upon, to heal our souls, or to celebrate someone. As his secretary and later his assistant, I was more than impressed by the quality of his French. Proud Montrealer and always fond of the French language, he cared to improve his writing. Over the years, Mr. Black became so good he could even compose poetry in French. Poems that would touch your heart. Mr. Black was my last “boss”. It is so sad he could not enjoy his retirement, he loved so much life. It’s a great loss for Town of Mount Royal, but also for Montreal. We will all miss him. My most sincere condolences to his sister Heather and all of the family.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gord’s passing. I have so many fond memories of growing up together in Lachine and he always had a way to make me smile and laugh. My condolences to Heather and all of the family.
Cher Gordon, Je garde de toi de bons souvenirs de nos 11 années de collaboration et d'amitié à la Ville de Westmount. Je n'oublierai jamais ta présence lorsque mon père nous a quitté. Repose en paix cher ami 🕊
To the family and friends of Gord, Our deepest condolences to you. We hope your memories of adventures with Gord keep your sadness at bay. He is remembered for all his support of his family, never missing a family gathering, his mindful presence, his humour, and his large smile! May there be a glass of Wild Turkey whiskey for Gord in heaven. Karen and Dave
Cher Gordon, tu nous manque tellement! Ton calme, tes bons conseils, les histoires drôles et ton sens de l'humour incomparable! RIP Alain
You will truly be missed Gordon. Enjoy some golf up in the skies! You will always be a part of the Town!
Send your condolences.
Rip Gordo. Gonna miss our NFL Sunday banter. You were a great guy all around. My condolences to the Black family.
Heather and family so sad to hear of Gordie’s passing away. We used to have a lot of fun in your backyard hockey rink! And climbing the walls of Summerlea school! RIP Gordie.
Both of us remember Gordie with fondness, a genuinely nice guy. Gary still remembers playing tennis with Gordie. Gary claims to have won but I remember differently 👀. Our condolences to family. ❤️ We were also saddened to read in this obituary the passing of his younger sister, Nancy. Gordie was her hero.
One of the nicest boys at Summerlea School. Condolences to Gordon’s family.
Heather and family.Very sorry to read of Gord's passing.May he RIP.
So very sorry to hear. RIP Gord
Heather, Derry and family, my sincere condolences. Sending prayers for grace and peace.
my dearest cousin gordie you were always a soft place to land. will miss are visits. rip my friend
Dear Gordon, your passing came as a shock to all of us, you will be missed and never forgotten. I remember your jokes in Anthony's office when i first started, it was always pleasant to run into you. God bless your soul, please look over us with your kindness :)
