Gordon Malcolm Fradsham
June 20, 1931 – September 28, 2023
Gordon passed away on September 28, 2023, at the age of 92. Gordon’s family and friends were fortunate enough to know that his time with us was coming to an end and so were able to spend additional quality time with him. Gordon remained sharp, witty, comedic and loving throughout these treasured moments.
Gordon was the first baby born in Amesdale. When his mother was in labour, his father walked all the way to Dryden to get the doctor and a cow (for milk). In the meantime, Gordon was delivered by his grandmother, a midwife. As a teen, Gordon attended Dryden High School and was able to celebrate five separate reunions over the years. In 1958 he joined the Army Reserves.
Gordon married Ethel on November 1st, 1958. Together they had three sons and built their house and home on Elizabeth Avenue in 1963. As a mechanic, Gordon worked at Dryden Motors, McKinstry’s and Patricia Chev Olds. One of his proudest moments as a mechanic was replacing the transmission in Terry Fox’s motorhome when it broke down in Dryden during his 1980 Marathon of Hope. Gordon received a thank you letter for his extraordinarily fast work and late hours to get them back on the road. He also worked at the LCBO in Dryden. Gordon and Ethel were lifelong members of the “Pinetree Squares” square dancing group. This led to travel all over North America from Vancouver to Halifax to Texas. There were numerous camping trips and road trips, near and far to visit family and friends, and even bus tour group trips to places like California.
Gordon’s most treasured moments were those spent with his friends and family, having breakfast with his friends every Wednesday morning and every Sunday morning spent laughing and reminiscing with his three sons. Laughter was a constant for Gordon, right up until his last day, he was still making jokes and laughing. Gordon passed on this legacy of laughter to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren “… because if you can’t laugh, what’s the point?”
Gordon was predeceased by his father Albert Fradsham, mother Margaret (Ames), father-in-law William Hansson, mother-in-law Evelyn (Smith), and brothers-in-law Earl, Elmer, Carl, Ed and Bill. He is survived by his wife, the love of his life and dancing partner of over 70 years, Ethel (Hansson); sons Bradley (Susan), Randy (Marge), and Craig (Lydia), as well as his brother Ron (Edna). He is survived by his grandchildren Jerri (Justin), Rachel (Jason), Sarah (Steven), Will, Nicole (Tyler), Michael (Dee) and Krissy, and great-grandchildren L.J., Kaija, Navaeh, Aidan, Logan, Josh, Cassidy, Haiden, Tristan, Alaina and Livia. Also survived by his sisters-in-law Esther, Pinkie (Waino), Ruth and Hilda. Gordon treasured his lifelong friendships with the men who were like brothers to him, Gary Noble, Bill Nesbitt and Bob Hall. Additionally, Gordon is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
The family would like to thank doctors Wittig, Viherjoki, Moir, Doiron, and Pettinger for their excellent care, kindness, compassion, and candor. The family would like to extend the utmost appreciation to all of Gordon’s nurses, especially Sonia and Tracie. Dad couldn’t say enough about the PSWs, particularly Roni. Additionally, our thanks to Kayla and her team at the Dryden Community Funeral Home for their care and compassion for not only Gordon but for his wife and family.
Family and friends, please join us for interment of ashes at the Dryden Cemetery on Wednesday, October 4th at 11 a.m. Gary Noble, Gordon’s best friend of 82 years, has graciously agreed to speak at that time. This will be followed by a luncheon for family and friends at the Dryden Community Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m. It was Gordon’s wish that there will be no visitation, no formal service and donations are respectfully not required.
Condolences may be posted at www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
