McGinn, Gordon Anderson – August 20 1930 – August 28 2018
The oldest of three children born to Stuart Anderson (Andy) McGinn and Beulah Clarke, Gordon grew up in Porcupines a child of the Dome Mines where his father was crusher house foreman. Raised on the Dome Extension (affectionately Dome Ex) he and his sisters Noreen (Hill – predeceased in Vancouver BC) and Joyce (Mangotich – survived in Kirkland Lake Ontario) enjoyed the amenities and activities that the rugged North had to offer, including the Dome Mine School for elementary education, hockey in the South Porcupine Arena (The Barn), and hunting and fishing in the streams and bushes. It was during these early years, stomping around the rough countryside with his cousin Douglas McGinn, that Gord received the nickname “Beef.”
After completing his technical training at Timmins High and Vocational School, Gord pursued a semi-professional hockey career, playing defence in the EHL for the Atlantic City Seagulls in 1950-51 and OHASr for the Hamilton Tigers in 1953-54 before returning to work at the Dome Mine to apprentice as a mechanic, marry and raise a family.
Gord married Margaret McNeil in 1956 and the two immediately began their family. Over the next 16 years they had 6 children, Michael (Kim), Gregory (Sandy), Kari (Raymond Tai), Stephen, Andrew (Lise) and Sarah (JP Spence) and established their home in Pottsville on the North East shore of Porcupine Lake.
In 1962, Gord left the Dome Mine to start his own gasoline and car repair business. For almost 50 years, McGinn’s Shell Service Station was known for quality work and customer service.
As an employer, Gord apprenticed a number of automotive mechanics over the nearly 50 years that the McGinn business flourished, many of whom went on to work in the local mines, at dealerships and open their own repair shops. He also provided more than 100 young people their first job, patiently guiding them in details of the retail gasoline business.
In 1988, Gord, long a follower of Christian Evangelist Bill Graham, attended a Billy Graham crusade in Hamilton, Ontario where he responded to the call to follow Jesus. Upon returning home Gord became an active member of the Timmins First Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and helping with the building program and facility maintenance.
Gord was an active member of his community at various times coaching hockey, as a member of the South Porcupine Lion’s Club and the Timmins Masonic Lodge. He participated as a business man and proud citizen in support of public carnivals and other events. Never the centre of attention Gord preferred to work behind the scenes. Proud of his roots, Gord loved to tell stories, especially to visitors, about the local history of Dome Mine, Porcupine and South Porcupine.
Gordon is survived by his wife and six children and his grandchildren Tom (Allision), Phillip, Samuel (Melissa), Rebecca, Samantha, Gordon, Amy, Hunter, Cranmer and Kiefer. His step grandchildren Brad, Jessica, Ryan, Camille, Sophie and Nicolas and his great-grand children Zakk, Julianna, Amelia, Brooklyn, Ashlyn, Anika, Jenna and Millie.
The family appreciates all of the generosity and kindness of the many people who have assisted them in caring for Gord, particularly the palliative care team of Sandra and Chelsea from ParaMed in North Bay.
Visitation of Friends and Family will be held at First Baptist Church 100 Second Ave, Timmins Ontario on Friday August 31st, 2018 from 1pm until 2pm. Reception will be held at Miron Wilson Funeral Home, 150 Balsam Street South, Timmins, ON following the funeral service.
In Lieu of flowers the donations may be made to Parkinson Canada, Covenant House Toronto, or World Vision Canada. Arrangements entrusted to HILLSIDE FUNERAL SERVICES. Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gordon Anderson McGinn August 20 1930 August 28 2018 (age 88).
Décès pour la Ville: North-Bay, Province: Ontario
