PAPCHICK, Gordon Henry – It is with deep sadness and a profound sense of loss that our family mourns the passing of Gordon Papchick on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Timmins District Hospital, after a brief illness. Gordon is survived by his loving sister, Mary Dybczak, of Toronto, nephew John Dybczak, nephew Frank Dybczak (Shannon), and niece Anne Pannozzo (Joe), great nephew Daniel, great niece Mariangela, great niece Jessica Fiddes (Zak) and great great niece Avery, all of Toronto as well. He is predeceased by his father, John Papchick in 1968, mother Frances in 1986, and brother-in-law, Eugene Dybczak in 1995.
Gordon’s 86-year journey of life began on November 30, 1930 in the community of Elk Lake, Ontario. As the son of a railway man, he moved around many times throughout his childhood, to New Liskeard, Bushnell siding (south of Temagami), Larder Lake, and finally to King Kirkland in 1940, where he would spend the majority of his life. In the early years, he worked variously as a baker, auto mechanic, and other occupations. Later, he found more permanent employment at Upper Canada Mines in Dobie, first working underground, then on the surface as a truck driver. When the mine closed in 1971, Gordon began working with the Ontario Northland Railway, as a labourer on track maintenance gangs, mostly on the Kirkland Lake Subdivision, thereby continuing in his father’s footsteps. After many years of working with the ONR, Gordon retired to the peace and serenity of his childhood home on Main Street in King Kirkland.
Unfortunately, this quiet life ended in late 2002, when Gordon suffered a stroke, which required a move to a long-term care facility. Throughout his life, Gordon revelled in his independence and personal interests. He kept himself busy, driving “into town” to run errands, purchasing automotive supplies, or going to meet his many friends and acquaintances while making his rounds. His favourite haunt was Canadian Tire. Our most enduring memories are of Gordon happily puttering away in his garage, hunched over one of his many vehicles, performing all manner of repairs and maintenance. He had a remarkable aptitude for auto mechanics, which was all self-taught. Gordon’s other abiding passion was his birds, sometimes budgies, but most often canaries. During our many visits, the house would often be filled with lovely serenades from those beautiful birds. Gordon cherished the family visits throughout the years, often stopping with the kids to get french fries from the many chip trucks in town, or to grab a “Frosty Freeze” at Smitty’s Drive-In. While working on his patrols on the railway, occasionally he would look for ideal patches for our next family blueberry picking expedition. Northlands Park was a regular destination. During the evenings, he would retire to his living room to watch television, usually ending his day with the CBC “National” news broadcast. Gordon also worked on the construction of the St. Joseph’s Polish Catholic parish on McCamus Avenue, a church that he would later see his sister marry in, in 1960. It will be sad for our family to think of visiting the Kirkland Lake area without him there, but hope that the passage of time will ease the pain of loss with warm memories of his time with us. He is at last re-united with his beloved parents. Rest in peace, dear Gordon.
The family wishes to express their gratitude and admiration for the exceptional medical attention and care by staff at Timmins District Hospital, in particular, Dr. Harry Voogjarv, and all the nurses of the critical care unit. You did your utmost to preserve his life, and ease our anguish. We would also like to express our gratitude to Margaret Lauzon, from Timiskaming Home Support for the excellent level of care at his home in King Kirkland. Lastly, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all of the staff at Extendicare Kirkland Lake, who, for the last 12 years of his life, became part of Gordon’s “family”. It was re-assuring to us to know that his care was always in good hands, and the PSW’s always seemed to know how to maintain his quality of life. For that, you have our everlasting respect. God bless you all and thank you.
Service Information
Visitation
Friday, March 3, 2017
2:00 – 4:00 p.m. & 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
French Family Funeral Home
Funeral Mass
Saturday, March 4, 2017
11:00 a.m.
Holy Name of Jesus Parish
Interment
Spring 2017
Kirkland lake Cemetery
Condolences, donations, and ordering of flowers may be made on-line at

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gordon Henry Papchick.source

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