With his devoted family by his side, Gordon McGregor passed away peacefully at Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Friday, May 31, 2013. He was 78.
Gord was born on April 27, 1935, in Renfrew, where he was raised and, in 1955, he married Iona Vivian Hoare, also of Renfrew.
The McGregor family moved to Ottawa when Gord was recruited into the Royal Canadian Air Force, Station Rockcliffe. This afforded him the opportunity to play in the RCAF pipe band.
In his lifetime Gord wore many “hats”. He traded his Air Force wedge cap for a police hat in 1963, when he joined the OPP and was transferred to the Morrisburg detachment. Gord and his “three girls”, Iona, Wendy and Noreen moved to the small village.
Constable McGregor took the role of OPP Safety Officer and was creator of “Trevor the Traffic Bug”. Gord visited schools and taught rules of safety to children and Trevor could be heard on local radio stations offering safe driving tips.
His next ambition was Administrator of The Glen-Stor-Dun Lodge Nursing Home. He used to make the daily trip to Cornwall in a teeny red Toyota.
From Administrator to successful insurance salesman for both Mutual Life and Canada Life Assurance companies, Gord could always be seen in a suit. His long time friend, Don “Mudcat” Grant suggested that Gord trade in his suit for a pair of jeans and thus began Gord’s short career hauling hay to Florida in his tractor trailer. (On one trip he underestimated the height of his tractor and took out a series of Christmas lights strung across the main street of a small town in the state of Virginia-he is still at large!)
Justice of the Peace was to be the next “hat” that Gord would wear for a short while before tossing it into the political ring. He drew attention when he ran as an Independent candidate in the 1987 provincial election and was soon chosen as leader of The Ontario Confederation of Regions Party.
He became a “coffee shop campaigner” when he became proprietor of the little fast food diner on the mall which was renamed and remains, “Gregor’s Place”. He claimed that he went from “JP” (Justice of the Peace) to “KP” (Kitchen Patrol).
He spent his retirement years behind the counter at Hartley’s Sport Shop and as a security officer at Upper Canada Village.
Perhaps the most recognized hat of all was his Scots cap that he donned with his kilt and bagpipes. If he wasn’t officiating a wedding ceremony in his role as Justice of the Peace, he was piping in the bride and groom.
He served two terms as Branch 48 Legion President where his claim to fame was the formation of the Legion Drum and Bugle Band with whom he marched proudly beside in every parade.
No moss grew under his feet as Gord was also involved with and served as President of the Morriburg Lion’s Club. He even served a term as the Reeve of the Village of Morrisburg and as a town councilor.
Always with a joke or story up his sleeve, he loved to entertain and make people laugh. He was a jokester, prankster, avid model railroader, musician and poet; and it will not be his public notoriety, but the silly endearing things he did as a family man that will be treasured by his family forever.
Gord was husband of Iona McGregor (Hoare). He was cherished father of Wendy (John Burn) of Iroquois and Noreen (Barry McMillan) of Morrisburg. He was fun-loving grandpa of Amy (Adam Casselman), Scott (Amanda) Hodgson, Michelle McMillan and Sean McMillan. Great-Bumpa to Logan, Grayson and Olivia. Dear brother of Shirley Mates of Tillsonburg.
He was predeceased by infant daughter Carol Ruth, his parents Thomas and Violet (Wilcox), his infant brother Gary, his sisters Lois LeBlanc and Jeannie Moore and his brother Allan. Uncle Gord is survived by many nieces and nephews.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home, Williamsburg, on Monday from 7-9 p.m.
A Legion Memorial Service followed by a celebration of Gord’s life was held at the Royal Canadian Legion in Morrisburg, on June 4, 2013. Service was conducted by Rev. Norine Gullons. Gord’s family paid him homage by donning his tartan apparel.
Pallbearers were grandchildren Amy Casselman, Scott Hodgson, Michelle McMillan and Sean McMillan, son-in-law Barry McMillan, OPP friends Frank Albert and Fred (Boomer) Langlotz and best friend Earl Wood. Honorary pallbearer was son-in-law John Burn.
Donations to Winchester Hospital or the Diabetes Society would be gratefully acknowledged by the family.
Interment of cremated remains will be at Haley Station Cemetery in Renfrew. Online condolences may be made at marsdenmclaughlin.com.
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