Gordon Coutts

COUTTS, Gordon Neil - In his 95th year, peacefully with his family by his side on February 21, 2010. Gordon was the grand patriarch of a large family. Beloved husband and best friend to Josie, his wife for 29 years. He was a loving father and source of guidance to his six children James (Heather), Shirley, Marion (Gordon), Gordon (Linda), Norman (Lena) and Gary (late Julie). Predeceased by his first wife Sarah Coutts (nee Stevenson) having passed when the children were very young, in 1955. Cherished grandpa of 17 and great-grandpa of 10. Gordon will be fondly remembered by his niece Barbara, Josie's daughter Jennifer, her son Paul and their children. Gordon lived a long and full life. He narrowly missed the Spanish Flu of 1916 and grew up in the Junction area of Toronto. A bright student, he was denied medical school due to the Depression. Instead he became a very successful Livestock Broker all before the age of 20. He survived the Great Depression, lost family and friends to the 2nd World War, lost his wife to MS, raised his children as a single parent, ran a farm and had a business at the Toronto Stock Yards. At age fifty he discovered downhill skiing which became a passion until double hip surgery at 82. He bought a snowboard at the age of 78. For all the curve balls of life, at 80 looking back, he said he would not have changed a thing. His spirit will live on in those he loved and his stories will be repeated for generations to come. Friends will be received at the Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Rd. (north of Lawrence Ave. W.), Weston on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada. A Book of Memories may be signed at www.wardfuneralhome.com