Gordon Fownes
Born In: Baddeck, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Passed on: October 28th, 2009
Gordon Frank Fownes died in Ottawa, Ont., Oct. 28, 2009, at age 58, after a lengthy battle with emphysema.
Born in Baddeck, N.S., in 1951, he is survived by brother Brock (Nina), Baddeck; sister Janet (Peter), nieces and nephew, Josie, Molly and Luke, Dartmouth, N.S.; son, David Tanchak (Cathie) and grandson, Dexter, Vancouver; and many relatives in Baddeck.
Predeceased by parents Leo E. and Vivian (Harvey) Fownes and grandparents Gordon S. and Janie Harvey and Frank and Mabel Fownes.
A longtime employee of Bell Canada where he served as shop steward and on various work committees.
Gordon was an avid sportsman all his life. He excelled at track and field while attending John Grant H.S. (1964-68) in Lachine, Que. At the same time he played Junior B hockey for the Lachine Maroons. Later in Ottawa he played with M&W Rangers of the Ontario Central Jr. A League (68-69). While living in Ottawa he was introduced to rugby and went on to a highly distinguished career as player and later coach with the Ottawa Irish Rugby Club for 25 years. Some of his accomplishments on the rugby field included playing for Llanelli (Wales) Scarlets for two seasons (1973-75), selected to Canada’s national rugby team (1977-78) and gaining the distinction of playing representative rugby for Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Quebec and Ontario through the 1970s-80s. He was a founding member of Twin Elm Rugby Park in Ottawa and the Berserkers Rugby Club, Baddeck, N.S.
Gordon was a lover of animals and became a dedicated trainer of show horses while living in Ottawa. He read and wrote poetry, enjoyed gardening and collected stamps and coins. Gordon was a considerate man who found humour and laughter important ingredients in his recipe for life. It is for this quality that he will always be remembered and dearly missed.
A visitation and celebration of life for Gordon will be held at the Masonic Hall, Baddeck, on Sat. Nov. 21, 3-6 p.m.
Any donations can be made to Victoria County Memorial Hospital Foundation.
