Williams, Gordon Fredrick
Passed away on Friday September 18th, 2009 at home.
Gordon was born January 13, 1935 in Hayward, California, the oldest of 3 brothers, to his predeceased parents, Leslie and Fern Williams. Building his first boat at the age of eight, Gordon had the calling of the sea all his life. After joining the American Merchant Marine and spending several years at sea, he met and married his soul mate and spouse, Virginia (nee Collinge) in California and had three children; Daniel, the eldest, Julie, and the youngest Traci all before moving to British Columbia, Canada in 1967.
Gordon then began building a 47 foot ketch, the “Shere Khan”, that when completed he, his wife Virginia, his youngest daughter and friends sailed to Alaska and back in a journey of a life time. Gordon and Ginny then moved to Vancouver Island, first to Maple Bay, where Gordon built his second boat, a 35 foot cat rig boat called, “Mehitable”. A second and final move into retirement, took Gordon and Ginny to Union Bay where over the years life was constantly celebrated in marriages, holidays and grandchildren.
A wood boat shipwright for most of his adult life, Gordon shared his skills and knowledge to the many that sought his council. In his later years, he was affectionately known as our “Papa”, and our memories will be the joy filled days on the beach, splashing about in the smaller wood boats he handcrafted, his Christmas train set, and the many hours of intellectual and philosophical discussions.
Predeceased by his loving lifelong soul mate, Virginia; and his parents Leslie and Fern.
Survived by his children and grandchildren; Daniel (Dylan & Anastasia), Julie (Zachary), and his youngest daughter, Traci, and his two younger brothers, David and Bob.
A Celebration of Gordon’s Life will be held Saturday, September 26, 1-5pm at the Williams’ residence at 4746 Kilmarnock Drive, Union Bay.