Gordon Poole, age 94 years, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Dawson Court on Sunday, March 3, 2013. Gordon was born in Port Arthur, Ontario to David and Magdeline Poole and was a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. Gord was an avid sportsman. In 1938 he played hockey with the Port Arthur Bearcats and baseball with the Port Arthur Red Sox when they won the city championship in 1953. As a young man Gord worked as a miner (sinking shaft) at MacLeod-Cockshutt Mine then at Steeprock Mine in 1939. He then went on to work at Provincial Paper Mill until he retired at the age of 65 in 1983. Once he retired he joined the Canada Games Complex. He was very proud of his 6:00 a.m. five day a week ritual which included swimming a mile followed by a workout in the gym. He especially enjoyed the weekly coffee breaks and celebrating birthdays with his swimming group. He continued this well into his 80’s. Gord was devoted to his wife Mae. They enjoyed traveling to B.C. to visit family and spent many winters in Tucson, Arizona where they looked forward to family and friends visiting. Gord was quite the gardener and our family reaped the rewards of beautiful flowers and fresh vegetables. He loved entertaining where everyone was welcome - pictures taken either at the bar or wearing one of his Mexican sombreros. The evening would be topped off by a round of “Gordo’s special coffees”. His main focus was always his family and he was very proud of all of us especially his grandchildren. Gord is survived by his daughter Sheree Kukko (Toby), son Gordie (Carol), step-daughter Rena Harkema (Jim), step-son Lorne Morency (Jackie), daughters-in-law Kerry and Elaine; his grandchildren Adam Viljakainen, Erika Bishop (Andrew), Shawn Poole (Lisa), Darren Harkema, Jay Harkema, Jamie Harkema, Andrea Mickelson (Eric), Gary Morency, Kerrelyn Brown (Shane), Deanna Morency; great-grandchildren Jesse & Justin Poole, Sienna Morency, Thaddeus Brown, Keanna Morency; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife Mae in July 2012, son Pat, step-son Glen Morency; parents David and Maude, brothers Ed, Bill, Russ, David; sisters Carmen Shelley, Jean Lehman, Roberta Callaghan, Bea Robinson; and his first wife Eileen Poole. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sargent & Son Funeral Chapel, 21 North Court Street with Diane Matson presiding. A private interment in Riverside Cemetery will follow the reception at the Sargent Family Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice. We would like to extend a very special thank you to all the staff of Dawson Court (1 North). The care and compassion shown to our dad and grandpa throughout his stay is greatly appreciated. We are extremely touched by your generosity, your kindness and your willingness to go the extra mile. Thank you again - you all are truly amazing people.

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