With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Gordon Charles Van Midde, on Sunday January 21, 2024, at ARCH surrounded by his family at the age of 91.
Gordon is now reunited with his wife Deanna (Trudeau) who he missed dearly. Loving father of Michael (Christianne) Van Midde, Janice (John) Bennin and Margaret (David) Steele. Cherished Popa/Grandpa of Tanya (Bob) Henderson, Gary Van Midde, Holly (Joe) Schaeffer, Megan Carriere, Jessie (Trisha) Carriere, Andrew Van Midde (Rebecca Jolley), Morgan (Connor) Flood and Mikayla Steele (Tim Young). Great Grampa/Popa of Charlie Dunton, Noah, Gaven and Gisele Moses, Troy and Rory Carriere, Daxton Steele, Reid and Arlie Young.
Predeceased by his parents Peter and Rhoda Van Midde, and his siblings Marie Van Midde, Paul Van Midde, Barbara (Don) Nemeth. Son-in-law of the late Ernest and Loretta Trudeau. Brother-in-law of the late Joyce and Tom Wilson, late Don Trudeau, late Ernie and Marion Trudeau, late Betty and John Seed, Dorothy (late Milton) Sharpe, Gary and Trudy Trudeau.
Throughout Gordon’s life he accomplished many things. He worked at Algoma Steel for almost 45 years. He dedicated over 70 years as a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge and was also a member of the Victory Rebekah's Lodge and Grand Lodge. Gordon was well-known as the ‘meat pie guy ’and you would find Deanna working alongside him at the meat pie bakes.
Gordon was one of the original founders of the Algoma Rod and Gun Club where he designed their first emblem. He was also one of the founders of the Sault Naturalist Club. Later in life he and Deanna became members of the Kiwanis Club.
Gordon will always be remembered for his love of hunting, fishing, gardening, travelling and his dry sense of humour and jokes. He had the biggest heart and always wanted to be able to help in any way he could. Anything you needed you just had to call and ask whether it was picking his grandkids up at school, driving them to and from their jobs, or even picking them up at university at the end of their year. He would never turn down a shopping trip over the river, especially on Black Friday at 3:00am. Just be careful you didn’t get dragged on the “three-hour tour”.
Family was everything to our dad and he was extremely proud of each and every one of us. At family gatherings, he always insisted on a group photo before everyone left and we will surely treasure our last family photo taken together on Christmas Eve.
The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Oliver and nurse Misty, the Angels of the Great Northern Retirement Home for taking such good care of our dad in his final years, the physicians and nurses at Sault Area Hospital that were involved in his circle of care over the last few months especially nurses Angel and Sandy from the 3B unit. Special thanks to Sue Doucette for always watching out for our dad. Please know he truly enjoyed your visits and the jokes! Thank you as well to his PSW’s Patti, Annette, Kaitlyn, Candace and Diane. We truly appreciate all the care you provided and patience as we know mornings were not always easy for Dad.
As we grieve for the loss of our dad, may we find comfort in the joyful memories that were shared with him, and the privilege it was to know and love him.
As per Gordon’s wishes a church service is planned for February 10, 2024, at 12:30pm. The service will be held at East Korah Maxwell United Church with Mrs. Helen Smith officiating.
Memorial donations payable by cheque or online to East Korah Maxwell United Church or ARCH.
Visit www.osullivanfuneralhome.com. to leave condolences for the family. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St, 705-759-8456.