VIBERT o@ca.on.york_county.toronto.globe_and_mail 2006-05-04 published
BADGER,
D.
Gordon
Gordon passed away unexpectedly but peacefully while napping
in a little stone cottage in beautiful rural Ireland, a land
he truly loved, on his septuagenarian elopement and honeymoon
vacation with his new bride, Marilyn
WEIR.
Tragically,
Marilyn
has had their happiness together cut far too short. Gordon never
wasted any time - he knew there might not be a tomorrow and lived
each and every day with gusto. Great friend, mentor and presence
to so many. Larger than life character with an intellect, enthusiasm
and energy that touched a broad spectrum of people in many ways.
Missed by a host including the children he loved; Storey, Matthew,
Lawrie and Gregg; their mothers Marilyn
(McFATRIDGE) and Heather
(JACKSON;) grandchildren Hartley and Spencer
VIBERT and Will
and Sydney
BADGER; and in-laws Matthew
VIBERT and Kate
HUNTER-
BADGER.
Pre-deceased by his loving daughter Martha, wife of many years
Vicky (MacCAUSLAND,) sister Donna Marie
ABERLE and parents Donald
and Edith BADGER.
Born in Cayuga, Ontario May 8, 1936. Chartered
Accountant (Clarkson and Gordon) and entrepreneur extraordinaire,
'Badge' had a colorful career that included the founding of Homemakers
Digest and most recently real estate development in Florida,
with countless adventures in between. He never stopped and was
enjoying some of his best successes recently. Gordon had a wonderful
ability to embrace life and enjoy it thoroughly. He did so in
the comfort of his home in Creemore Ontario where he weighed
in generously and meaningfully on community issues; recently
in Melbourne, Florida where he was doing business with the enthusiasm
of a youngster; in the Domincan Republic where he also made a
home and embraced the people there who loved and respected him
and to whom he showed the generosity of a true Santa Claus; and
the cottage where he perhaps enjoyed life with family and Friends
most on Playfair Island, Lake Joseph. He created an environment
there that became the foundation for the family. With all of
this in his life, and the prospect of sharing it in his sunset
years with his new love, he died truly happy. He was a wonderfully
unique character, a raconteur who entertained and delighted all.
He has left us alone, and we will grieve, but his spirit will
remain in our hearts forever. A service will be held for Friends
and family at Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor St. West,
Toronto on Monday, May 8, 2006 (his 70th birthday) at 4: 30 p.m.
More importantly, the major celebration of his life that he directed
include martinis and good wine will take place at the Badger
Hill farm near Creemore on Saturday, June 24 with tee-offs for
those who wish to golf on Badger Downs starting at 2 p.m. Friends
should please mark you calendars for then and let a family member
know if you need directions or help with accommodation. In lieu
of flowers, donations may be made to Mustard Seed Communities, Inc,
(www.mustardseed.com) in favour of their Dominican Republic facility
in the name of Gordon and Martha Badger (c/o Gregg
BADGER, 501 Russell
Hill Rd., Toronto M5P 2T1 if desired).
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