SPRINGATE, Dr. Gordon Leonard Vincent, P.Eng., MBA
February 6, 1931 ~ May 9, 2014
Gordon died peacefully with
his beloved wife, Joyce by
his side after a short struggle with pancreatic cancer.
Gordon was a wonderful
Dad to his children: Hilary (Wendy), Gordon (Charinee), Gregory, Charmaine (Mark), Chris (Cynthia), and Blair (Anne). He was a warm
and welcoming Step-Dad
to Joyce’s children, Jeffrey (Maureen) and Eileen (Carl). He was very proud of his grandchildren: Kelsey, Leah, Amanda, Solonge, Georgia, Ryan and Griffin Springate; and Richard and Elizabeth Church, and Reid Palmer. Gordon is also survived by
brothers, Arnold and George; and sisters, Joy and Ruth;
as well as many nieces and nephews. Gordon is survived by Charlotte, mother of his children. Gordon was the son
of Walter and Eleanor Springate, born in Montreal.
He completed his electrical engineering degree at
McGill University, his Master of Business Administration
at Simon Fraser University and his Doctorate with
Nova Southeastern University. Gordon’s work brought
him from Toronto to Vancouver in 1967, then to Prince George, and finally to Kelowna in 1987 to be Dean of the
Division of Applied Studies at Okanagan University
College. Over the years he also instructed for Nova
Southeastern University, City University, College of
New Caledonia, Simon Fraser University and the Institute
of Canadian Bankers. Gordon’s deep commitment to
his community was evident in many organizations and
activities where he donated his leadership skills and
wisdom. He was committed to his position as Dean’s
Warden at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and All
Angels; worked for many years with Scouts Canada,
receiving the Canada 125 Medal for volunteer contributions; committed more than 55 years of volunteer instructing and leadership to the Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons,
being Chief Commander for Canada; founding President
of the Westbank Toastmasters Club; Director for the
Gellately Nut Farm Society; President of the Kelowna
Probus Club and National President for Probus Canada;
volunteer with Red Cross; member of the Rotary Clubs
of Kelowna, West Kelowna, and Prince George; deeply
involved with the Masonic fraternity, belonging to several concordant bodies, including the Shriners; Past President
of the Association of the Professional Engineers and
Geoscientists for British Columbia; and the Canadian
Council of Professional Engineers. When his children
were young, Gordon was involved in their sports, including being a hockey referee. Gordon will be remembered
for his wonderful sense of humor, his sense of compassion and integrity, and for his commitment and generosity to his world. He will be greatly missed by his family. Memorial service will be at the Cathedral Church of St. Michael and
All Angels, 608 Sutherland Ave, Saturday, May 17th
at 2 PM, with a reception to follow. If desired, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services, (250) 860-6440.
Condolences may be sent to the
family by visiting everdenrust.com