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Gordon Funk

Image by Nick Andréka

DR. GORDON LEONARD FUNK

December 12, 1943 – August 8, 2020

It is with heavy hearts and sadness we announce the accidental passing of our beloved Gordon Funk on August 8, 2020 at our family cottage on Clearwater Bay, Lake of the Woods, Ontario.

 

Gord will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 51 years, Sandy; daughters Jennifer Paré (Kevin) (grandson Dylan) and Tricia Rempel (Nathan) (granddaughters Ella and Ava); son Gord Funk Jr. (Andrea); brother Bob Funk (Tanyss); and his loyal dog and man’s best friend Tucker. He was predeceased by their baby, called to the angels before his time began; parents Gordon (Tammy) and Mary Funk; and his father and mother-in-law Fred and Glenna Nuttall.

 

Gord was born on December 12, 1943 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in East Kildonan.  He attended Lord Wolseley School and Miles MacDonell Collegiate.  Gord was a hardworking man with a strong work ethic which awarded him a degree in dentistry.  In 1969 he opened his office in Elmwood where he became a well liked and respected dentist with a very successful practice of 32 years. 

 

Also, in 1969, he married Sandy, the love of his life. His admiration and love of her, one can only dream of having in their life.  He cared for her implicitly until the day he died. 

 

Gord’s three grandchildren, Dylan, Ella and Ava, who were with him by his side the day he died, were his pride and joy.  He made sure in his own way, to let each one of them know that they were the apple of his eye.

 

Friends and family were most important to Gord throughout his life.  His most cherished possession was his cottage where the family was certain to gather, and friends would come for visits and parties. 

 

There are many fond memories of fishing whether in Florida, with family in Shoal Lake or finding the “humps” on Clear Water Bay with friends.  He also loved hunting, gardening, doing work projects, visiting on the dock, taking in the sunsets, watching the kids and the dogs play, having a great conversation, watching sports, his cars, boats and sailing.

 

Gord's desire to be near the water always resulted in his residences being located on a waterfront.

 

Friendships always remained important to Gord. His lifelong friendships with his childhood friends of 70 years, his Florida friends, lake friends as well as any friendships made during the many seasons of his life were always cherished by him.

 

The many family dogs and cats, whether his own or his children’s, were equally loved. Gord also had a very special bond with whom he called his “long nosed boys”.  With only two hands we were amazed with his ability to treat each one the same.  If grandpa called, the long-nosed boys always knew there would be a cookie or a truck ride waiting for them.

 

During the many years of his career, Gord and Sandy had the retirement dream of spending winters in Florida.  In 2000, this dream came true.  Gord’s bucket list (for retirement) was simple; he wanted to spend time with family, drink coffee, read, learn to golf, spend more days fishing, and ride a Harley.  He managed to check all of his boxes.  Retirement in Florida also blessed him with friendships very dear to him.

 

All who knew Gord, knew he had a big heart.  He was a beautiful man who touched many lives.  He was hard working, kind and funny with a dry sense of humour.  He always made time for a chat with anyone who wanted to talk.  He most loved to talk about the good old days, politics, and his children and grandchildren.  Gord was an incredible listener, as well. 

 

Gord (Dad, Grandpa), you will be missed. You were taken from us much too soon. There was so much left to say, so much you wanted to do, and so much we wanted to do with you.  God is so lucky to have you now as one of his angels and we know you will be one of his very best.  We will keep you in our hearts always, until we meet again.

 

In keeping with Gord's wishes, cremation has taken place and his family is organizing a celebration of his life with two sessions. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be limited to family and close friends. For those wishing to attend the Celebration of Life Event, please RSVP attendance by emailing: oddymb@gmail.com

 

In the mean time, Gord’s family kindly requests that all of his many friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by watching the photo-biography video above. Please, also consider sharing your own photos and/or sharing your own memories and stories, of Gord,

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either CancerCare Manitoba or The Dream Factory Manitoba, charities which were both near and dear to Gord’s heart.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Joe Maguire

May 11, 2021 at 8:55 PM

Sorry it took so long to say something. Every time I tried tears then laughter came over me. It's hard to believe that someone can have such an impact when i only met Gordie about 10 or 12 years ago, and then only part time as we were both snowbirds. He was just a special person in every way. We would spend hours talking politics and medicine, mostly my prostate cancer. He became a proud, and well known, member of the Jerzy Boys, at the Lani Kai bar in Ft Myers beach. We laughed so much my stomach would hurt the next day. Gordie also commented to me that one of the best days was when we decided to take my boat out with Eddie, Bobby and Gordie. We got a late start and it was a little choppy so we just went back and forth in front of the Marina for about 3 or 4 hours just talking. It turned out to be a great day. Never saw him angry, always happy and willing to try something new. Great friend who i miss dearly. Joe Maguire

Kerri Flood

September 21, 2020 at 8:19 PM

My deepest sympathies for all of you - what a terrible shock. I have such fond memories of your dad (and all of you) hanging out at the cottage spending hours on the dock and going for boat rides with your dad. All of my best to you through in this difficult time. Kerri Flood

Joy Whitley Syskakis

September 2, 2020 at 11:24 PM

A memory of Gord for you, the Pied Piper of Lake of the Woods! A wonderful Dad.  Our cottage at Woodchuck Bay I think, mid 1970's. ❤❤❤ Joy Whitley Syskakis

Joy Whitley Syskakis

September 2, 2020 at 10:30 PM

To Sandy and Family, To Bob and Tanyss... I was so shocked and sorry to hear about Gordie's untimely passing.  I want you to know how much I've been thinking of all of you since I heard the incredibly sad news.  I can only imagine how much you are missing him.    So many wonderful memories of the Funk family and Gord in the early years, all friends together in East Kildonan.  Our families were very close, along with the de Graaf family, our parents were best friends as we grew up.   Gord was a wonderful friend to my sister, Janice Whitley, Gord and Sandy were so kind to her over the years.  I remember Gord.... his beautiful boats on the Red River, his fancy cars in our driveway, the parties on our riverbank, he was my "big sister's coolest friend"!  Always a smile and thoughtfulness and kindness to everyone!  He was like a ray of sunshine!  Memories of New Year's Eve parties at Gord and Sandy's home on the Red River, boating, lakeside visits at Lake of the Woods, and always fun.  Gord was  the life of the party and made sure everyone else was having fun too.  He was also my very favourite dentist when I lived in Winnipeg! The video and write up of Gord are so very beautiful.  His wonderful smile, thank you for sharing all the memories.  Sandy and family, Bob and Tanyss, I send my love, my condolences and heartfelt sympathy to you.  Gordie lives on in all of us, in our hearts forever. He will always be a part of my world of memories.  My thoughts are with you through this time of sorrow ❤ Joy Whitley Syskakis & Family   

Susan

August 27, 2020 at 11:45 PM

My daughters and I wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gordie Funk. He was our friend and our most capable dentist. Gordie was also a treasured neighbour during the years  we all lived along Henderson Highway  .  He and Sandy welcomed us to their summer home at the Lake of the Woods and those fun weekends were not to be forgotten.. Winter memories included  visits  to the Funk home and several amazing New Years Eve parties. We are saddened for his loss and send tons of love to those who now mourn him.. Susan , Mandi and Lisa Siwek  ❤❤❤

Wade Glew

August 27, 2020 at 5:22 PM

my deepest sympathies to  all of Gord's immediate and extended family.  He was a man who always made me smile to remember him.  He always will. Wade Glew

Kristin Nuttall

August 26, 2020 at 5:21 AM

I am so saddened to learn about Uncle Gord. I think back to my childhood and remember his kind, relaxed face. He was always so warm and welcoming. Sending love to the family. xo Kristin

Greg and Evelyn Kozoriz

August 26, 2020 at 2:37 AM

So sorry to hear about Gord's passing. He was best man at our wedding 50 years ago and was also at our 30th renewal. Many of our family members valued him as their family dentist. He was a valued classmate. Greg and Evelyn 

Barry Jackson

August 25, 2020 at 3:41 PM

My family knows Gord from camp.  Some of our best memories of Gord, were getting phone calls, and him asking where his dog Sunny was, and Gord bursting out laughing when he found out Sunny was sound a sleep on my parents sofa. The memories of hunting trips with Gord, my Dad Jim, my son Kevin, and I.  Then upon returning back to my Parents, getting a laugh out of  Gord and My Dad, sitting there with their Jack Daniels, telling my Mom about all the the deer they saw and missed. Gord will be missed by all of us. Our thoughts and Love to the entire family,  R.I.P Gord HAPPY HUNTING Barry, Paula, Jeff and Jen, Kevin, Amanda and James 

Holly Glew

August 24, 2020 at 9:22 PM

I keep watching the video and tearing up as the shock still has not dissipated! Gord made each person feel valued, cared about and respected no matter their age or disposition.  He would stop whatever he was doing to listen, and smile with those twinkly eyes.  I watched him over 34 years make people feel smart, witty and special by his genuine interest in people.  I admired as i grew up how  Gord would engage strangers and friends never referencing his own accomplishments or material means.  We are all so fortunate he made us feel welcome in his life amongst all of those he loved dearly.  He opened his heart, homes, boats, and cottage to many and we will cherish those memories all the years of our lives Gord!! My heart aches for each of you.  Holly Glew (Cory, Morley, Kalan, Ethan, Caleb, Matzah and even Dooley bird was made welcome ❤).

Judy JOHNSON

August 24, 2020 at 8:31 PM

Dear Sandy and family, I was truly saddened to hear of Gord’s sudden passing. I have good memories of our times together. Jim considered Gord one of his very good friends. My deepest condolences to all of you.  Judy Johnson

Kelly and Karen Wiebe

August 24, 2020 at 7:31 PM

In 1982 I joined Gord as a associate in his dental practice where we worked together for 15 years. He was loved by staff and patients. I remember that right from the beginning he had a way of making me feel smarter and more skilled than I was and at lunch Gord would sit down have his apple and yogurt then put back his head and have his nap. Our sincere condolences to Sandy and the family. Kelly and Karen Wiebe 

Stuart Rowbottom

August 24, 2020 at 3:15 PM

I know Gordie from being kids on Oakview.  He was Bob's cool older brother who always had awesome cars! We had a lot of mutual friends...Whitleys, Bob Stalker, my cousin Richard, John, Charlie. He later became my and my family's dentist.  He loved when I brought him smoked goldeye from Lac du Bonnet. We shared a lot of lake stories.  He was a kind and gentle man who will be missed. Stuart Rowbottom 

Cindy Clayton

August 23, 2020 at 6:14 PM

Our deepest sympathy to Sandy and family.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you  Frank and Linda Krenmuller Cindy Clayton

Allan and Rochelle Baker

August 23, 2020 at 5:26 PM

Our sympathy to you Sandy and your family. We remember Gord as a friend and dental school classmate and as a friend and colleague after graduation. Gord will be missed and we trust your many wonderful memories will bring you peace. Thinking of you all, Allan and Rochelle Baker

Mike Lee

August 23, 2020 at 2:56 PM

Shocked, and saddened to learn of Gord’s untimely and unfortunate passing. The mere mention of his name brings back so many fond memories of growing up in the aura of this wonderful man. Condolences to Sandy, Jennifer,Tricia, and Gordy. Love to all.

Ken Howie

August 23, 2020 at 1:03 AM

So heartbroken to hear of Gord's passing. I first met Gord in Dec. 1977 , when I was finishing my 5 year military stint , and looking to set up a dental practice in Winnipeg. He convinced me to set up my practice on Henderson Highway , but  go much further north , which I did 6 months later.  A friend and later a patient (and Family) for many years , I always enjoyed their visits to the office.  My condolences to Sandy and Family.

Bruce Sutherland

August 23, 2020 at 12:42 AM

Heartfelt everything to family From childhood (Oakview Ave) to growing up summers (Whiteshell-Brereton/Hunt Lakes) , school Miles Mac and as my dentist so many memories/stories flooding to mind. Though not related we were cousin-like as our parents Auntie Mary, Uncle Tammy, Auntie Gladys and Uncle Ken were best buds from Selkirk thru Wpg years. Love and hugs to all Bruce Sutherland

Jan Brown

August 23, 2020 at 12:23 AM

I was shocked when I received the call from Tricia informing us of Gords sudden tragic passing. Our time together was mostly during our years as classmates at dental school. We did consult, after his retirement, re: treatmnet for Sandy. He will be greatly missed by many. Our condolances to Sandy and the family. RIP my friend. Jan and Sigrid Brown (Class of '69)

Charlie and Maxine Roberts

August 22, 2020 at 10:18 PM

Such a shock to learn of Gordy’s passing.  Although we didn’t see him and Sandy much in the last year or so at Burnt Store in Punta Gorda, FL, we knew him to be a gentle spirit with a great personality.  Our condolences to Sandy and his family.

Marinco

August 22, 2020 at 9:46 PM

❤ Gordy was a gentle soul. He, Eddie, John Wood and one other rode their Harleys over to the east coast of Florida, stayed with us and then traveled to the Daytona 500. We had such a great time. It was always great to see him. His smile, his kindness was just him head to toe! Eddie had this one joke, he made up a story to include Gordy's long lost grandpa. There were countless laughs with the Florida group. The family is in our prayers.🙏🏻 Gordy, we were blessed to have known you. 😘 Blessings Ken and Deb Marinco

Jimmy

August 22, 2020 at 7:07 PM

Gordy was one of the nicest men I have ever know.....never without a smile......never without a hand to help. RIP my friend. 

Les Allen

August 22, 2020 at 6:34 PM

My sincere condolences   Gord was always recognized as a great contributor to our profession. The smile in the picture will be how I knew Gord and will always remember him.        Les Allen

Greg Smith

August 22, 2020 at 4:53 PM

My condolences to the family on this untimely passing of Gord. A man  who was truly one of the good guys. My life was enriched by knowing him. He will be missed by many.  RIP good doctor.      Greg Smith

Alan Parris

August 22, 2020 at 4:15 PM

Our sincere condolences to all the family. I have fond from my childhood of Uncle Tammy Aunt Mary Gord and Bob. Alan & Margaret Parris                    Lac du Bonnet 

Dan Green

August 22, 2020 at 4:14 PM

Dear Sandy and family: Our sincere condolences to all on the sudden passing of Gordie. He and I met and became friends right at the beginning of first year dental school as we sat side by side in the first and second year preclinical labs. He was a great guy and will be sadly missed. Dan and Maureen Green

Beth Bell

August 22, 2020 at 3:46 PM

My sincere condolences to the entire family. Dr Funk was our family dentist from my first visit and I remember how gentle, kind and pleasant he made trips to the dentist, which is hard to do for young kids.  He had beautiful eyes and a very caring face as I have etched in my mind from hours Over my childhood in his dental chair. :) I know you will all miss him greatly, but his spirit will remain. Rest in peace Dr. Funk.   Beth Bell (nee Turnbull).

TOm Breneman

August 22, 2020 at 3:34 PM

Sandy & family Our sincere condolences to you all on Gord’s sudden passing. May the many memories you made bring you comfort at this time. Tom & Janie Breneman (class of ‘69)
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