Gordon Hoar

A time of viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.

In accordance with current public health orders, proof of vaccination will be required to attend.

"Then again that's the hero gig, part of the journey is the end." (Tony Stark, Avengers: Endgame)

The family of Gordon Timothy Hoar are unspeakably sad that they must announce the end of Gordon's journey. Gordon passed away, far too soon, at Brandon General Hospital, on Tuesday, January 11 at the age of 20. Gordon is survived and forever held with loving and awesome memories by his parents Brent and Lori, sister and birthday twin Lasha (partner Chris), brother that he bothered Jacob, Baba Leona Mackedenski and Gigi Lorne Mackedenski, Aunty Lisa Mackedenski, aunt by association Elsie Yip, Uncle Kim and Aunt Filomena Hoar, and Aunt Babette Trives. Gordon was predeceased by his infant brother Benjamin, Oma Marlis and Opa Donald Hoar, great grandmother Baba Nellie Nowosad and uncle John Trives.

Gordon was born in Brandon, six weeks early and was quickly diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.  He endured more surgeries and procedures before the age of 5 than most people will ever undergo in a lifetime. His atrial septal defect was corrected in the summer of 2006 and it marked a turning point, health wise for Gordon. However, as we were so cruelly reminded, he's never really been out of the woods; he was always hovering around the edges until it was time to walk back in amongst the trees. That forest will be a much livelier place now, with Gordon walking through.

Gordon grew up in Portage la Prairie and attended PUNS, ECVS, EAMS and ECGR in the immersion and French Language programs before heading to PCI. He graduated, in 2020 - first Covid-19 graduating class. Gordon began the two year Media and Communications course at ACC in the fall of 2020; navigating restrictions, the online learning of a hands on technical course and the usual adjustments of living on one's own for the first time. He handled them all admirably. He was flourishing, studying what he enjoyed and being independent. Gordon will receive his college degree posthumously. Gordon planned to work in sound engineering.

On the way to becoming a young adult, Gordon had the opportunity to participate in many activities and enjoyed the company of the friends he met along the way. He played hockey, youth soccer, swam, played basketball, and was a member of Scouts. He visited Disneyworld three times, met Gordie Howe, travelled to Canmore to visit grandparents, dipped in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and walked across the border to Mexico. As an adolescent, he participated in drama, videotaped football games for PCIChannel1 and went on daily walks - something he continued until his passing. Gordon followed the Jets, the Bombers, the Raptors and revelled in the witty banter of Jay and Dan on TSN. During his last three years of high school, Gordon took voice lessons with Jennifer Harder which he anticipated as much for the discussion time as the actual singing instruction.

Gordon LOVED movies! He was a frequent patron of Prairie City Cinema and enjoyed being greeted by David. The Marvel Universe and Studio Ghibli animated films were among his favourites. He liked watching classics on TCM, AMC and Criterion. Gordon frequented thrift stores, yard sales and the annual Portage Library book sale searching for comic books and hard copies of films on his watch list. His DVD collection had grown to over 500 films and TV shows. He was always willing to discuss and give movie recommendations.

Gordon will be missed for so many reasons, but perhaps most of all we'll miss his talking. He could find the right words for awkward situations, add humour when it was needed, provide the conversation at the dinner table, or share his opinion - loudly and often. After a chilly commute to school on the tagalong bike, he informed the bike operator that "I'm freezing my lips off back here!" Gordon was funny, kind, loyal, protector of Lasha and Jacob. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and nephew. We have so many wonderful memories created with and by Gordon; for that we are grateful beyond measure.

Thank you to family and friends who have reached out to and (re)connected with us in this difficult time.  Your thoughts, prayers, gifts, and memories have provided a much-needed lifeline. Thanks to the emergency services and department of Brandon General Hospital for working so hard to revive Gordon.

A time of viewing and visitation will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  In accordance with current public health orders, proof of vaccination will be required to attend. A private family service will be held. A memorial for Gordon will be held at a later time.

If people so desire, a donation in Gordon's memory can be made to Variety Children's Heart Center, 685 William Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0Z2, Trinity United Church, 15 Tupper St. S., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1W7, the Alzheimer's Foundation of Manitoba, 40 Royal Road North Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 1V1, Cancer Care Manitoba,675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 or charity of their choice.

Vichnaya Pamyat.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021