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JOSEPH GORDON SHILLINGFORD
Date of Passing: Jan 25, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJOSEPH GORDON SHILLINGFORD Joseph Gordon Shillingford, or Little Joe as he was known when he was a youngster, was born in 1960 in Moosomin, SK to Dorothy (née Craig) and Joseph Charles Shillingford. His mother died when he was only four, and his father died when Gord was 12. His Uncle Gordon and Aunt Helen, his mother's twin, brought him to Winnipeg to raise him as their own. Although they cared deeply for him, he had already suffered much loss and his teen years were turbulent. He loved music and had a talent for organizing, and when he was barely out of his teens he was managing the band The Dub Rifles. When it disbanded, Gord turned his energy to studies at the University of Winnipeg, pursuing his passion for music, history, and literature, and making lifelong friends in the process. Using his student loans, he teamed up with a friend to start the drama publishing house Blizzard in 1986. When the partnership dissolved, he went to work at the Manitoba Arts Council. But he soon returned to publishing, starting Scirocco Drama, which would go on to garner many Governor General's Award wins and nominations. He also branched out into non-fiction, acquiring Watson & Dwyer, and published many important social history titles. He then added to his empire, acquiring the Muses' Company, a poetry press with which he won another Governor General Award. In 1995 Gord wooed and wed fellow publisher, Karen Haughian, whose press was in Montreal. In 1996 they had a son, Griffin, and in 1997 moved to Winnipeg. His son was Gord's pride and joy, his reward in a way for his own fractured childhood. Gord passed away January 25, 2016 after a brief battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife Karen, his son Griffin, and his many friends and colleagues in the industry. A gathering to remember Gord will be held at the King's Head Pub on Sunday, January 31 at 5:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 30, 2016
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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I was so saddened to hear of Gord's passing. My deepest condolences go out to Gord's family. As a writer, it was my absolute honour to meet and work with Gord. He was kind and patient and truly a mentor to me. A true gentleman and a supporter of Winnipeg's drama and writing community in particular new playwrights as was displayed in his support of many high school playwrights over the years who took part in his annual high school playwriting competition. I had the opportunity to work with several of these playwrights over the years as both an educator and a director. He sparked a love of writing in these students. His contribution to our writing and theatre community is a legacy his family will always treasure and one that we as artists will not forget. Rest in peace Gord. - Posted by: Demetra Hajidiacos (Author, published by Gord) on: Feb 17, 2016
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Many of us that knew Gord here were genuinely shocked and saddened upon hearing of his passing. Gord was one in a million, an all around great person, always passionate about his craft. He was one of our few customers that could "just cruse into the plant" and talked with members of our staff as if they were friends and colleagues, and they were, and he was always welcome here. I personally learnt a great deal about the publishing world from Gord and Karen, and thankful for it. Indeed, Gord kept us abreast of all things Griffin, sharing stories of school, football and part time jobs. We're going to miss you friend, god bless. - Posted by: Dave Friesen (On behalf of his friends and colleagues at Hignell Book Printing) on: Feb 01, 2016
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I only corresponded by email with Gord. He was always so upbeat and enthusiastic. He let me know he wanted my manuscript only a week or so after he got my submission. I last heard from him 11Jan. Just as he was beginning to read my MS. He wrote with such eagerness. I've been published by different editors, but Gord absolutely stands out as the most welcoming and appreciative. I'm so sorry I'll never get to meet him now. I was so looking forward to it, Elspeth Cameron - Posted by: Elspeth Cameron (Author, about to be published by Gord) on: Jan 31, 2016
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Gord was a great champion of Canadian writers and artists. He had an uncanny and savvy eye for a hot new playwright or poet that must be read. I knew Gord in Montreal and then in his adopted prairie city of Winnipeg. I will never forget his easy going laughter, his generosity while sharing a beer and talking hockey, politics and art. My deepest condolences to Karen, Griffin and the Winnipeg writing community- A great man gone much too soon. - Posted by: Robert Astle (Friend) on: Jan 30, 2016
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I remember when Gordie was born. His parents where so proud! My wife and mother-in-law kept in touch but slowly lost touch. My mother-in -law was a Shillingford. - Posted by: Harvey Jamieson (first cousin by marriage) on: Jan 30, 2016
