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GORDON EDWARD HANNON (GORD)
Date of Passing: Aug 16, 2020
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GORDON EDWARD HANNON
He will be forever missed by his wife Madeline (his Madzia), parents, Marilyn and Wally Hannon, sister Kathy (Wes), brother Sean (Elisa), and his nieces and nephews, Jessica, Madison, Samuel, Joseph, and Grace.
Gord was an extraordinary husband, son, brother, friend, colleague, partner, godfather, advisor, mentor, and lawyer. Gord was deeply committed to his family and to an extensive, diverse, and somewhat disparate group of friends and colleagues. Many of Gord's friendships began when he moved from his birthplace in Atikokan, Ontario to the big city to attend the University of Manitoba. Who could have predicted that a random roommate assignment in Tache Hall would form the foundation of "the boys", a group that has maintained their relationships to this very day. Gord's capacity for authentic connections resulted in his having many people in his life. The longtime Saturday morning crowd could often be found debating the causes and solutions to the world's problems or deconstructing the latest conspiracy theory. The colleagues who became friends at Manitoba Justice would meet Fridays after work for "drinks" before they started their weekends.
To paraphrase Disraeli, Gord was a man who expressed himself with "frankness and with fervor" This perhaps was most evident in his work as a Crown Attorney, as his belief in fairness and a just society led him to seek a career in which he could make a difference. Gord began his career in 1984 with the Government of Manitoba as a Crown Attorney, and retired in June of this year. Gord's commitment extended beyond his work to advocating for others. He was a member of the Manitoba Association of Crown Attorneys since 1987 and served on the Executive for some 25 years, first as Secretary for five years and then as President, a position he held for 10 years. He was also a member of the Canadian Association of Crown Counsel (CACC). In 2014, in recognition of all Gord had done for the CACC over the years, the CACC awarded Gord the Dennis Theman Award to publicly acknowledge his outstanding mentorship, contributions, commitment, leadership, and service to the organization.
There were many sides to Gord, some of which were contradictory. He was an immensely private person and at the same time, loved nothing more than getting together with his groups of friends. He and Madeline hosted many dinner parties at their home that were filled with great food, great wine, and always, great conversation. There were lots of gatherings and fun times with family and friends at the cottage in Fort Francis, Ontario. He was a voracious reader and his bookshelves were filled with everything from the Joy of Yiddish to the latest tome on Churchill. He loved sports and was a dedicated spectator and enthusiastic participant. He was a proud holder of season tickets for his beloved Bombers and a longtime supporter of the Jets 1.0 and 2.0. Until his illness forced him to retire from the sport, Gordon was a lifelong curler and longtime member of the Pembina Curling Club.
His commitment to social justice was evidenced by his willingness to volunteer his knowledge, time, and energy to the non-profit sector. Gord was an invaluable member of the Board of Directors of Opportunities for Independence Inc. and Career Trek Inc. His volunteer work was recognized in 2018, when he was awarded the William Norrie Community Services Award by Volunteer Manitoba.
Gord represented the best of what it meant to be a human being, with an immense capacity to love and care for his family, friends and community. He was always available to problem solve, to offer guidance and advice, and most importantly, to listen. He took great pride in being a member of the legal profession and was a crown attorney who held himself to the highest standards of performance and integrity. He had a strong belief in, and commitment to, our civil service and was honoured to be a servant of the people. He was a true mensch.
A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary's Cathedral with interment to follow at Assumption Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later time.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wong and his team at CancerCare Manitoba and the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Home Care and Palliative Care Programs.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be to Career Trek Inc., Opportunities for Independence Inc., CancerCare Manitoba or a charity of your choice.
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them".
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 22, 2020
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Madeline, our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences. Thinking of you. Take Care. - Posted by: Darcy & Denise Reitsma (Neighbour) on: Aug 27, 2020
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I am one of the many people who was blessed by a friendship with Gord. He was ever kind and generous; and always fun to hang with. I will always cherish memories of our many discussions about baseball, politics and our favorite foods and recipes. I always learned something new and interesting. Maybe most importantly, I felt privileged to witness the tender, loving relationship of Gord and Madeline, the memories of which, i hope, will give solace to us all. Bless you Madeline; we're really gonna miss you Gord. - Posted by: Alan Giesbrecht (Friend ) on: Aug 25, 2020
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My deepest condolences to you, Madeline and the entire family. My fondest memories of childhood often include Gord and I feel very grateful to have been able to call him my godfather. Growing up with a man like him around was a real privilege and he will be very much missed. My Mom (Hong) wanted to pass on her sympathies and to say that she will never forget Gord’s kindness. - Posted by: Krysel Cole (Goddaughter ) on: Aug 25, 2020
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As a member of the “Saturday morning crowd”, I was fortunate to have had the Hannonian experience: his generosity, in word and deed, his intelligence, wit, his superb analytical skills, whether discussing law, politics, football, or even the weather and his cheerfulness and positivity. To say he will be missed is to very much understate how deeply his absence will be felt. He was one of the best. - Posted by: Randy Janis (Friend) on: Aug 25, 2020
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I am so sorry for your loss, Madeline. I had the privilege of being a colleague of Gord’s for the last 20 years. Gord had many great attributes but his patience, respectfulness and always approachable personality are ones that I greatly admired. Gord was a passionate and brilliant lawyer who had the ability to bring a sense of calmness to any situation. He will be forever missed. - Posted by: Bernadine Loran (Colleague ) on: Aug 24, 2020
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Gord was an extraordinary man, friend and colleague. I shall miss him deeply. I hope Glenn and Gord will continue their weekly Friday drinks as they watch us from above. I sincere condolences to you Madeline. Love always. - Posted by: Marjorie Webb (Friend and Colleague) on: Aug 24, 2020
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I just wanted to pass along my deepest condolences Madeline. We were thrilled to honour your husband with the William Norrie Community Services volunteer award in 2018. There was no one more deserving. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Jackie (Friend) on: Aug 24, 2020
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My heartfelt condolences to Madeline, Aunt Marilyn, Uncle Wally, Sean and Cathy and your families. Recalling the times with Gord back in Atikokan. The football and baseball in the park, the rink in the swamp, the board games like Risk and the family dinners. Treasured moments they are. Love Moe and Pam - Posted by: Morris Goodwin (Cousin) on: Aug 23, 2020
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It was a privilege to work with and learn from Gord. A consummate professional, Gord was generous with his time and always willing to help. We all lost a good one. - Posted by: Harold Smith (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2020
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I met Gord in 1987 when I started working with Manitoba Justice. We quickly became friends and remained friends. Intelligent, knowledgeable, kind, considerate, tolerant, patient, generous. The list is endless. A master lawyer. Wonderful friend, husband, son, sibling, uncle, in law. You name it, Gord was great. - Posted by: Don LOFENDALE (friend and co-worker) on: Aug 23, 2020
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I’m so incredibly sad to learn of Gord’s passing. In the 1990’s, I was extremely fortunate to find myself working for a number of years with Gord on the provincial treaty land entitlement team. He was extraordinarily smart, and had a great sense of humour, but what made him really stand out was his humane approach to everything and everyone. He was truly one of the most thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known. My heart goes out to you, Madeline, and to Gord's parents and other family members. Sincerely, Colleen Mernett - Posted by: Colleen Mernett (Colleague) on: Aug 23, 2020
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He befriended me when we were articling students. When we worked together I always felt confident when he was in the room. So sorry for his loss. We are all better for knowing him. Dave Chomiak - Posted by: Dave Chomiak (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2020
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It was sad to see this today. I was a member of the Class of 84 with Gord. We also played on the same baseball team in the Bar Association League. Such a nice guy. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Gord. Tom Harrison Calgary, Alberta - Posted by: Tom Harrison (Robson Hall Classmate) on: Aug 23, 2020
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Oh Madeline , I am so sorry. Know my loving prayers and support are with you. Bless.❤️❤️❤️ - Posted by: Sonja Lundstrom (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
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I was privileged to have counted Gord as a friend and I will miss him at our weekly coffee klatches. He is that rare coincidence of intelligence, civility and kindness. I will miss our "arguments" from which I learned more than I taught. Goodbye, Gordy. - Posted by: Wayne Janis (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
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I want to share my deepest condolences to Gord's wife Madeline and his entire family. I'm truly saddened to learn of Gord's untimely passing. Back in the 1980's and 1990's Gord provided legal services to Manitoba's Department of Natural Resources. He supported me in various claims against the Manitoba Crown in matters re. provincial parks, wildlife conservation and forestry management. He was always the consummate lawyer and provided superb guidance. Gord was such a friendly, kind person with a great sense of humour. I feel really lucky to have worked with him. Art Hoole, Ottawa, Ontario - Posted by: Art Hoole (Province of Manitoba colleague of Gord's) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Gord represented Manitoba DOJ when I worked with him, Tom Saunders and Rod McLeod on the Manitoba TLE Framework Agreement signed in 1997. We were united in our believe that an injustice, going back many decades, was being corrected with this treaty land settlement with 19 Manitoba First Nations. His contribution to this nation building exercise was so vitally important to Manitoba and Canada. It recognizes and honours his belief in and dedication to service to all people. Bruce Hilchey - Posted by: Bruce Hilchey (Lawyer) on: Aug 22, 2020
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Gord will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Through our shared love of hockey we went on a hockey road trip of a lifetime in 1994 seeing some of the great arenas in North America. Our last time to see Gord was at our longtime favourite restaurant - Royal Pizza. Rest in peace Gord. - Posted by: Murray Sisler (Friend) on: Aug 22, 2020
