April 6, 1938 – April 5, 2026
Gordon Arlen McCoy passed away peacefully in Kenora, Ontario, on April 5, 2026, just one day before his 88th birthday.
Born and raised in Fort Frances, Gordon was the third child of Joe and Jessie McCoy. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings Grace Roy (George), Ross McCoy, Marilyn McKinnon, Hugh McCoy (Katie), and Sandra McConnell (Jack).
He is survived by his devoted wife, Lynne; his loving sister Debbie Pihulak (Rob); and his dear brother-in-law Ken McKinnon. Gordon’s legacy of love lives on through his step-children, Murray Corbett, Cheryl Roffe (Steven), and Scott Corbett (Lisa), and his cherished grandchildren: Mathieu (Naga), Émilie (Anthony), Jordyn, Mackenzie, Claire, and Spencer.
“Uncle Gord” will be deeply missed by his nieces and nephews: Raymond (Kim), Richard (Evelyn), Barb (Dave), Trevor (Joleigh), Tyler (Anne), Kirsten, Matt (Kelly), Rachel (Pete), Jonathon (Cheryl), Jeremy, and Jessica (James), as well as his many great-nieces, great-nephews, and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his nephew, Michael. If there was ever a sporting event within travelling distance, Uncle Gord could be counted on to be cheering in the stands for his nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
After high school, Gordon settled in Kenora, embarking on a successful career with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), where he forged many lifelong friendships. Gordon enjoyed an active life in Kenora, playing hockey, curling, spending countless hours canoeing the waters of Longbow Lake and the Winnipeg River, or taking boat trips to Keewatin and Minaki.
Gordon and Lynne eventually made their home at Tresoor Point on the Winnipeg River. There, he helped build a close-knit community of friends who became like family. Whether hosting happy hours, attending road parties, decorating the house for holidays, taking care of wildflowers, collecting blueberries or lending a hand to a neighbour in need, Gordon was there.
St. Andrews United Church was the cornerstone of Gordon’s spiritual life. A dedicated board member for many years, he was known for organizing legendary fish fries and BBQs. Gordon took great pride in the church’s stewardship; he was often the first to arrive on Sunday mornings and helped clear snow from the sidewalks, steps and entrances. One of his proudest achievements was serving on the team that installed the church elevator, ensuring the sanctuary was accessible to everyone.
In his retirement, Gordon continued to play old-timers hockey and enjoyed trips to B.C. with the team. He was a fixture in the lives of his grandchildren, never content to watch from the sidelines. While he was able he frequently travelled to Montreal, North Bay, and Lindsay to be present for the milestones that mattered. Whether he was sitting in the stands at a hockey rink, cheering from the sidelines of a tennis or volleyball match, or simply visiting to share a story and a laugh, he made sure each grandchild knew they were loved. These trips were highlights for Gordon, second only to the joy of welcoming the kids back to the river to show them the beauty of the Kenora wilderness. Nothing brought him more joy than swimming from the dock with his “river rats”; and canoeing, fishing, tubing, and sharing BBQs on the deck with those he loved most.
Many thanks to Drs Wiley and Wiebe and staff at the LOTW District hospital for their care of Gordon during his final weeks.
A service will be held at St. Andrews United Church, 211 Bay Street, Keewatin, early in the Summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon’s memory to the St. Andrew’s United Church, Keewatin, Ontario, Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society.
