With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Gordon at South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at the age of the age 82. Beloved husband of the late Eileen (Smith) for 54 years. Loving father of Michelle and Chad Brown of London and Kevin and Lisa Ross of Dresden. Proud grandfather of Mackenzie, Kathryn and Nicholas Brown; Victoria Taylor (Mark), Brandon Hennessy and Rena Ross. Dear brother of Elaine Tomlinson of Exeter. Remembered by many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents Ernest and Rena Ross, father and mother-in-law Gilbert and Grace Smith, sister Marlene Ostland, sister-in-law Lorraine Stephenson (Bill), and brother-in-law Jim Tomlinson.
Gordon had a lifelong love of numbers and began his career at the bank. After living and working in Orillia and Bracebridge, he returned to Exeter in 1973 and became a partner at Hopper Hockey, where he excelled in sales and kept the books meticulously balanced. When the furniture store closed in 1988, he joined Huron Tractor, where he remained until his retirement. In addition to being a valued member of the parts department, he used his sales skills to sell lawn and garden equipment and later finished his time with John Deere as a dedicated custodian.
A casual come-and-go celebration of Gord’s life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Thursday, August 7th from 1–3 PM. Please wear your favorite John Deere or Maple Leaf’s attire. Private interment Exeter Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Katherine MacGregor-Ens
Deepest Sympathy to Gord’s family and friends.
Gord was friendly and outgoing. It didn’t matter how much pain Gord was in, he still had a smile for everyone he met. With his jokes, and contagious chuckle, Gord was a joy to spend time with, and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Ellen Hodgins
Elaine…sorry to hear of your brother’s passing.
Laura Dixon
Elaine and Gord’s family,
I am so sorry to learn of Gord’s sudden passing. He always had a big smile and a great conversation to share. My deepest condolences, may He rest in peace
George Godbolt
Lois and I are so sorry to hear the unexpected news that Gord and his big smile has left us.
I sang at the Villa in May, not too long after Gord arrived. We talked about his new residence and as always, Gord was smiling and happy to chat. He sat right in the front row beside Harvey Smith so I certainly faced a knowledgeable yet appreciative audience. We had so much fun that afternoon! I will miss him on my next visit just as he will be missed by many others.
George Godbolt
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Gord’s family and friends
Sorry to learn of Gord’s passing. Have many good memories of him while he worked at Hopper Hockey and Huron Tractor.
Our condolences to all
Hugh & Fran McCallum
A golfing friend. A pickle baller. A good conversationalist. A true gentleman.
MARY ELLEN FINLAYSON
To the Ross Family,
Gord, was the definition of a true gentleman. I had the honor to work with him at Huron Tractor for many years. He always took the time to ask about my family and was so deeply proud of his own, I bet heaven is a little cleaner now, he definitely took pride in making the dealership look spectacular at all times.
Thinking of you all,
Mary Ellen, Mark, Jack and Sam Finlayson
Cate & Bryan Denomme
Very sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Huron Tractor before his retirement. He will be missed.
Nick & Veronica Studnicka
To the Ross family,
Our deepest condolences on the sudden loss of Gord. It was an honor to work with Gord and call him a friend…he will be missed by so many here at the dealership. Lots of lessons learned from Gord over the years and so many great memories. Rest in peace…you were a great man!
Tamara Thompson
The residents and staff of Exeter Villa want to send our deepest expression of sympathy and condolence to you and your family at this time of sorrow. May the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Chris & Kate Hern
Sincere condolences to the Ross Family. I had the privilege of working with Gord for many years at HT. Ol’ Gord was a huge help to us for as we opened up the shop down in Arva. He was such a great guy, and will always be fondly remembered.
Chris & Kate Hern
Kelli Beecroft
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working with Gord at Huron Tractor and loved our daily chats together as he cleaned. He spoke so fondly of all of you, especially his grandchildren.
Paul and Barb Storey
Dear Michelle, Kevin, Elaine and Families:
We are so saddened by Gord’s sudden passing.
We have so many fond memories of Gord and Eileen as they were wonderful friends to our family through the years. Paul and Gord had many chats through the years about their “Leafs” and how they hoped that some day they will win the Stanley Cup again.
He was so proud of his family and loved chatting about you all. Mention the grandchildren and his face would just light up!!
Sending our sincerest condolences to you all at this very difficult time.
RIP Gord (give Eileen a hug for us!!)
Paul, Barb, Donald and Brent
Marg Prout
Sincere condolences to Elaine and all Gord’s family. Gord was well liked by everyone who knew him.
Cherish your wonderful memories.
Sandra Newton
To the families of Gord Ross
It was with sadness that I read about Gord’s passing. As a neighbour for many years I was privileged to know him. He was friendly, kind and helpful. He definitely will be missed but many good memories will be there for the people who knew him.
Sandra Newton
Lori & Brent Clarke
Deepest condolences to Gord’s family. He was a wonderful guy and had a smile and laugh that brightened all around him! He was working at Hopper & Hockey when we were starting out and he was so patient and helpful. There will be many memories for the family to draw comfort from, I am sure.
Joanne Smith
Dear Kevin, Michelle, Elaine and families. I was so saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing. He had a way of making you feel he was always happy to see you and I will smile when I think of him. He will be missed and leaves us with one more part of our family gone, but never forgotten. Sincerely, Joanne (Ross) Smith.
Cathy Batten
Elaine & The Ross Family
My condolences to you all on the sudden passing of Gord. You all have many great memories of him to treasure. I will remember our many chats over the years at Hopper Hockey, Huron Tractor and out on the street. Take care, thinking of you all.
Cathy
George and Sue Wilson
Michelle, Kevin, Elaine and families, heartfelt condolences on Gord’s passing. He was a friendly man. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy Becker
Sincere Condolences to the Family.
Shelley & Steve Bedard
To the Ross family,
My deepest condolences on the sudden loss of Gord. I had the pleasure of working with Gord at Huron Tractor for many years. He was a wonderful man who took such pride in his family and loved getting updates from him. We’ll miss his bright smile.
Melonie Miller
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dad.
He was a kind gentleman and always had a smile.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Brian & Janet Wedlake
Dear Elaine and the Ross family.
We will surely miss Gord. He was a very kind man and always there if you needed him. Brian and I will miss playing cards with him and dealing the cards in a very unorthodox way. He was a fierce competitor but always got a laugh from us.
Frank Kints
Michelle, Kevin and families,
My sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Wendi Schwindt
Gord was an amazing guy and a true gentleman…sorry for your loss.
Don and Eileen Muegge
Elaine, our sympathy on the loss of your brother Gord. Don and I remember him from our days at Seaforth High.
Condolences to all the family.
Don and Eileen (O’Rourke)Muegge
Bernice Boogemans
To Gord’s family and especially Elaine. Gord was such a fun and competitive guy to play with or against in shuffleboard. He was a faithful helper, always willing to get things done. Lots of laughs and good times we will always remember. For you Elaine you will miss his visits, meals together and sharing many chats.. our sincere sympathy at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Gord. You will now Rest in Heaven with your parents, Eileen and Jim. Bob & Bernice Boogemans
ken & Joan Agnew
We just spoke to Gord at his yard sale a month ago on our street and he was positive about going into the Villa. Our friendly neighbor taken too soon. We wish his family comfort and pride in knowing what a wonderful man their father/brother was.
Carol LeBeau
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your brother, Elaine. Thinking of you.
Carol
Bob and Karen Snow
Thinking of Michelle, Kevin and families. Your dad was a great man, with always a smile on his face.
Thinking of all of you, during this difficult time.
Jim McNichol
Sending our sincere condolences to the Ross families. Gord was such a pleasant man to talk to. Always interested in all our family ties with kids and grandchildren. RIP Gord. Jim & Danica McNichol
Allan Taylor
Elaine
Deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your brother. His memories will always live on in your heart. Thinking of you at this sad time.
Bonnie and Al
Joyce Black
Elaine. So sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Gord and sending you sincere condolences. He always had a smile when we met and will be missed. Thinking of all the family at this difficult time.
Kendra Craig
So sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. He was such a wonderful man who always had a smile on his face and time to say hello. Our sympathies to all.
Gord & Kendra Craig and family
Tom Arthur
Joy Ross
Dear Michelle,Kevin, and Elaine and families, so sorry to hear of Gords passing, he was one person you had to like, always a smile and a hug, My thoughts and prayers are with you all, RIP my friend, ❤️🙏
Anne & Ted Kernick
To Gord’s family:
Sending our sincere sympathy in your loss.
We hope your memories are a comfort to you at this sad time.
Jim and Verla Russell
Michelle, Kevin and Families:
Sincere condolences on Gord’s passing.
Your Dad and Mom were good friends and we enjoyed dipping in the pool on hot summer days, playing cards, and having coffee and visiting with them.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Tom Prout
A Great Guy!
Rudy Jansen
Deepest sympathies to the Ross families and all the extended families also. RIP Gord. Rudy Jansen ❤️🩹❤️🩹
Jim & Mary MacGregor
I always enjoyed playing golf and shuffleboard with Gord. A true gentleman and a lot of fun to be around. He will be missed for sure.
MaryJane Taylor
My Sincere Sympathy Elaine and families.. so sorry for your loss of a dear brother.
Gord and Eileen are together again. RIP
Peter & Brenda Allen
Elaine: So sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. I really enjoyed playing golf with Gord. He was always a true gentleman. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Peter & Brenda Allen
Phil Turner
Michelle, Kevin and families
We are so very saddened to learn of your dad and grandpa’s passing. What a wonderful and gracious gentleman. He will be remembered in all the precious memories he leaves with you all.
Phil and Chris Turner
Wes Hodgson
My Condolences to Gord’s Family he was a great friend of mine and Christine when they worked for Huron Tractor
Marion McCarter
Michelle and Chad, Kevin and Lisa and families:
Thinking of you at this sad and difficult time in your loss of your father and grandfather. May all of his wonderful memories become treasures you will carry in your hearts forever as you journey forward. Deepest Sympathy.
Marion, Teresa and Joe, Diane and Dave, Cheryl and Ernie
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Sincere condolences to Gord’s family,
He was a great man, well liked by many!
He will be missed in the community.
Rest in peace Gord!
Brenda Laws
I miss him as my backyard neighbour. Regardless of the season, he would give a smile and wave from his window or back deck. My deepest condolences.
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Elaine. So sorry to read that Gord has passed.
Always had time to say hello, whenever we would see him.
Thinking of you at this sad time…❤️
Darren Boyle
Michelle, Kevin & Families
We are so saddened to hear of Gord’s passing. It was quite recent I got to catch up with him and hear about how well he was fitting in and still having a lot of independence at the Villa. Lots of great memories of him coming into the Shell station to pick you guys up, drop you off, or to get fuel for the work truck to sell another lawn tractor.
And of course always at band/choir events for SHDHS.
Our most kind condolences.
Darren, Denise Boyle & Family
The Woodward Family
We send our sincere condolences to Gord’s family. We have fond memories of him as a good friend and wonderful neighbour.
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Chad, Michelle and Family,
We were sorry to learn of your dad’s passing. We extend our sincere sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Gabbie and Margaret Mol
Our sincere condolences with Gord’s passing
Eric and Linda Ross
Dear Kevin, Michelle and Elaine and family,
We were so sorry to hear about Gord. He was such a great guy. We will always remember his wonderful smile and friendly ways and good sense of humour. He will be greatly missed.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Big hugs.
Tom Creech
So sorry to hear of the passing of Gord. He was a valued member of our senior men’s league at the Exeter Golf Club and was our “finance guy” on our committee. My condolences to Gord’s family.
Keith & Dianne Ahrens
To Michelle, Kevin and Family:
So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. He was the best neighbour and enjoyed our visits over the fence. Always had a smile on his face a kind gentleman. We will miss Gord RIP my friend.
Hugs to all
Ernie & Dianne Ahrens
Dave Woodward
Michelle, Kevin and Families,
So sorry to hear this. Gord and Eileen were great neighbours and friends to my parents on Churchill Drive, particularly as my parents got on in years. For years, Gord and Dad spent many hours in their shops crafting furniture and other woodworking projects for their families and others. Both Gord and Eileen were also very supportive to my parents as they navigated the challenges arising from my brother’s struggles. Gord was a truly good and kind man. RIP Gord.
Dave, Catherine, Ben and Matthew.
Stacey Snow
I’m so sorry. I knew Gord working with Eileen for many years, and through Elaine & Jim, and Huron Tractor. Sending my dear condolence to his family. Thinking of you all during this heartfelt time.
Maureen Wood
My Sincere Condolences To Elaine & to Gord’s family, What a great guy he was,Also lived down the street from me
RIP Gord !
Rochelle & Lee Gibbings
So sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. His friendly wave as we drove or walked by will be missed. Sincerest condolences.
Ray and Linda McNichol
So sorry to hear of Gordons passing. He so enjoyed the Somerville reunion this past month thanks to Lynne bringing him. He always had such a keen in what was happening with everyone. He will be missed by everyone. Rest in peace….just think of the reunion going on now in heaven….
Marie Brooks
Sorry to read this. I worked with Gord at TD Bank in Bracebridge, Ont. In the early 70s. Easy to work with. R I P Gord.
Karen Lehnen
To Michelle, Kevin & family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I have good memories of fun times we share with your Mom & Dad over the years.
Joan Cleave
Elaine;
Sending my sincere condolences on the loss of brother Gord. He always had a smile on his face.
May he rest in peace. Hugs.
Joan (Coleman) Cleave