Dr. Kenneth Huntly Gordon

It is with a smile that I recall Ken as a colleague at King's. He had the rare capacity and determination to see the good in all, to look beyond the disciplinary and other boundaries that separate us to see the deep humanity which unites us. He brought this consciousness to his work in our community and was a fine example of "walking his talk". He will be missed.

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

(Donated to King's University College Foundation at the University of Western Ontario)

Dr. Gordon was my professor more than 25 years ago and I still think of him and his teaching often in my work. He was a kind and wise man and a wonderful teacher. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing and hope that his family and all who loved him will be comforted by many warm memories of the impact he had on all of our lives. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I am greatly saddened by this news. Ken was instrumental in facilitating my love of group work which continues to be a focal part of my Social Work practice. May his family and this community remember with joy what he brought to our lives. Class of 1994.

It was with great sadness that I learned of Ken's passing. He was a man I admired immensely. I was privileged to have been one of Ken's students at King's and I will never forget the wisdom and humour he shared. I pray that Creator will wrap his family and friends with love and comfort at this time. He will be missed by so many. Miigwetch Ken, for all you have given to others so generously... and may you find peace now.

It is with great sadness that I bid farewell to Ken. I knew him for so many years and in so many roles: my teacher, my boss, my professional colleague, my mentor and my friend. He was always kind, wise, generous and funny. My fondest memories will always be of my husband George, Ken and I sipping a few drams on our terrace in Oxford...and solving all the problems of the world.

I am with my family in Vancouver and I just learned of Ken's demise. Ken was a human, compassionate, approachable and wonderful person in all respects. He leaves behind many notable legacies in the people who were fortunate enough to know him. Ken helped me out personally and I will forever be indebted to him. My condolences to his family. May you be spared further grief.

Dear Joanne, I am so sad to hear of the loss of your beloved Ken. I am sending to you my sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers.

Oh Joanne. Dale and I are so saddened and shocked to hear about your loss of Ken. Words completely escape me right now, i just feel so sorry for you. Watching you two lovebirds in the backyard, with a drink in hand and enjoying a fire on a summer's night is something i will always remember. You had a wonderful relaionship with a great guy, it was just way to short. Again, we are so sorry. Your backyard neighbours. Nancy and Dale

I have been very sad since learning of the loss of a such a caring and wonderful man who has been a friend, mentor and teacher. Ken was in large part instrumental in creating my ongoing interest in social work as he has been for so many others. My sincere condolences to his family.

Dear Joanne and family, my heart truly aches for you. I loved to hear of the special relationship you and Ken shared. I couldn't wait for our next manager's meeting to hear about your latest travel. I know how much you were looking forward to retirement to be able to spend more time together, to share time with your family, and to travel even more. I offer you my heart felt sympathy for the tragic loss of your Love Ken. Like Ann I didn't have the pleasure to meet Ken, I to could tell how much joy he brought to your life. I'm so sorry for your loss my friend.

I am one of Ken's students who graduated 21 years ago. Over the years, I have maintained contact with Ken whom I regrded as a friend and mentor. In late 2011, I received an offer to teach Social Work in a university college in the middle east. I sent Ken an email seeking his advice. And sure enouogh he visited me at home and spent 2 hours advising me on how to become a good college teacher. On Dec. 6, 2014 I sent him Christmas wishes and exchanged some news. And I was hoping to see him this summer when I arrive in London in late June. Interestingly, Ken was in my thoughts all day on the day of his passing when I was attending a workshop discussing advantages & disadvantages of giving students group assignments. This workshop took place in the middle east where I currently live and work. I will forever remain a proud student and friend of Ken. And I will truly miss Ken's warmth and sincerity. He will remain in my thoughts for as long as I live.. I am very sad to see his premature deaprture... H. Elshazali, MSW Social Work Faculty

Ken was the kind of Social Worker that inspired others to enter the profession and to excel in their practise. His commitment to social justice combined with his charm and light touch inspired those around him to be better people. Ken championed his personal social causes effectively, with that twinkle in his eye that kept us all from taking ourselves too seriously. It was Ken who initially convinced me to become a field instructor for King's School of Social Work, which began an association that lasted 3 decades. He was a powerful force for good in the world and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

As a previous student of Professor Gordon I am very sad to hear the news of his passing. He was a great teacher and mentor as well as a kind and gentle man. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones.

I will always remember Ken for his unconditional support on my journey into politics. His public endorsement, his kindness, his genuine encouragement, his insight and words of wisdom will stay with me forever. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We’ve lost a great soul but his spirit shines on.

I'm deeply saddened by Ken's passing. We've been in touch since he left Edmonton where I met him in 1950. We'd get together when he came here to visit and talk for hours over a beer or two. It didn't seem to matter that it was often years between visits we just picked up where we left off. I have great memories of Ken, playing together as children, growing up in Garneau (Edmonton). Kids were more free in those days to play pickup games of football, baseball (scrub) and peggy (a variation of cricket). We spent a lot of time in the nearby Saskatchewan River valley building huts in summer and sleigh riding in winter. I missed Ken a lot when his family moved to another south Edmonton district, Belgravia. Later we worked together as counsellors at the Kiwanis Camp for Crippled Children. That's what it was called in those unenlightened days - Now it is called Camp HeHoHa for Health, Hope and Happiness and it would serve persons with disabilities. I was always delighted to hear of Ken's successes, his PhD. in Scotland and his career as a professor. His students were very fortunate indeed. My sincere condolences to his family. He left us much too soon.

My heart is sad to hear of Ken's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I feel extremely fortunate to have learned so much from Ken and will forever be grateful for his generosity of spirit.

Joanne and family I am so sad to hear of your husband and father's passing. Though I did not know Ken I do know how happy he made Joanne. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

I got to know Ken on a personal level in the last few years, but prior to that I knew of his reputation for being an excellent educator and advocate. Our association was spawn from his joining an advocacy effort that was deeply personal to me. I was grateful for his voice. He had a wicked sense of humour and a kindness that warmed a room. Your spirit lives on Ken.

Saddened to hear of Ken's passing. I so enjoyed the time spent with him at King's and am better for having known him. Lovely, humorous, a truly genuine human being. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

As a former BSW student, I had the privilege of getting Ken as my field instructor during 4th year. I could not have been luckier than to be guided through that time by his mentoring, warmth, and wisdom. We also then became neighbours and kept up contact until he moved away. He was such a vital and caring soul, with the very best sense of humour. Ken genuinely was interested in the individual; I simply cannot believe he has gone, and way way too soon. My deepest sympathies to Joanne, his family and his many friends. I know how very missed you will be.

Ken shared his heart. He shared a part of his soul and his willingness to be vulnerable and also able to share his wisdom was a wonderful gift. I will remember his depth and his beautiful smile. I am glad we journeyed for awhile together

I had the pleasure of knowing Ken as my field instructor during my 4th year placement of my BSW. Ken was very supportive and very nurturing of his students. I am shocked of his passing and his family will be in my prayers.

Learning of the death of Ken, who I often referred to affectionately as fearless leader when he was the Director of the School of Social Work at King's University College, is so sad and in many ways shocking. Ken was always so full of life, good cheer, a huge grin, a zest for life, a deep love of family and friends that you somehow thought he would live forever. Or perhaps just wished he would. He was devoted to his work but always kept sight of the bigger picture and the importance of family and friends and having time for rest and relaxation and he reminded everyone who worked with him of the centrality of a balanced lifestyle. For many years his office door had the following statement by Hunter S Thompson taped to it “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!” And indeed he had quite a ride...too short but well lived !!!!

I first met Ken was I was still a baby in the work world, and came to work at the then Department of Social Work over 25 years ago. He was always a joyful, life-loving, solid presence, and his counsel and support through the years helped bring me to where I am today. We are diminished by his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family far and near. God bless you, Ken. And here's to hoping that there's a wee dram waiting for you! Sam

I first met Ken was I was still a baby in the work world, and came to work at the then Department of Social Work over 25 years ago. He was always a joyful, life-loving, solid presence, and his counsel and support through the years helped bring me to where I am today. We are diminished by his passing. My sincerest condolences to his family far and near. God bless you, Ken. And here's to hoping that there's a wee dram waiting for you! Sam