May 24, 1946 - May 11, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Anderson, affectionately known to all as Papa, on May 11, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer. He faced every moment of his battle with strength and an unshakeable determination to stay with the family he loved so dearly.
Gordon was born on May 24, 1946, in Hamilton, New Brunswick and was raised in Newfoundland. A proud Newfoundlander through and through, his sense of humor was unmistakably rooted in his heritage, which was especially evident whenever his beloved Newfie accent would shine through.
Music was in Gordon’s soul. A gifted musician and performer, he played the piano, keyboard, and guitar, and loved to sing. He traveled the country performing, both with bands and as a solo artist. After settling in Thunder Bay, he became a founding member and lead singer of the musical group RAAN. In his later years, he continued to compose songs and spent countless hours in his home studio. Music flowed through him and touched everyone around him.
When he wasn’t singing, he worked in the mines and dreamt of going to university. Determined to pursue his dreams, he returned to school later in life and proudly earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University in 1994. This achievement was a source of great pride and a powerful example of perseverance and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your goals.
Gordon was a true family man, and nothing made him prouder than his family. He was a devoted husband, married to the love of his life, Margaret, for 44 years. Their bond was inspiring—a true partnership full of warmth, laughter, and unwavering love that was evident to anyone who saw them together. Through their marriage, they faced numerous health challenges and were always each other’s greatest support. Gordon was forever grateful to Margaret for teaching him the true meaning of love and family.
He would speak to anyone who would listen about his children, Roy and Betty, sharing their accomplishments with immense pride and joy. He was especially proud of Roy’s incredible ability to fix just about anything, always calling on him when something needed attention, knowing it would be in capable hands. Gordon deeply admired Betty’s kind and compassionate nature, which he experienced first hand throughout his illness. He was eternally grateful to her for her constant care, love, and support. Her strength and presence brought him great comfort, and he often spoke of how much it meant to him. When the family grew to include his daughter-in-law Marcia and son-in-law Gary, he welcomed them with open arms and treated them like his own children.
Gordon’s favourite title in life was Papa. He was a loving grandfather to his granddaughters Trisha and Kimberly, and a surrogate grandfather to his great-niece MeiLy; grandson Andrew, and great-grandfather to Freya and Atlas. He was overjoyed when Trisha married Ryan, who he loved like a grandson.
There is no argument that his greatest joy came with the arrival of his great-grandson Liam, who brought endless light into his life. Gordon treasured every moment of their 2.5 years together and had no qualms bragging that Liam loved his Papa. He was especially thrilled when Liam began showing an interest in music—they loved singing and playing instruments together. Gordon fought with all his strength to be here for the arrival of his great-granddaughter this July. Though he won’t get to hold her in his arms, she will grow up knowing how deeply she was loved by her Papa. Gordon had a granddog Bentley that he spoiled and loved beyond words.
Papa could turn the simplest moment into an adventure—whether it was a spontaneous outing to the “secret” park, camping trips, or simply finding joy in everyday moments like a barbecue. And of course, no visit to Papa’s house was ever complete without sweets—he always had candy or chocolates to share, and no one ever left empty-handed.
Gordon is lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret; son Roy and daughter-in-law Marcia; daughter Betty and son-in-law Gary; granddaughters Trisha (Ryan) and Kimberly; grandson Andrew (Alyssa); great-grandsons Liam and Atlas; great-granddaughter Freya; sister-in-law Linda; and brothers-in-law John and Gunnar. He will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family near and far. Gordon was predeceased by his sisters-in-law Diane and Beverly and brother-in-law Melvin.
To know Papa was to know silliness, generosity, and joy. His legacy is one of love—steadfast and deeply felt. We will miss his songs, his laugh, and the twinkle in his eye when he was surrounded by the people he loved most. But above all, we will miss him—our Papa.
