The Life of Gordon Sawyer: The Boy, the Man, the Sportsman, the Legend…My Brother
Gord and I first met some 60 years ago at the playground of the North Red Deer School where we both attended in those formative years. We must have been playing sport of some kind as that was the common bond that initially drew us together and remained throughout the years.
We went fishing whenever we had any spare time and played on the same baseball, football and hockey teams and even had a try at golf when Gord’s Dad Tom would take us out to the local course east of Red Deer. On those days we were given a few golf clubs each and told to “Go Have Fun.
Needless to say we did and that love of sport and direction to “Go Have Fun” remained throughout our lives.
As best friends we spent a lot of time at each others homes and I was quickly draw into the Sawyer family where Gord’s Mother, Father and sisters Sue and Beth soon became special people in my life and they somehow seemed to think I was special too as they made way for me as part of the family. Whenever I was getting too much attention Gord in his unique brotherly style would quickly point out “that would soon change once they really got to know me”.
Gord also saw an opportunity as whenever we did something that got us in trouble he was quick to point out it was really my idea and he was just along for the ride…and that of course... was when the fight started! lol
We did get away with a lot and Gord created some pretty good stories to get us out of trouble including the time we used the deep freezer in the basement to practice our slap shots. After about an hour of this we started to realise it was probably not a good idea so I did the sensible thing and went home and left Gord to deal with his parents. I stayed away for at least a week but on return all seemed to be forgiven and Gord’s Mom noted it still worked and his Dad pointed out most of the dents and puck marks were in the centre and we needed to work on aiming for the corners of the net. What a great family to grow up in!
One instance we never did live down was at age 14 when Gord told his parents I now had a drivers licence and could we take the car to go visit some friends. Of course this brought on some laughter and Gord’s Mom pointed out I had to be 16 to have a drivers licence. Without missing a beat or even flinching Gord told his Mother she was embarrassing me as I had failed 2 grades in school and was actually 16. Gord was so convincing, his dear Mother was truely embarrassed and all the while I sat there with the “Deer Caught in the Headlights” look wondering why I didn’t remember those missing 2 years! Gord's Dad must have picked up on it and gave me a wink when I showed him my learners permit and he told us to make sure there was gas in the car when we returned. Some 6 months later we were sprung and both given a stern lecture from a very upset “Mrs. Sawyer” but sure enough as Gord pointed out, it wasn’t in her nature to stay mad for long and we were soon back in Mom’s good graces. Mr. Sawyer of course used to laugh and remind us of it whenever we came up with other “Bone Head” ideas .
There were countless events that shaped our friendship and none more fateful than when we realised that this character who lived up the hill, Bob Mullen, had somehow infiltrated the Brotherhood. So there we were “the Three Amigos” or as I would later more aptly refer to it us as the “Two Stooges and Me”. Those of you who have spent any time with Gord and Bob will appreciate it was a lethal combination of insanely fun times, brotherly competition, adventure, laughter and always with the advent of Danger lurking in the background. Those of you who have been on any “Gord and Bob” road trips or other misadventures will also appreciate why I have such a cautious nature …and now live in Australia. lol
In summary and as you will all be aware, Gord was an extremely talented and tenacious sportsman, he played most sports in his day and knew facts and details about any current teams or sporting events. Gord also excelled in his working careers with the Calgary Sun and later as the President of the Edmonton Rush and I can’t help but wonder what other achievements he would have attained had failing health not intervened. Gord was also a compassionate person and made friendships easily. People were drawn to Gord for his laughter, love of life and genuine interest in who they were.
Gord’s love of life and friendships however was surpassed by his immense love for his family and my sympathies and love go out to Chelsea, Katie, Sue and Beth, Loida and Yvonne.
Over recent years Gord’s health deteriorated and even though he was in constant pain and discomfort he maintained a positive outlook which in reflection is an inspiration and a lasting legacy.
With a tear in my eye I am reminded not be saddened by the loss of Gord but to be thankful for him having been in our lives…
Go in peace Brother…”Go Have Fun”.
Neale Denman, Perth Australia.
