On April 22 2021 Gordon Hartman, loving husband and father of four, passed away at the age of 93.
Born Sept 20 1927 in Fraser Lake, BC, Gordon was a highly respected figure in fisheries and natural resource management for his skill as a researcher, his integrity and vision, and his lifelong commitment to the protection of the environment.
Among his friends and colleagues he was known for his generous, encouraging nature and wonderful humour.
On August 2 1957 he married Helen Isabel Dawdy, and their 63 years together formed the bedrock of his life. He was a loving father, and took great joy in spending time with his children and their partners, Ward (Monica), Paul (Gayle), Lisa (Luc) and Jon (Teri).
In later years he delighted in the energy and affection of his grandchildren by Paul (Laura, Sean) and Lisa (Sarah, Eric and Max), taking them for frequent walks around Buttertubs Marsh, and indulging them with Rolos and DQ treats.
After a rich career that took him and his family across Canada and throughout the world, he and Helen maintained a welcoming home to friends and family alike. He spent time maintaining his many valued friendships, crafting humorous gifts and cartoons for friends and family, and building a unique collection of homemade canes.
As the slow tide of memory loss advanced, a core group of friends was a source of both practical and emotional support. Their fondness for him was revealed in a kindness, compassion and loyalty that was a great gift not only to him, but to his family. If the richness of a man's life can be seen in the calibre of his friends, then Gordon was wealthy beyond measure.
Gordon was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor, his much-admired stepfather Walter Morley, and other siblings.
He is survived by his wife Helen, his children and and grandchildren, and a large extended family. Due to Covid, a gathering will be held at a later date to remember Gordon and his remarkable life.
In the meantime, a full obituary and condolence page may be found online at firstmemorialnanaimo.com
First Memorial Funeral Services-Nanaimo