Gordon M. “Chips” Calder
(1933 – 2018).
Submitted by the Calder family
“Life’s been good to me. The Lord blessed me with five girls and three boys who produced 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren. We elders do our share to help the world.”
Gordon Calder
Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) citizen and Honourary Senator with the MNO Sunset Country Métis Council Gord Calder, 84 years young of Fort Frances, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2018 with his family by his side.
Gord was a passionate man who enjoyed life to the fullest, especially when it came to hockey, family and learning more about his Métis heritage – not necessarily in that order!
Gord was also one of the founders of the MNO Sunset Country Métis Council in Fort Frances, which started in 1994. He also served as the Provisional Council of the Métis Nation of Ontario (PCMNO) Senator.
He was also very active in darts and of course – HORSESHOES! He was always trying to get everyone involved in a quick game of horseshoes!
In 1952, Gord was ecstatic when his team the Fort Frances Canadians won the ALLEN CUP in hockey, for which they were inducted into the North Western Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1984.
Everyone in the Métis office looked forward to seeing Gord’s smiling face every day and the occasional homemade baking made by his wife Charlotte.
Gord was also recognized by Member of Parliament Ken Boshkoff for working diligently behind the scenes on behalf of his fellow Métis. He was the 2011 recipient of the MNO Suzanne Rochon-Burnett Volunteer of the Year Award that recognized his many contributions to the Métis Nation. He was so proud to receive the award and had no idea he had even been nominated!
Gord is survived by his wife Charlotte; they were married for 44 years. Also left to mourn his passing are his daughters; Leanne, Carla, Roz, Pam, Charlene and sons Kelly, John and Valley. He also had numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren – all of whom he was very proud of, and loved. He will be greatly missed by everyone!
His legacy of love and family will live on through his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life was held Friday, February 9, 2018 at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Frances.
Posted February 14, 2018