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At the Golden Plough Lodge, Cobourg, Ontario
Born Marlyn Ruth Callaway, she was predeceased by her parents Maurice and Agnes and her son in law, Brian McCracken. She is survived by her husband Jim Gordon to whom she was married for 68 years. She is also survived by her children Mark Gordon (Kathy), Laura McCracken Ebbrell (John) and Jamie Gordon (Kim). She leaves behind, nine much loved grandchildren: Jennifer, Adam, Emily, Alasdair and Andrew Gordon, James and John McCracken and Alex and Connor Gordon. She also leaves behind six great grandchildren.
Mum was born in Toronto and spent much of her childhood in England with her parents during the Second World War where they were stationed with the Canadian Air Force; most of her years with her loving Callaway relatives in Devon. She returned to Toronto to complete high school at East York Collegiate and this is where she met Jim Gordon. Upon graduation she attended Normal School (Teacher’s College). Kindergarten was her specialty and she fondly remembered so many of her former students.
Ruth and Jim lived in Ottawa, London, and Toronto once more before settling in Cobourg in 1966. She was a teacher at Merwin Greer School, an avid and accomplished lawn bowler, bridge player, knitter, and hostess. Always gracious, she made entertaining look so easy.
For over forty years she volunteered at the Cobourg Hospital, later the Northumberland Hills Hospital, and served as the President of the Auxiliary. She was honoured by the Hospital Auxiliary Association of Ontario with a Provincial Life Membership for her exceptional service.
Mum sat on the Cobourg Hospital Board of Directors for many years and served as Board Chair for four years.
A stroke on her 70th birthday changed much of what she was able to accomplish. Since that time Big Jim has done a loving job of caring for his bride. They have been partners in every sense of the word, and a role model to all.
Mum leaves this world a better place. She was smart, loyal, funny, kind, thoughtful and generous. Hers was a long life well lived. Mum was well loved and she will be missed.
Thanks go to the staff at The Golden Plough Lodge for their wonderfully attentive care.
A private family service will take place on Tuesday October 6th, due to the COVID restrictions.
If desired, Mum would be very pleased for the Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation to receive donations in her memory.
I wanted to send my condolences to the Gordon Family. Mrs. Gordon was my kindergarten teacher and I believe I was in her very first class. She provided a very warm and comforting space, making our first school days a great experience. She made us feel safe and I loved being in her class. When I graduated Grade 13, she sent me a vase as a graduation gift, how thoughtful! I cherish it and think of her when I use it. I hope that your wonderful memories will help you through this time. Take care.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Laura and family, we are so sorry to hear of you mom's passing. We have you in our thoughts and prayers. Memories...you have plenty....share her story with all. Love to all... Kevin & Cecile Hoeg Whitby, Ontario
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Laura,James and John. Thinking of you all . May your many fond memories help you through this difficult time. Brenda Watson
Dear Jim, Mark, Laura, Jamie and family, we are saddened to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences on Ruth's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love Liz & Garry
Dear Jim Sandra and I are so sorry to have read about Ruth’s passing. It is very hard to have someone so central to our lives no longer there. We too are grieving as Milo died on July 6. We are praying for the Gordon family and know that Ruth took much joy and pride in the huge and varied accomplishments of her extended family. Our love to you all, James and Sandra Peckham
I always knew Ruth as 'Mrs. Gordon" as she was my Kindergarten teacher at Merwin Greer in 1968. I had stayed in touched and sent her letters at pivotal points in my own life. When I graduated from High School I confessed that it was I who stepped on Elizabeth K's Finger painting (by mistake). Also later when I graduated from University and when my own son started Kindergarten. She was a wonderful and compassion person. She did good in this world. Thank you Mrs. Gordon.
Our very sincere condolences on your loss. She will be remembered with fondness by all who knew her.
Mark, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Although losing a parent leaves a hole that can't be filled, I am sure it is a blessing for you that she enjoyed such a full and happy life. All the best to you and your family.
Dear Jim. So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. Many happy memories of campaigns won and lost. Condolences to you and your family. 😍
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ruth. She was such an inspiring woman in every way. A wonderful lady. Cherish in your heart the beautiful memories of your life together and may you find Peace and Comfort in the company of family and friends. Patricia
Jim, Mark, Laura, Jamie and families. The entire Scotiabank staff wish to send our most sincere condolences on the passing of Ruth. You are all in our thoughts.
I was so sorry to learn of Ruth's passing and Louisa and I would like to send our condolences to Jim and the rest of the family. It was always a delight to have Ruth come along to the lawn bowling club with Jim to support the tournament that Jim sponsors.
Jim and Family, It is with great sadness and regret that we read of Ruth's passing. You were a real couple, an example to all. Please accept our sincere condolences at this sad time. Regards, Malcolm and Maureen Blackburn
So sorry to read of your mother’s passing. She was a very cheery person to be around and a wonderful teacher. She will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Sending my heartfelt sympathies for your sad loss. Wishing i could pay my respects in person, but alas, covid constrains. I remember your Mum as a wee woman with a mighty smile. I think i might be hearing the angels now singing "Thank Heaven for Little Girls".
Our condolences on the loss of such a wonderful woman, wife, mother, grandmother.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I am saddened to hear that Ruth has passed away. My sincere condolences to you Jim and of course to Laura, Mark, Jamie and their families. Many memories flood into my mind of things past where Ruth with her sense of humour and interesting way of laughing could calm a difficult discussion. She used her wise teaching skills whether in the classroom or in the many community groups in which she was involved. She was indeed a treasure to the community . Bob
Dear Jim, Laura, Mark, Jamie and family We are so saddened to hear of Ruth's passing. She was a wonderful person to know and a great wife and mother. Over the years we have enjoyed many fun times together. She will be missed. Our deepest sympathy Tony and Carol
Condolences to cousin Jim and all the Gordon family on the passing of Ruth. What a great age and many happy memories that can be shared by all who knew her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My sincerest condolence to Jim and all the family. Philip Brent
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Jim, Jamie and Kim, Laura and John, Mark and Kathy - we were so saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing. A lovely lady in every sense of the word and such a treasure to our community. Our thoughts are with you and the grandchildren.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
My condolences to Jim, Laura, Jamie, Mark and your families on the loss of your Mum. A lovely lady who gave so much time and effort to our community. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
My sincere condolences to Jim, Jamie, Kim, and the rest of the Gordons.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Jim and Family - my heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your loving family at this sad time. I met Ruth many years back on the Bowling Green - a very competitive bowler who brought out the best of everyone she competed against. Ruth always had a smile on her face whether she was on the winning side or losing the game. Ruth's hospitality was second to non at a couple of the prestigious lady lawn bowling events in this area. Rest in Peace good friend.
Dear Mark, The loss of a loved one leaves everyone with a broken heart, but loosing your mother leaves one with an emptiness that can only now, be filled with wonderful memories of times shared. When someone passes, they really are not far away. Just touch your heart, and they will be close by. Most sincere condolences to you and the entire Gordon family. ... Bob Boutin and Nikki Trotter
Dear Jamie and the Gordon family, I didn’t have the privilege of knowing your dear mum, but I am lucky to have one of the other greatest moms around - and I can only imagine your grief. Stick tight and love each other - that’s what she would have wanted. Our sincere condolences to one and all.
What an incredible contribution Ruth made to her community and country by giving and caring for others. Our deepest condolences. Louise and Ross Stevenson
Jim,Mark,Laura &Jamie. I was so sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. She was " one of a kind ". She had the ability to make you feel good even when you were having a bad day. I know there will be bad days for all of you as the days go by but on those days try to think of the many happy memories you each had with Ruth. This will help you get through this time. Again I am sorry for your loss. Val and Dick.
Dear Jim and family, How sad it was to learn of the recent death of your beloved Ruth. My memories of her on College Street go back a long way. She was always pleasant and welcoming and will be missed by everyone who knew her. We will keep her in our prayers. Blessings, Jim and Kathy
Dear Laura and family I was saddened to hear of the loss of your Mum. Please accept my sincere condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rosalind Mitchell
Our sympathy is extended to Jim and the Gordon Family with the passing of Ruth. The loving memories will be cherished.
Ruth was a kind and virtuous woman whom shared her love and grace with the many hearts that she touched. Please accept my sincere condolences.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our sincere condolences.
May peace, love and grace surround you all and may Ruth rest in the sweetest peace.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
We are so sorry to hear abouts Ruth's passing. She was a marvelous kind hearted individual! Barb sat on the hospital board when she was Board Chair a job she took very seriously with great wisdom. Please take care of yourselves, our thoughts are with you all.
Dear Jim, Mark, Laura and Jamie and families, Ruth deserves all of these tributes and more. A sad time for you all, however, your fond memories of Ruth will be a comfort to each of you. I remember her intelligence and calm demeanour as we served together on the Hospital board. Hers was a life well lived. Our thoughts are with you all as you carry on in the manner she taught you so well. She will be missed.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A beautiful soul has left us and she will be missed by all who knew her.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Laura & family, I am so sorry for your loss and extend my sincere sympathy to you and yours at this time. Carol
thoughts are with you all at this difficult time
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Laura, and family, We are thinking of you during this difficult time. Sandi and Pete
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Dear Jim, Laura, Mark, Jamie and families, We send our condolences on the loss of Ruth, such an important member of your family. A wonderful lady we knew years ago when we were all at Trinity Church. You are in our thoughts and we wish you all the best in the wake of this loss. Paul and Anne Burnham
I offer my sincere wishes of sympathy to you and your family Jim. I remember both of you so dearly waiving at me from your piazza, listening to dixieland bands on summer Sunday.
for the Gordon family, I know you will miss your wife, mum and grandma. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Thank goodness for years of great memories! Christine (LaBrash) Thompson
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Laura, your mom sounds like an exemplary human soul, who has passed down her values of service, kindness, thoughtfulness and fun to you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss, but her legacy definitely remains in all of you. Much love, Carolyn and Greig
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Our deepest sympathy for your family’s loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Lea & Jerry
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Charity of Your Choice
Jamie. So sorry for your loss. Prayers sent to you.
Dear Laura, Jim, Mark and Jamie and extended family, Sincere condolences for your loss. It has been a privilege to have known Ruth through you Laura and to have witnessed the beautiful, loving ‘Circle of Support’ you and your family set up around her since her stroke nineteen years ago. My fond memories of her go back to my days as a Nurse’s Aide on the 3rd floor at Cobourg hospital when she was a vibrant, committed volunteer with the Auxiliary. I can’t really remember if the smock that she wore was light blue or green but I most definitely remember her gentle soft approach and absolutely infectious smile that was ever present as she travelled from room to room with the gift shop / library cart. She always took whatever time was needed to address each person’s request and went above and beyond for both patients and staff. Her Provincial Life membership for exceptional service was so well deserved. As you celebrate her life on Tuesday, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Much Love - Shirley & Gary
To all the family: We are very sorry to hear about the sad loss of your beloved, Ruth. We were privileged to meet Ruth and know how much she meant to everyone who knew her. We are thinking about you all at this difficult time. John & Diane
To Laura and all the Gordon family our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family's loss. Ellen
Jim, Mark, Laura and Jamie we just wanted to say how sorry we are to hear about Ruth’s passing. So sad for you all, our thoughts are with you and your families at this time. Hugs to all. Christine and Frank
Jim, and family, please accept our sincere condolences. We hope this difficult time will be eased by happy memories. Bill & Rosemary
We were sorry to hear of Ruth passing on, she was a lovely lady. Always enjoyed the lawn bowling competitions against Ruth and Jim, great bowlers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Dear Gordon Family, We were saddened to hear about Ruth's passing. She accomplished a lot during her active life prior to her stroke. The entire family must have been so proud of her accomplishments and Ruth must have been so proud of what her children accomplished. What an amazing role model! She will be missed by many! Sincere condolences, Bryan and Cindy Marjoram
Ruth .. Godspeed .. Will miss reading the paper with you, watching the news...and quietly talking. Each time I have seen Jim over the last few years, I have asked about you. Jayne Psw
Words can't express how sad we were to hear of Ruth's passing. What a wonderful lady she was and we know how she will be missed by all. We have many wonderful memories of her. Our sincerest condolences to you, Jim, and to all your dear family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Ruth’s passing. She was such a lovely and gracious person - and so full of fun! I have many fond memories of her. Much love to Jim and Mark and Laura and Jamie. I’m holding you in my heart.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Jim and I would just like to say how sorry we are for your loss. Ruth was a wonderful person and well respected by everyone. Love and prayers to all the Gordon family Linda and Jim
Dear Laura we were so sad to hear your news.We will all miss our Ruth,she was like a big sister to me when she lived with us in Chapel Street. Our love to you ,Jim and all the family.
I first met Ruth during my university days with Laura. Laura’s Mum was so welcoming and the food she made for us was delicious! Over the years I came to know her as gracious, kind, sweet, and so down-to-earth, and who, with Jim, raised an amazing family and contributed so much to her community. Our love to the Gordon, McCracken and Ebbrell families. Deb and Glenn
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Sending much love to my Canadian family, esp Laura, Mark & Jamie. Auntie Ruth was a big figure in my childhood with frequent visits across the Atlantic from her and Jim & Granny Ada’s adventures to Canada. Then my own trips and her warm, warm welcome. She will be so missed by her U.K. Callaway family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
I’m so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Aunt Laura and family. We know how special your mom and grandma was to all of you. We hope all of those happy memories give you some comfort during this tough time. ❤️
Ours thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May your beautiful memories of this amazing woman guide you through this time of grief.
I am sorry to hear of yur loss. My prayers for the family.
Mr. Gordon, Mark, Laura, Jamie and families: Our condolences to you all. May your memories bring joy to your heart and help ease your pain in the loss of your wife and mother. With sympathy, Mary and Dave Ito
Our condolence to all the family. We have many great memories of our times together.
Many hugs go out to my Cobourg family during this sad time, Auntie Ruth was a great lady and I have a lot of fond memories of my visits to the family home... My condolences to Uncle Jim, Mark, Laura & Jamie... RIP Auntie Ruth!
Laura, Mark and Jamie, I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. My condolences to you and the rest of your extended family, who will no doubt rally around and provide plenty of great support at this time.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Our deepest sympathy to your family. Ruth was known by so many in Cobourg and is remembered for her teaching, volunteering, generosity and kindness. Beautiful woman. Mark and Diane
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mum, Laura and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
I am saddened by the loss of Ruth. My condolences to all the Gordon Family. Ruth had a remarkable life and will be remembered always.
A beautiful woman in every way. Her support and love of family will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences. Doug and Bridget
We’re so sorry Mark to hear of your moms passing. Our condolences to you , Kathy and your family .
Reading all these online tributes to Ruth leaves no doubt in my mind this world could use more women like her. Her love for her family and community shines through in these tributes. She raised an amazing family and through them, her legacy will shine on. Thinking of all the Gordon's and those who loved her at this sad time.
I am sorry to hear of Mrs Gordon's passing, I have fond memories when we all lived on King St. Please know that you are all in my prayers.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
So sad to hear., Ruth was such a great friend to my Mom... they were in the same bridge club! Ruth was also my kindergarten teacher... great start to school life! Thinking of the Entire Gordon Family! Sorry for the loss of such an Amazing Woman!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
Jim, Mark, Jamie, Laura and families We are so sorry for your loss and extend our sincerest sympathies to you. Ruth was a wonderful woman with a heart of gold, shining with kindness and good. Well loved by you as witnessed in the loving and respectful way you cared for her. We hope that a lifetime of happy memories will stay you in the days to come.
So sorry for your loss Laura. Our hearts go out to you and your family. Lib & Shirley
Our sincere sympathy to the Gordon family at this difficult time.
Thoughts and love to you all in this tough time! She raised a lovely family. xoxo
Prayers to you all, Jim, Mark, Jamie & Laura so sorry for your loss.
Rest in peace Auntie Ruth. Thank you for so many memories of family celebrations and baseball games. You were always an amazing aunt, cook, baker, and hostess. You will forever be in my heart and I thank you for all the love you gave to me. My Teddy stil sits on a shelf in my bedroom. I have always thought of you and your mom when I look at him. He has always been precious to me and so have you.
A very sad day & you are all in our thoughts. You have wonderful memories of a beautiful kind Lady
Please accept our most deepest sympathy. Thinking about all of you at this sad time.
We are very sorry to learn of Ruth’s passing. Her family has grown larger and she left many special memories for you to be grateful for. Ruth has left this world a better place for her years of service to her much loved hospital and community.
We were honoured to meet Ruth a few times. Her essence of intelligence and strength, her love for her husband Jim and their beautiful family shone bright. What a legacy she has created. A life to be proud of. Our hearts are with you as you grieve and Always, Norm and Patricia Tatlow (your Victoria family)
Jim, Laura, Mark, Jamie and families: Thinking of you at this sad time. Most sincerely. Barb and Ron Swallow
My heart is heavy today. Aunty Ruth touched many lives. Fondest memories in the kitchen her apron on and a tea towel over her shoulder. Hostess indeed. Our garden has 2 butterflies fluttering today: I know one of them is my Aunt 💔🥰🦋. Love to each and every Cobourg family member 💋
I am so sorry for your loss. Also Mr Gordon I will miss seeing you at happy hour on Friday afternoons. Xo
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation
What a wonderful life so well lived. Our thoughts are with Jim, Jamie, Laura and the entire family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Tom & CarolAnn Heffernan
Dear Uncle Jim, Laura, Mark, Jamie and family, We are so saddened to hear of Auntie Ruth’s passing. We have so many wonderful family memories of her... she was the epitome of loveliness. Hugs to you all. Xox
I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom Laura. Her obituary indicates she lead a wonderful and fulfilling life. Sincere condolences, Gloria
Jamie, Kim, Alex, and Connor. We are so sorry to hear of your mom and grandmothers’s passing. Our thoughts are with you and the rest of your family. Al and Michelle
To Jim, Laura, Mark and Jamie and the entire extended Gordon family - Heather and I were saddened to learn of Ruth's passing. During our 35+ years in Cobourg we were so happy and so privileged to have made the acquaintance with the entire family (including dear departed Brian, with whom I shared some memorable moments on stage). Ruth was so warm and inviting when we first came to Cobourg, and Jim and the boys were very helpful in many aspects of our lives, both personal and professional. She contributed so much to the life of Cobourg with her devotion to so many worthy causes and her hours of dedicated volunteer service to so many. I am confident that you all have so many warm memories of Ruth that those memories will comfort you at this difficult time. Brad Halls 670 St. David Street South Fergus, Ontario (formerly of Cobourg) brad.halls@wightman.ca
Sincere condolences Laura to you and your family on the loss of your Mum. Claudette Cowin
My sincerest condolences, and love to the Gordon family. What a legacy of accomplishments in dedicated service, that enriched the lives of so many. A wonderful mark and inspiration for others to aspire too. With Love, - David
Jim, Jamie, Mark & Laura and your extended family we offer our heartfelt condolences. It is always hard to lose a Mum and for Jim, his bride. She was clearly a wonderful woman and indeed, she has left this world a better place for her having been in it. Our prayers are with you.
Mr Gordon, Mark, Laura, Jamie and your families, our sincere condolences and sympathies on the passing of your partner/Mum. We wish you and your families our best wishes in this trying time.
Our Condolences go out to you and your family, Jennifer Gordon and Mike Roode. She will be missed, RIP Ruth. Douglas and Marilyn Roode ♥️♥️
We are very sorry to hear of your loss Laura. Your mum was always welcoming (and patient!) with our group of teens hanging out at your cottage and home. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sad to learn of Ruth’s passing, our deepest sympathy to you Jim and to Mark, Laura, Jamie and family. We remember Ruth fondly and with gratitude for all her volunteer work at the hospital. Lori and Bill Wensley
Ruth leaves us with so many fond memories. I was a teen when she and Jim arrived in Cobourg and from that time on Ruth was a role model. We are sad to see her go. However, neither of us will ever forget Ruth and her loving family. We were so fortunate to know Ruth and all of you! Our sincere sympathy. Liz and Dean Our sinc
So sorry to hear of Ruth's passing. What a caring lady! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Prayers and sympathy to the entire Gordon family. Especially Mark and Laura, with whom I attended CDCI East.
Jim, Laura, Jamie and Mark, our sincere sympathy you and your families for the loss of a wonderful wife, Mother and Grandmother.
Thinking of your family during this sad time. I have childhood memories of Ruth, at Merwin Greer. She was a true lady. Danielle Kennedy