In Memory of Gordon Kerluke

It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Kerluke announce his passing on July 7, 2023 at the age of 84. Gordon was the beloved husband of Charlotte Kerluke (Pilon) and was predeceased by their daughter Michelle in 2007, their baby twins at birth in 1967, his father in 1979, his mother in 1998, his brother Larry in 2018, his sister, Angeline Olafson in 2023, his brother-in-law Francois in 2018 and sister-in-law Odette in 2021. His passing will remain in the hearts of in-laws close to him forever.         

Gordon was born in Foam Lake, Saskatchewan and lived on a farm in Sheho. In 1956, he moved with his parents to Winnipeg. He attended the high schools at Sheho and Foam Lake, Saskatchewan, and served with Canadian Army Reserve Units in Winnipeg, Manitoba. At the age of 26, he moved to Windsor, Ontario, where he worked with Union Gas and married the love of his life Charlotte Pilon and they made many lasting friendships. In 2020 they celebrated their 55th Wedding Anniversary. While in Windsor, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology which was followed by a Bachelor of  Laws degree. The family then moved to Ottawa where he completed the Bar Admission Course and in 1978 became a Lawyer in Ontario. While pursuing his legal studies, Charlotte provided the main source of their income.

After becoming a Lawyer, he worked briefly with Loeb/Provigo and was then offered a full time position with the National Capital Commission that lasted 22 years. He retired as the Director of Real Estate Transactions and continued several additional years in that position on a part-time basis. After the NCC, he worked part-time as a Consultant with Real Estate Services at the City of Ottawa.

Gordon was a proud member (having Ordinary status) of the Royal Canadian Legion for 50 years, and also a member of the Law Society of Ontario and the Cumberland Lions Club. Before the onset of Parkinson’s disease, he held different positions on the Executive of Branch 632 including that of the President and was actively involved with the annual poppy campaign. In addition, he chaired the Veterans and Aging portfolio. Gordon always felt that as a Legion member, he had an obligation to ensure that there was respect, support and care for Veterans. At Branch 632, he was given the Legionnaire of the year award. 

Gordon’s most deeply held value in life was to live respectfully and responsibly in relation to his family and friends and all things living. He always tried to create a lifestyle that offered security and balance for his daughter Michelle who suffered and passed away from Wegener’s Granulomatosis at a young age. At the Cumberland Lions, Gordon served in different Executive positions including that of President and Chaired different committees, special events and fundraisers, and was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship.

In his battle with Parkinson’s disease and bouts with cancer, he faced the diseases like he faced all the challenges in his life which was with steely determination and true grit. The family extends thanks for the exceptional care provided by Dr. Zohra Mellick, Orleans and Dr. Leblanc at Montfort Hospital as well as all the staff on 3^rd and 6^th at Montfort.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Funeral Complex 1250 Trim Rd. Orleans (613 830-2305) on Saturday, July 29^, 2023. Visitations start at 1 p.m., Ceremony at 2 p.m.  This will be followed by a Reception at Heritage Funeral Complex.  All are invited.   Donations in Gordon’s memory can be made to the Orleans Legion, Taylor Creek, or the Cumberland Lions Club, 2552 Old Montreal Road, Cumberland or Parkinson’s Canada.

Online condolences may be shared at www.heritage.ca. The Ceremony will be viewed virtually by following the link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eg4MAwyevrQ