(1923-2011)

Gordon A. Gross, M.A., Ph.D., RCAF, WWII, 433 Squadron FIMM, FGAC, FGSA, FCIMM died peacefully, on Monday, March 14, 2011 in hospital at the age of 87. Beloved husband for 59 years of Elizabeth (Betty Stewart). Dear father of John L., Rev. Christine (Rev. Whitman Strong) and loving grandfather of Amanda Gross (Dayton Davies), Johanna and Catie Strong and great-grandfather of Dallas Davies. He was the son of the late Rev. G.L. and Mrs. Amanda Gross, brother of Esther Karges (late Russel),Violet Koch (late John), Viola Schneider (Ken), Clara Jones (late Archie), Edith Schneider (Stanley), Dorothy Zurbrigg (late Ralph), the late Gladys Ropp (late William), the late Elmer Gross (late Hilda Woodside); also survived by many nieces and nephews. Gordon was born near Goderich and received his early education in one-room schools and Eganville High School. He left grade 12 to work in a munitions plant in Hamilton and from there enlisted in the RCAF. He was a mid-upper gunner with Halifax bombers in Yorkshire and completed a tour of operations; he was particularly proud of his "ops" wing. He completed high school after the war and graduated from Queen's University in 1950 and 1952 and from the University of Wisconsin in 1955. After 3 semesters as assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati, Gordon joined the Geological Survey of Canada in 1956 and spent his career on the study of iron ore, spending the last 21 years as an Emeritus Scientist. He completed assignments for the United Nations and carried out scientific exchange work on ferrous metal resources in the USSR, China, India, European countries, Africa and the Americas. He spent a term in London (UK) as Commonwealth Geological Liaison Officer and was the author of numerous books and papers, including "Reflections of an Air-Gunner". Gordon was also an elder of Centretown United Church, founding member of Centre 507, Member of the Friday Luncheon Club, The Builders Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, Lodge of Perfection, Luxor Daylight Lodge, and past DDGM, Ottawa District 2 1990-91.

Published in The Ottawa Citizen, March 16, 2011