Passed away on Monday December 23, 2024 at the age of 87. Beloved husband to Jane (née Evans). Loving father to David (Tricia née Monahan) and Anne Bourgeau (David). Proud grandfather of Liam and Ashley.
Predeceased by his parents Lella May (née Burns) and Ernest Metcalfe, and brothers Robert and Donald.
During his lifetime Gordon enjoyed a successful career with Nortel.
Over the years he was proud to be an officer with the 763 Communications Regiment. LCol Metcalfe was appointed Commanding Officer in 1988 and proudly served until 1993. During this time, he formed collaborations with Regular Force units to provide essential Army field training for the Regiment’s 1 Squadron and support to 79 Communications Regiment (Kingston) for National Command and Control Communications when the Regiment’s 2 Squadron was placed under operational control of that Regiment. Throughout his career, he earned his Canadian Forces Decoration with two clasps and was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Golden Jubilee Medal, and the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal (no post nominals).
LCol Metcalfe continued his support of the Regiment working as a Director of 33 Signal Regiment Foundation and its Treasurer.
Gordon spent many years as the Treasurer of the Conference of Defence Associations and was essential in planning its annual events.
Gordon’s integrity was evident in the strength of his friendships and the trust he earned in his professional relationships.
His generosity of spirit was shown in his support of numerous charities with his financial experience.
In his retirement years Gordon embraced many different interests. He was active in Karate achieving a 4th degree black belt. Enjoyed interests in photography, culinary arts, music and golf .
Gordon embraced life with honor, kindness and a sense of humour. He especially enjoyed family times. The special moments with his wife Jane, and the children and grandchildren and at gatherings with family and friends.
Gordon’s life was one truly well lived and will be remembered with love and greatly missed by family and friends.
Friends are invited to gather on Friday January 3, 2024 in the Hall of Colours of the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa, after 1 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 2 p.m. followed by a reception. Those unable to attend in person, please register here to attend virtually via live stream.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Hospice Care Ottawa - May Court Hospice or the charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Nancy Doucette
Raymond & Dianne Bourgeau
It was a pleasure knowing Gord. He a great sense of humour & outlook on life.Her will be missed.
Mike Martin
Gord was true friend and will be greatly missed , my sincerest condolences to Jane and his Family. We will keep Him in our prayers.
Dale & Hilary Faris
We are very sad to learn of Gordon's passing.
It was always such a pleasure to chat with him. We'll miss him very much.
Michael Sangster
Gord was an incredible gentleman who brought focus and diligence to everything involved with the 33rd signals regiment. It was an honour to get to know him in just a small way. He will be missed and remembered as a great man.
Nancy Sharp
Gordon was a very fine man. His many interests, plus being a devoted ikebana husband made him incredibly interesting.He will bemused, but also fondly remembered.
Justin R Fogarty
I had the great pleasure of meeting Colonel Metcalfe in 2010 when I was appointed the honorary L Colonel of the 763 Signals Regiment. He was so welcoming and helpful to welcome me and he was forever young. This guy was still active of mind and body with his martial arts. Together with Gordon and a few others we founded the 33 Signals Regiment Foundation and with his amazing contributions and leadership that Foundation has done so much good work for the Regiment and for Canadian Forces causes. Gordon also got me involved in the CDA institute as a director at which place he was the treasurer. He was a leader who lead by example a quite example. He was always there to lend a hand and to provide sage advice and also to share a laugh with. I was honoured to have worked with him and to count him as one of my valued colleagues and advisors as we built out the 33 Signals Foundation and other initiatives. You will be missed. My sincere condolences to the family. As you know his life was a life well lived.
Greg Smith
It was an honour to both work with Gord at BNR as well as being his friend. We often enjoyed our "Breakfast Club" meetings at the Ashton Pub at Christmas times with fellow BNR Colleagues and the continuous connection we had post Nortel. He will be missed
Sybil and Tom Hennebury
Remembering a dear friend of 58 years. So many great meals and happy times. We will miss him and are thinking of his wonderful wife, Jane and family.
Be at peace, Gord.
Sybil and Tom
John McBride
OH Gord, what a guy and what a smile. His smile radiated within him and with all the many groups he worked with. He will be remembered and missed
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. May all your fond memories always stay close to your heart. Nancy, James and Meghan Doucette