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
Christiane Ryan
Col (Retd) James Holsworth
Sincere condolences to the Metcalfe family. Gordon was always an active and proud supporter of Signals operational readiness and advancing Canada's military command and control. His caring and pleasant nature will be missed. VVV Jim and Anne Holsworth
Paul Gibb
Gord was an absolute gentleman with a heart of gold. I knew Gord a short few years during my time at karate but I do know he touched many throughout of life and will be missed.
Glenyce Boyce
My condolences to you and your family Anne. 🙏
Rick Trites
Condolences to Jane, family, colleagues and friends. Gord’s smile and humour was much loved in the St. Matthew’s community.
Rebecca and Grahame Chandler
Gordon always brought a smile to everyone’s face and we had the privilege of sharing many happy family memories with him. We will miss him.
BGen (Ret) Robert Martineau
I only had a few interactions In the Forces with Gord. He always impressed me as a genuine and caring person who would do his best at whatever the task at hand. Gord has surely left his mark and will be remembered in the military community where he served.
Rod Escayola
LCol Metcalfe was the Commanding Officer when I joined 763 Comm Regt in 1990. Until his retirement in 1993, he served the unit with dignity, professionalism and an exemplary level of care for the unit and the troops. He left an indelible mark in all of our minds and heart. It was with great pleasure that I bumped into him in 2011 at an event related to the Regiment's foundation. I was blown away with his continued dedication to the unit and to all of us. I saw him again an a regimental event a few years ago. Still the same upstanding, respectful and caring individual. I was blown away with the fact that he still remembered me, my name and even what I did for a living! By then, we had since each other twice over a span of 20 years. A great leader and a caring man. Thanks for your service and rest in peace. Your work here is done.
Sincere condolences to Jane and the family