In memory of

Gordon (Gord) James Watson

May 2, 1930 -  November 27, 2025

of Scarborough, in his 95th year, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was born in Toronto to loving parents Bill and Anne and was older brother to Harvey (deceased).

Gord attended Western Technical Commercial School and joined IBM Canada right after graduation. Gord met the love of his life, Betty Massie (deceased, 1972) at IBM where he worked in the International Records Division (IRD) until his retirement at age 60 in 1988. He enjoyed the company of many valued colleagues and friends throughout his years at IBM, many who remained lifelong friends. If there was an event or celebration you could count on Gord to be there as he loved people and sharing stories.

During Gord's final days, he was surrounded by the people he treasured the most, his loving family: son Jim (Cheryl), daughter Sandi (Randy), and grandchildren Kyle (Jenna), Mark (Kristen), Katey (Matt) and Carley. Gord was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Aiden, Tenley, Sloane, Cameron and Payton (and one on the way that he just missed meeting). He was a loving and supportive Poppa and so very proud of each member of his family; they were the center of his world.

Gord loved facts about "his city" Toronto and enjoyed taking visiting friends on tours sharing interesting sights and history. His stories are truly legendary. He enjoyed bowling with friends, attending his grandchildren's hockey games, and was a long time Toronto Maple Leafs fan.

Gord spent the last five years at Sunrise Retirement Home in Unionville where he continued to share stories and make friends. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the wonderful caregivers who shared this last chapter with him.

A private family internment service will be held followed by a Celebration of Life in 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Multiple Sclerosis Canada if so desired.

Guestbook 

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Carolyn Best (Cousin)

Entered December 9, 2025 from Pickering On

Gord was a special cousin. We spent hours every Friday evening talking on the phone. My deepest condolences to the family. What great support Gord had with all of you. Love Cousin Carolyn

George Cuthill (Friend/Coworker)

Entered December 11, 2025

Gord was a great mentor to me throughout my IRD stay and even when I moved to the Personal Computer Division, that he encouraged. I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Mr. Gord Watson.
Cheers, Wee Gordie

Doug Marsh (Friend/Coworker)

Entered December 11, 2025

Our deepest condolences to Jim, Sandi and your respective spouses and families. Your dad was so proud of all of you and there was nothing more important to him than all of your well being, health and happiness. I, like so many people, were so lucky to have him in my life. Thank you for sharing this "one of a kind" man with us, I will miss my long phone calls and visits with him.
He had a wonderful and full life.. he was loved by many and will leave a big hole in all of our hearts.

George & Eileen Banjavich (Good friend/colleague/mentor)

Entered December 17, 2025 from Winnipeg

Jimmy & family, our most heartfelt condolences. There will never be anyone special and so loved as Gordie. My cherished memories of your Dad and the many conversations covering the Leafs/Jets and everything under the sun were remarkable due to his sharp mind. Lengthy chats on the phone were standard. Once when I was out of town on business, he and Eileen chatted for 5 hours! He was salesman's dream on customer calls. always a gentleman, professional & articulate. He taught me well.

Our first year in Winnipeg he visited with his Mom. The barbeque remains as a highlight. We came back to Toronto to celebrate our 25th Wedding Anniversary and Gordie met our parents, relatives, and many good friends.

Gordie wanted to see the Leafs hoist another Stanley Cup. We both were miffed that 58 years and nothing! Gordie, talk to the big guy up there and see what you can do.

David Frood (Friend)

Entered December 26, 2025 from Thunder Bay, Ontario

I've known Gord for almost 40 years and spent a lot of time with him during my many visits to Toronto. Together we explored the entire GTA and surrounding area, including most of Scarborough (The Guildwood, the Bluffs and Bluffer's Park Marina), as well as West Toronto (Gord's childhood home) and East Toronto. We stopped it at every location of significance to Gord, including the IBM print shop near the Davenport Road, wife Betty's grave in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, and sites of his family's origins up in Pefferlaw. Gord and I especially loved tracking down the homes and locations of the famous and infamous. Because of this, I had a relationship with him that I have not had with anyone else. He was a great guy. I will really miss him.

Photos 

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