It is with immeasurable sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, son, and uncle: Gordon Allan Davies on August 4th, 2025.
He is survived by his wife Victoria Davies, daughter Alexanya and husband Chris Williamson, son Julian and wife Kennedy Davies, mother Joanne Bland, aunty Patty and uncle Gord McBean, niece Jennica her husband Chris Gill and their three children Connor, McKenzie and Peyton, nephew Patrick his wife Sydney Johns and their son Beau, as well as father-in-law Tom Young and sister-in-law Tina Holmes.
Born April 4th, 1962, Gordon grew up in Coquitlam British Columbia raised by his parents Joanne and Allan alongside his sister Teri.
Early in life he developed a love for the English language and went on to study English and romantic poetry at the University of British Columbia. While spending the summer of 1983 at a French immersion program in Chicoutimi, he met a young Victoria. What began as a summer romance blossomed into an endless summer. Five years later they were both studying and working in separate cities across Chicoutimi, Ottawa and Waterloo and continued to make long-distance work for them even after they married in 1987.
Gordon and Victoria’s partnership was strengthened by the drive they both had to find success in their professional careers. After Gordon graduated from the University of Ottawa with an LLB and MBA in 1989, he was called to the bar in Toronto in 1991. Gordon and Victoria’s careers took off with Gordon at McMillan Binch and Victoria at KPMG, Gordon then decided to make the move from the law firm to the corporate world in 1993 and so began his legacy at Nortel Networks and OpenText. Alexanya arrived on the scene in 1993 and Julian not far behind in 1997.
Among the many highlights of Gordon’s career, there were none that could compare to his expat assignments in Paris, Mougins and London. Bringing the whole family with him, the experience cemented his Francophile nature and his deep appreciation for all things French. This passion also sparked his culinary career, finding a second home in the South of France and Montreal later in life, and even the long-standing tradition of always having a family dog who spoke French.
Balancing his career and two young kids, Gordon encouraged a love for sport with both Alexanya and Julian through their Oakville youth hockey careers and year-round with golf and rugby in the summer. Summers became even more enjoyable when Gordon supported Victoria’s plan to buy a cottage in 2004 in the Kawarthas, earning him the nickname “cottage Dad” shortly thereafter.
At home and at work, Gordon was known as the consigliere. He was proud to be a man of the world and was revered for the difference one conversation with him could make. Over his long career, he was well known in the legal and business community as a trusted advisor, problem solver, mentor, friend, and champion of diversity. After retiring in 2022, the acronym WWGD became widely used – as in What Would Gordon Do?
The most common answer to that question was usually to share a meal. Gordon could most often be found at a French restaurant or planning the menu for an upcoming dinner with family. Gordon expressed his love and appreciation through food, most of all he loved to cook and had a gift for turning special occasions into something delicious.
The loves of his life remained his family, music, poetry, travel, and the odd British Murder Mystery. Gordon was the happiest while playing the piano with his favourite cocktail and thanks to Chris, Negronis were always on order.
Gordon approached his illness as he did with any challenge in life – with fortitude, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of humour. Throughout these past four years, there were many treasured moments with friends and family including unforgettable trips to France.
We share our sincerest gratitude to the incredible team at the Princess Margaret Hospital who not only allowed the science to guide them, they also offered him a seat at the table in the decision-making process. We would also like to thank those at the Hennick Bridepoint Hospital palliative care unit.
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A small private ceremony will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery on Monday August 11th.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday September 14th in Toronto, if you’d like to attend, please contact Victoria at vg.davies@sympatico.ca.
In lieu of flowers, we ask that you honour Gordon by sharing a meal together with family and friends. You may also consider making a donation in Gordon’s name to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.
Funeral Details
Show location:
Private Family Ceremony
Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Centres
375 Mount Pleasant Road, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4T 2V8
Get Directions
Monday, 11 Aug 2025 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Info: Enter the Cemetery from Mount Pleasant Road, the East entrance. Follow signs to the FUNERAL CENTER, past the cemetery office and just after the parking lot. Celebration is in a lovely room upstairs with a nice outdoor terrace. We will have drinks and food to celebrate Gordon together. Dress code is business casual, no ties, jacket optional. For those who wish, you are welcome to join us at our home after the event at 64 Hubbard Blvd, Toronto.
Celebration of Life
Sorrel Restaurant
1158 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, CANADA, M4W 2L9
Get Directions
Sunday, 14 Sep 2025 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Info: We welcome those who want to share in the wonderful memories and stories of Gordon. Drinks and food will be served, including his favourite cocktail the Negroni. To be added to the invite list please contact Victoria at vg.davies@sympatico.ca