In memory of

Gordon Ernest Fairbank

September 22, 1932 -  January 11, 2022

FAIRBANK, Gordon Ernest September 22, 1932 – January 11, 2022. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Gordon is survived by his wife Catherine (nee Leach), his children Geoffrey (Ann) and Catherine (Jim) from his first marriage to Jean and his grandchildren, Alexander, Sarah, Cordelia, Sam and Gordon.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 57 years, Jean (nee Hetherington), his son John, his parents John and Christianna, and his brother Keith.
Gordon was born in Toronto and grew up in East York. His parents were Salvationists and he attended Danforth Citadel in his youth. The Salvation Army would be close to his heart throughout his life. He devoted himself to the Advisory Council of Salvation Army Laity (ACSAL) a grassroots movement led by Salvationist volunteers. The council would go on to play a major role in many significant areas of Salvation Army ministry including the establishment of the Booth University College in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
While still in high school Gordon began working as a tour guide for Calladine and Baldry. This was the start of his life long career in travel. In 1963 he left C&B and cofounded Horizon Holidays. Horizon would go on to become the gold standard in “Quality Escorted Holidays” and conduct tours all over Canada, and around the world.
Gordon’s youngest son, John, was born profoundly deaf. Education in the 1970’s for deaf children was sorely lacking. In response to this he founded Parents for Total Communication and the Deaf Children’s Society (Toronto), advocating for deaf students to learn using sign language.
Cremation has already occurred and a Memorial Service will take place at the Salvation Army Oshawa Temple on Saturday January 29th at 11:00
Due to current public health restrictions please preregister at: www.saoshawa.ca/register if you are attending in person. To attend virtually visit: https://youtu.be/het4CDJQRdA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gordon's memory to the Salvation Army Rideau Heights Corps, 183 Weller Ave, Kingston ON would be greatly appreciated.

Guestbook 

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stephen Burnett (Friend and former business partner)

Entered January 22, 2022 from Kingston Ontario

My wife Hélène and I extend condolences to the entire Fairbank Family. We hope the memories of this wonderful man will console you through your grieving period. I became a business partner at the firm which Gordon founded and immediately developed an immense respect for the talent and acumen of this exceptional man. Gordon and I spent many hours debating the merits of our world-wide expansion and every minute of this was a learning experience for me, as Gordon navigated the firm through the shoals of international business. His considerable talent impacted many of our other employees, many of who transitioned from co-workers to life long friends. Gordon will be remembered for his taken, his oh-so-subtle sense of humour and his considerable integrity.

John Hockin (Former employee)

Entered January 23, 2022 from Muskoka

Gordon was my first boss. I started as a tour escort for Horizon in 1970. He had an influence on my attitude to business and life that has lasted my 73 years. The core values i now have about service, quality and integrity were reinforced by Gordon at that early age. The remember him fondly as a powerful teacher.
My condolences to the family.
John

Ray Harris (Good Friend)

Entered January 23, 2022 from Winnipeg

Gordon brought a generous spirit to all situations. The Salvationist community is deeply indebted to him. Ray and Cathie Harris

Luc Gingras (Horizon Tour Escort - 1980's)

Entered January 23, 2022 from St-Bruno-de-Montarville, Quebec

I was a young undergraduate student when I first met Gordon. This was more than 40 years ago.
It was the very first time I'd set foot at Horizon, on Maitland Street.
On that day, after a first interview with Jim Slichter, I was offered to meet with Gordon on the same day so I would not have to travel back from Montreal for a second interview.
At the end of a lovely conversation, I candidly asked Gordon how to deal with difficult tour members on a tour. He very eloquently specified they were very few and that if I was ever confronted with some of them, all I had to do was to "KILL THEM! ... with kindness." The twinkle in his eye clearly indicated he was happy to momentarily shock me before I caught on to his humor. It was the start of a wonderful part of my life.
Gordon rallied a group of wonderful people at Horizon. I was blessed to work with many of them, some who are still genuinely close friends. I had the chance to join Gordon with a small group of Horizon family member for the annual tour promoting new destinations. We felt like a rock & roll band touring from one end of the country to the other in just a few weeks. Good old days!
I left Horizon in 1987 but these few years were some of the best years in my life.
Thank you, Gordon. You were a profoundly generous man who inspired me.
Rest in peace.
My most sincere condolences the Fairbank family and to all those grieving his departure.

Lois Hetherington (Niece)

Entered January 24, 2022 from Sault Ste Marie

Sending prayers and thoughts to my cousins on the passing of their father. Although I didn’t see Uncle Gordon very often the times I did I will remember his kindest and friendly way. Sending God’s Blessings to all of you as you morn tho lose of your dad. 🦋

Photos 

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