Gordon Glendinning

It was a privilege to support you Gordon during the last few months in your home. We had many conversations based on witty humor and a couple of gentle challenges, which we figured out early on and soon grew to have a lovely rapport. It was a pleasure working with you. Thinking of you Cheryl, at this sad time. Brenda HCNZ staff

Gordon in his teens was a popular member of the group of lads he knew and hung out with he was never in trouble and decided to help out and run a Judo club in the local scout group headquarters. Normally an apprenticeship would last until you were 21; however the terms were that at 20 he was required to be drafted into the armed forces. Gordon chose the Army. His delay due to his indentured apprenticeship; the normal age would have been 18. He joined the Army when he was I believe 20 years old. He served not only in the UK but overseas as well; he opted to extend his service of two years for a further 18 months before being de-mobbed. One day Gordon came proudly marching home with his heavy kit bag on his shoulder, my big brother whom I could not wait to see and catch up on all the “what where and when’s of what he had been up to” for the last three and a half years. Back in 1963 there was no telephone at home, mobiles phones were yet to be invented as was the internet so information was hard to come by. When home and after a cup of tea he was told by dad that he could not stay in the house; both mum and I were absolutely devastated, so right or wrong I left and went with Gordon to find alternative accommodation. Gordon never flinched and he looked after me without any regret for two years or so. Gordon when dealing with day to day issues proved positive and helpful however as is the way with most people he had his sensitive side. One day he came into the flat that we shared with a swaggering spring in his step, he had met someone. The person that became his shining light and forever partner in life was Florence, Gordon was head over heals and never shut up about her. He and Flo set up their first home in Beeston in Leeds West Yorkshire UK, the rest is history. Gordon you have been and are in our thoughts. R.I.P.