Obituary of Gordon Patrick McKenna
McKenna, Gordon Patrick (Scotty) May 28, 1938 – April 24, 2024
Husband of Doreen for 61 years, loving father of his only beloved and attentive daughter, Linda and her husband, Rudy Sobschak – a wonderful son-in-law; proud grandfather to Katharine and Michael (Stacie); brother to Margaret and her husband Bob Jenkins; uncle to Darren (Susan) and Rob (Michelle) and great-uncle to Clara, Evelyn and Raglan. Also survived by many cousins in Scotland and England of the McKenna and Kent clans. Predeceased by his mother Margaret “Rita” Kent 1972, father Denis “Scotty” 1998 and mother-in-law Edith (nee Greco) Rosetto 2014.
At age 14, Gord emigrated to Canada with his family, arriving December 31, 1952 and settled in Port Dalhousie. He attended Grantham High School where he became “Scotty” and “One of the Port Boys”. As an oarsman, Gord earned medals and trophies with the St. Catharines Rowing Club.
Before Gord settled into a permanent employment position with General Motors, Gord worked in his youth as a pin setter at Ace Bowling Alley (lanes closed), Stirling Electric (closed), English Electric (factory closed), Foster Wheeler (factory closed), Powell and Growers where he and a friend Dave Rennie tried to make wine but mistook pectin for sugar – (business closed/transferred), Cavers Brothers “antenna man” (business closed) and Berry’s Radio (business closed), part-time Christmas mail delivery with Canada Post. Gord worked as a part-time bar tender at Royal York Hotel in Toronto while attending Provincial Institute of Trades, graduating in November 1961. In 1962, three good job opportunities presented at the same time – he chose General Motors, where he apprenticed and became a Machine Repair Journeyman, retiring in 1994.
Over the years, Gordon was an active volunteer – Saturday evening old-style Bingo in the St. Alfred Church Hall; PTA Pres. at Canadian Martyrs School; Big Brothers Board Member; Niagara Warehouse of Hope; Docent at Lock 3 Welland Canals Museum; City of St. Catharines Strategic Planning; Out of the Cold Program at St. Alfred’s site.
For many years, Gord was the “Old Boy” of Monday night volleyball at Port Weller Community Centre and the “Swish barrel” provider to many. Gord, along with Uncle Sam and Pal Al, was a flea market vender at Lincoln Avenue. He was a local auction regular and enjoyed visiting flea markets. Almost any little thing needed, was in Gord’s “non-car garage”.
Gordon was a member of St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church, Club Roma and “CSI” (Canadian-Scottish-Italian). Due to his Parkinsons, Gordon’s last years were spent at Linhaven Home for the Aged.
As the name “McKenna” is derived from the Irish County Monaghan, we ask an Irish blessing…
May you be in Heaven
A half hour before the
Devil knows you’re dead!
May your neighbours respect you
Troubles neglect you,
The angels protect you,
And Heaven accept you.
Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if were your last
Visitation will be held at GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines on Monday, April 29th 2024 from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm with vigil prayers at 8:00pm. A Funeral Mass to be Celebrated at St. Alfred’s Church, 272 Vine St., St. Catharines on Tuesday, April 30th 2024 beginning at 11:00am with Rite of Committal to be held at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Niagara Warehouse of Hope, St. Alfred St. Vincent de Paul Society and St. Alfred Out-of-the-Cold.
For those wishing to view Gordon's Funeral Mass, please click the following link: Funeral Mass Link