In Loving Memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Edward Kirkland early on June 2, 2026. Gordon was born in Toronto on October 12,1953. He moved from Ontario to Port Coquitlam BC in 1982, with his wife Diane and his eldest son Michael.
He had a storied career firstly with the Federal Government in Ottawa, and then later was self-employed in BC. Gordon suffered partial paraplegia at the age of 37 resulting from a car accident. After several years of recovery, he began writing short-story humour columns which were published weekly in newspapers all over North America, and he later published 10 anthologies of his columns and one long-form fiction novel.
Gordon is a three-time recipient of the Stephen Leacock Award of Merit as a finalist for the Leacock Medal for his books, Justice Is Blind – And Her Dog Just Peed In My Cornflakes (1999), Never Stand Behind A Loaded Horse (2004), and When My Mind Wanders It Brings Back Souvenirs (2005).
Gordon loved to entertain and make people laugh.
Over the last several years, Gordon’s health deteriorated. He lived in Baillie House Long Term Care facility in 2026, where he passed quietly on June 2.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years Diane Kirkland, his sons Michael Kirkland and Dr Brad Kirkland, his daughters-in-law Maíla Duarte-Kirkland and Dr Aimeé Richmond-Kirkland, and his sister Lois Shimer. He was predeceased by his eldest brother Jim Kirkland.
He will be deeply missed by many dear friends who became his BC family.
Many thanks to the staff at Baillie House Long Term Care Home, for their great care and providing him with purpose in the last few months of his life.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Garden Hill Funeral Home 11765-224 Street Maple Ridge BC on Monday July 6 at 3:00p.m. It will be livestreamed for those who wish to take part virtually.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Gordon Kirkland to either the Spinal Cord Injury BC, or to support the Organ Donation and Transplant Research FDN of BC through VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donate at join.vghfoundation.ca/odtrf or the Transplant Research Foundation of BC.
Expressions of sympathy can be made at gardenhill.ca