Obituary of Wilfred Gordon 'Gordie' Smolensky, Lingan

It is with an immense sense of loss and sorrow that we share news of Gordie’s peaceful passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney on Friday, August 2, 2024 at the age of 54. His entire family was by his side sharing love and providing comfort. He had lived courageously with Parkinsons Disease for several years.

Born in New Waterford, N.S. on December 11, 1969, Gordie is the son of Eddie and Gina Smolensky of Lingan.

He married the love of his life June (Rockett) on Sept 6, 2008. From there they enjoyed 22 years of life’s adventures together. Their son Gordon, at home in Lingan, and Daughter Brittany (Dean Black) Sydney, rounded out the family. Together they also celebrated the joy of being grandparents to their precious granddaughter, Bella Rose.

Gordie was a skilled and respected journeyman electrician. Also, a proud member of the (IBEW) International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Working on many job sites and projects in Western Canada and locally over the years, he met wonderful people along the way who remained life-long friends. People like Rodney Nicoletti and the various folks at Lynk Electric. He left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Funny is an understatement. He always found a way to make people laugh or put a smile on their face; having what some called ‘the most contagious laugh’ always got attention.

A love for hockey and baseball and his contributions to minor sport was known in the community. Always there to coach, inspire fair play and encourage youth to enjoy sport. He was an especially loyal fan of his favorite player; his son Gordon. He often found pleasure in the solitude of his gardens, as well as on the open road. He loved riding his Harley Davidson with his brothers and friends; always up for an adventure.

Gordie Smolensky was genuine. He was smart, honest, funny, kind, generous and always caring. Most important of all, Gordie was a fiercely proud, loyal and loving father, grandfather and husband. Rest easy Gordie. We love you.

We sincerely thank the many medical professionals at the CBRH and VON for their ongoing care over the years. Two nephews, Craig and Jonathan, deserve mention for their professional and compassionate nursing skills. Their professional approach coupled with personal concern and love for their uncle was from the heart. It did not go unnoticed by our family and indeed it meant so much to Gordie. 

In addition to his wife June, son Gordon, daughter Brittany and granddaughter Bella Rose, Gordie leaves his parents Eddie and Gina; brothers Billy, Lingan, Floyd, Mira; nieces and nephews, Virginia, Nicole, Edward, Jonathan and Craig.

A heartfelt thank you is also extended to Ida Smolensky, Monique MacDonald, Darlene Brufatto, Joanne Chaulk, Alma Yorke, Raymond Timmons, Tony MacNeil, Ray MacNeil, Rodney Nicoletti, Kenny Mercer, Dougald Campbell, and Jody Rockett. These are among the many people who were all instrumental in supporting Gordie and our family. Your kindness and care leaves us forever grateful. You are all earth angels. Thank you.  

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 8 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Godwin Obike officiating. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lingan, with a reception to follow at the K.O.C., New Waterford. Donations in his memory may be made to Parkinson Society Nova Scotia or Hospice/Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.