Pictured right: Gord, at Veterans Health Centre.
Born in Winnipeg in 1936, Gord Hollier felt the call to serve his country from a young age. At just 17, Gord joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1953, training as a Radar Plotter.
In the fall of that year, the youngest aboard the HMCS Cayuga, Gord made his way to the Korean War. Thankfully at the tail end of the conflict, and was able to be an active part in peace keeping missions after the war.
Gord holds fond memories of his time overseas, with one of the most cherished being Christmas Day in 1953. As the youngest sailor aboard, Gord assumed the position of “Captain of the Day,” a well-loved practice in the Royal Canadian Navy that involves the temporary demotion of the highest-ranking officer.
Gord’s time in Korea was spent tracking radar contacts and charting them for the Operations Team. On duty, they patrolled the coast and practiced gunnery, with Gord recalling the discomfort of sleeping below the firing deck. He would be woken up by the noise of the gun firing and all the fire retardant and paint falling down off the deckhead onto his head while he lie in his hammock. Gord also recalled encountering, and being treated by the Great Imposter Ferdinand Waldo Demara Jr., who was impersonating a Medical Officer on the HMCS Cayuga. Gord remembers him being a very intelligent man and “a real gentleman.”
After his time overseas, Gord returned to Canada and was stationed at CFB Esquimalt. It was in 1966 where he met Judy who worked at the base as a civilian. She was the love of his life and together they raised four daughters on Vancouver Island.
In his civilian life, Gord continued his service as a civilian in the Navy, and he transitioned from radar technician to a sonar technician. Eventually becoming a top civilian at the Nanoose Bay Test Range. Gord retired at the age of 55, and he and Judy enjoyed their golden years together doing what they loved, playing the casino’s, travelling and watching sports.
Retired, Gord and Judy moved back to to Victoria to be close to family and enjoy precious time with their grandchildren. Sadly, Judy passed away in May 2020 after battling cancer. Losing her was devastating for Gord, as the two where said to be “attached at the hip”. Her passing also exacerbated his progression with Alzheimer’s disease.
As if by happenstance, exactly a year since Judy’s passing, Gord took a wrong turn on a short walk he knew well. He stopped after seeing a building that looked familiar to him. That building was Veterans Memorial Lodge. Staff invited him in, and were able to get him back with his family, but not before showing him the day program with the Veterans Health Centre. Gord was thrilled, as he felt he had found his purpose again!
Gord continues to attend the Veterans Health Centre weekly and respite care at Veterans Memorial Lodge each month. Gord’s sacrifices, beginning at such a young age, helped ensure we have the freedom we have today. It is our honour to serve Gord while he participates in the programs at the Veterans Health Centre and at Veterans Memorial Lodge, a Broadmead Care Home.
You can help veterans like Gord enjoy the comforts of home and simple pleasures by making a donation today.
