Obituary of Gordon Reneau

GORDON ‘’SPANKY’’ RENEAU (Veteran of World War II) On Saturday, March 10, 2012, Gordon Reneau at age 92, suddenly passed away in his home in Port Perry. Beloved husband of Doris (nee MacGregor). Loved father of Douglas and his wife June of Toronto, Jeffery (deceased), and Michael and his wife Jennifer of Toronto. Devoted grandfather of Derek, Alexandra, Jade and Jack. He was predeceased by his brother Richard Norton Reneau. Gord was a renowned, internationally well-known veteran of World War II and honoured member of the 47th Squadron of the RAF. During his flight training over seas, his fellow officers nicknamed him "Spanky," (a moniker that would stick with him for the rest of his life) as he bore a facial resemblance to the famous moon faced character from Spanky and our Gang. It was while stationed and flying missions out of North Africa that Gord was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for valour, above and beyond the call of duty. Shortly after this act of bravery Gord’s plane was shot down and he was forced to ditch it in the Mediterranean Sea. Ultimately captured and incarcerated Gord, in one of those self-described occasions of "great luck," escaped his Nazi captors and found his way over the Alps into Switzerland. While waiting to be repatriated in Switzerland, he discovered one of his life’s greatest passions - downhill skiing. Following the war, Gord was reunited with the love of his life Doris in Port Perry, who became his devoted wife and together they raised three active sons in Etobicoke. He was a dedicated family man, respected minor league coach, and avid golfer and skier. Gord had a life long career at MacLaren Advertising where he rose to the position of vice president. Gord had a great sense of humour – he was renowned for his wise cracks and witty one-liners. He was gentleman, a fair and honest man with a passion for life. He will be remembered by all who knew him for his generousity, tenacity, and charismatic personality. The family of Gordon Reneau will receive friends at the WAGG FUNERAL HOME, McDermott-Panabaker Chapel, 216 Queen Street in Port Perry on Saturday, March 24th from 1 – 2 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held in the Chapel at 2 p.m. followed by a reception in the Front Room of the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by cheque to the Port Perry Hospital Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.waggfuneralhome.com