Gordon James Carroll

"Gordo”, Gord Carroll, 1964-2023, a force of nature and of Spirit. Husband, father, grandfather, and friend, especially to the friendless and the broken. A gifted, professional soundman, DJ, and musician who brought rhythm, melody, and light wherever he went. A powerful, joyous presence dishing up burgers long after midnight at his famous free barbecues down on Pandora on Thursdays and Sundays at Queen's manor, or forking out “bomb-ass” spaghetti at the First Baptist community dinners. Always to be found bringing music and life to his friends on the street or helping get people into rehab. Lending out his truck to a homeless brother to sleep in overnight, sheltering the vulnerable in his and Julia’s home. Like the man from Galilee, breaking whatever rules got in the way of loving and supporting those who needed it most (even when it got him into trouble.) Gordo’s unparalleled confidence in Christ sprouted loving service wherever he went. No matter what he put his hand to, Gordo’s leadership would shine through. His brilliant and strategic mind was astonishing, and his witty humour and joy made him so much fun to be around. Gordo invested in people, he loved them unconditionally, and he encouraged them. He’d show them they had worth. This was God's call on his life, and Gordo answered it faithfully. He drew deep from the well of personal experience; he was all too acquainted with the battleground of overcoming substance use disorder. A passionate hockey player in his earlier years, stick handling was his strength: percussion on skates. After all the hockey accidents and rock music-induced hearing loss, I, Julia, met Gordo. We married in 2018. I was so proud to be his wife. We were a pair of nutbars loved by Jesus and determined to spread that love far and wide. The sheer magnitude of death in street ministry weighed heavily on Gordo. For the first time in six years, he took a break from serving in the darkness and sharing light. During his pursuit for better all-round health, Gordo passed away in Victoria, BC. It was on June 21st, 2023, the day of the year with the most light. Gordo is survived by his beloved daughters, Karissa (Tyler Guy) and Chelsea (Brendon McConnell); his cherished grandchildren Kinley, Hadley, Grayden, Everett, and Adelaine; and his brother, Doug (Sandy), and niece Hailey, nephew Bryce, and dog Rosie. Gordo’s father, James Carroll, preceded Gordo in death, as did his mom, Roberta. “None of us are getting out alive,” Gordo used to say. Well, yes, but Gordo, your electric spirit is alive and well and always will be.

For any wishing to make a financial love offering (not tax deductible) to his kids Karissa & Chelsea (please provide their names with gift) in Gordo’s memory to First Baptist Giving (norawalker@gmail.com). May words of love and respect and/or funny please send to me, Julia at love2broken@icloud.com.