Vancouver Island Masonic History Project

As part of our Vancouver Island Masonic History Project, with its sections on Vancouver Island Cemeteries – Masonic Interments and Deceased Brethren, here is a page on William Gordon (1837-1924), who is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.

We do not know a lot about William Gordon at this time. His gravestone in Ross Bay Cemetery says he was born at in Kent, England and died at Victoria, B.C. on 17 April 1924. His gravestone says “Lieut. William Gordon” so he served in the military but, at this time, we do not know anything about his military service. The gravestone displays the Masonic Square & Compasses.

His obituary in the local newspapers (see below) says he lived at 1138 Richardson Street, which was built for William Gordon in 1909 and is still standing in Victoria’s Fairfield residential district. A current photo of 1138 Richardson appears below.

Here are some local newspaper reports of William Gordon’s death and funeral:

“GORDON – On Thursday, April 17, 1924, at his late residence, 1138 Richardson Street, Victoria, in his eighty-seventh year, William Gordon, born in Kent, England, June 22 1837. He leaves to mourn his loss two sons and three daughters.

Funeral from the family residence at 2 o’clock, Tuesday, proceeding to Christ Church Cathedral. Interment in the family plot at Ross Bay cemetery.”

(Source: Victoria Daily Times, 19 April 1924, page 22)

“The remains of the late William Gordon have been removed to his residence, 1138 Richardson. Funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, proceeding to Christ Church Cathedral, where Rev. F.H. Fatt will officiate. Interment will be made in the family plot, Ross Bay Cemetery.”

(Source: Victoria Daily Times, 21 April 1924, page 9)

1138 Richardson, Victoria, B.C. William Gordon owned this house and was living here at the time of his death in 1924.
1138 Richardson, Victoria, B.C. Built for William Gordon in 1909. William Gordon owned this house and was living here at the time of his death in 1924.

William Gordon is buried in the Gordon family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C. with his wife Isabella, who was born in Montreal and died in Victoria on 25 August 1912, aged 70.

William Gordon grave marker on the Gordon family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
William Gordon grave marker on the Gordon family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
William Gordon is buried in the Gordon family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.
William Gordon is buried in the Gordon family plot in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C.

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