Of Rockwood, passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington on Saturday, May 13, 2023, in his 96th year. Beloved husband of the late Marian Velma Ostrander (nee Hamilton). Loved father of Robert (Lee ann), Kenneth (Helen Leitch), David (Alejandra Fernandez), Steven (Ramona). Loving grandpa of Leanne Minor (Mike), Murray, Cheryl Bates (Tim), Matthew (Ally), Andrew (Clara), Adam, Alexander, Kyle (Brianne), Kaitlin, Madison, Derek, Sean McCabe (Melsa), Aspen Skidmore. Great grandpa of Ray Minor, Ava Minor, Huckley Bates, Corben, Harvey, Millie. Dear brother of Marilyn Swackhammer (Doug). Will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended Ostrander, Hamilton and Oakes family members, and friends across the Rockwood and dairy farming communities. Born in Rockwood, Ontario Gordon grew up as a 4th generation dairy farmer, and he was proud to continue the family farm legacy. His life spanned over 9 and a half decades, bridging two centuries of change. The collage of intriguing stories he shared with others ranged from being almost 1 year old when Wyatt Earp passed away, times of the great depression, wartime, one-room schoolhouses, arrival of the automobile, telephone, and electricity to owning a flatscreen tv with internet. Born only 75 years after Rockwood was established, he watched his hometown grow over the last 96 years. Family and community were of the upmost importance to him, evident in the numerous roles he took in community organizations and church, and his success as a beloved patriarch to such a large family. His family is forever grateful to Hospice Wellington for their support and compassion. Friends were received at the Wall-Custance Funeral Home & Chapel, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph, Wednesday May 17, 2023 from 7 – 9pm. Funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 11am. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. Burial to follow at Rockwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for your consideration of donating, in his honour, to any of these organizations: Hospice Wellington, Rockwood United Church, Rockwood District Lions Club or Ontario 4-H Council. A tree will be planted in memory of Gordon F. Ostrander in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.
