Gordon (Gordy) Clive Anderson

A Tribute to Gordan (Gordy) Clive Anderson

Gordon (Gordy) Clive Anderson was born in Sydney on the 5th September, 1928.  He was the son of John Anderson (nickname Jack) and Clara Cummins.  Gordon was one of 6 children , which included 4 sisters.  He was particularly close to his twin sister, Patricia (Pattie). All of his sisters are now deceased.  

In general, growing up, the family was very poor, in fact, so much so, that Gordon had to attend his local school (Oatley Public School) in bare feet, as shoes were beyond the affordability of the family at that time.  Gordon never complained though, to him, this was just the way it was.   

Gordon was too young to go to war (only about 15 years old) so his first job was delivering blocks of ice to houses in the area.  In those days, people had no refrigerators, only ice chests. Life was simple and minimal with few possessions, and as a young man, he worked for the Water Board which some of his mates there enticed him into the secret religious-style world of Lodge. Gordon actually spent a great deal of his life in this organisation (Lodge Kilwinning), working his way all through the ranks to achieve the distinguished role of Worshipful Master.  

Later in life, he took up a trade as a welder and worked for ICI where he spent many of his working years.  His first car was a green Morris Minor and initially he had red hair, causing some of his siblings to nickname him "Blue".  However, it was another nickname (Gordy) that soon "took off" and developed a life of its own, and before long, virtually everybody he knew was calling him ("Gordy').  

In 1957, he married Ngaire Robinson, at St John's Church in Maroubra.  They had first met at a dance hall and the marriage certainly stood the test of time, lasting 59 years, up until Gordy's passing in 2016.

Ngaire became pregnant after just 3 months of marriage, and they went on to have three children starting with their first child, a son, named Peter in 1958.  This was followed by a  daughter called Robyn, who arrived in 1960.  However, tragedy and heartbreak struck the couple when their third child, a daughter named Gaye was born with a heart disease, and sadly passed away in June of 1972, at just four years of age.  

Gordy lived in the suburb of Maroubra for his entire life from the time of his marriage.  It was a cul-de-sac street and he loved it there.  He was in his element there.  In fact, he became so popular with other residents in the street that they all often referred to him as "the mayor of the street".

Gordy was certainly a character.  Life was never dull with him around, that's for sure.  He had "the gift of the gab" as they say, and he would talk to anyone and everyone at any time, no matter who they were.  He had this saying which he forever used "got to make myself be-known", he would say, and that's exactly what he did.   He was opinionated at times, stubborn at times, cheeky at times, and even a bit naughty as well, particularly in regard to his fondness of going to the beach wearing as little clothing as possible, which, often, was none at all.   He loved a drink, especially wine and both he and Ngaire were well travelled, including visiting places like America, Darwin, Cairns, Gold Coast, Port Macquarie, Canberra and Magnetic Island. 

At one point in his life for several years, he was even part owner in a greyhound that won several races.  He enjoyed going to the greyhound races, watching his greyhound run, and having a bet.   Gordy was as "Aussie" as you can get.  

In 1984, his happiness and joy was written all over his face as he walked his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. Likewise, in later years, when two grandchildren arrived, he was the doting and cherished "pa" to both the grandkids.   

Gordy was a kind man who would do anything for anybody, and not think twice about it.  He loved his family and the many friendships he made with people from all walks of life defined who Gordy was as a person.

In later years, Gordy's body started to fail him, and he sadly passed away on the 11th May, 2016 from Motor Neurone Disease. 

He was 87 years old.  

He is greatly missed and fondly remembered by all.