The Whitby Curling Club mourns the passing of their former manager and Ice Maker – Gord Carroll.
Gord arrived in Whitby in 1979 and forever changed the Whitby Curling Club. His passion for ice making was unprecedented and his dedication to creating great ice improved memebrship and also allowed Whitby to host some of the most important events in Canada.
Gord realized that the future of curling was in the youth. Between 1982 and 1992 it was hard not to find a single student in Whitby that Gord had not taught curling to. Along with teaching, Gord wasn’t a bad curler himself. During the 1970’s and early 80’s Gord won a few Legion Provincials and managed to get to Newfoundland and Ontario Men’s Provincial Champioships.
Gord was made a Lifetime Member of the Whitby Curling Club in 2002, and Ontario Curling Association Life Member in 2005 and inducted into the Whitby Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
All of these awards, however, isn’t why so many people loved Gord. It was his personality and enthusiasm. When you walked into the Whitby Curling Club, Gord immediately made your day better. It didn’t matter if you knew him for 20 years or 2 minutes. Gord made every single person feel welcome and truly enjoyed their company.
Gord’s story telling would also mesmerize an entire room. His life story had so many adventures. He never had a dull moment.
Giving out the Managers Trophy to the ladies was one of his highlights of the curling year. This not only allowed him to honour the team with flowers and a personal note but is was his time to put on a skit! This man knew how to entertain!
It is amazing that this little man from Red Island, Newfoundland effected the Whitby Curling Club and it’s members so much. The Whitby Curling Club would not be what it is today without Gord Carroll’s influence. The curling club walls will echo with the sounds of Gord’s Newfie Shuffle and “I’se the By That Builds the Boat” forever.
Good curling Gordie!!!!
Our condolences go out to Gords family and friends.