Gordon was born on 31st May 1945 to Bob and Bridie Richens. The youngest of their two children and brother to Maureen.As a teenager, Gordon started working with his father in Pinner as a coal merchant at his late Grandfather’s business.
As the coal business began to dwindle through the conversion to North Sea Gas, he worked at Dwyers Builders in Pinner with Monty, Bryan and Mick and the three became lifelong friends.
Mick and Gordon also worked an extra job at Jingles Night Club where they certainly saw life! From disgruntled people shooting the door in, to Gordon nearly having his ear cut off by an unreasonable patron!
Gordon moved onto become a steward at The Greenwood Hall in later years, a place where he has been a member since he was 18 years old – and until his passing, he was the longest standing member.
In the early 70’s, Gordon met Wendy and they went on to have two sons, Dean and Jamie. Gordon also became a stepfather Nicholas. Unfortunately, or fortunately for you all here today, the union didn’t last, and he went on to marry Dorothy.
They have been together for 35 years. As well as being a fantastic Dad to his boys Gordon became stepfather to Dorothy’s 5 children, Wayne, Jeanne, Karl, Nathan and Victoria.
Soon the grandchildren came along starting with Kirsty followed by Emily, Olivia, Georgia, Rianna, Mason, Lily, Gracie Aston, Samuel, Ava & Preston. He was so looking forward to the birth of his first Great Grandson due next month.
Many wonderful memories were made with them all growing up.
When asked to recall a favourite memory, Dean remembers being taken to his first football game at Wembley in 1982, England vs West Germany. There was a big rush at the station and Dean was separated from his Dad. As he was getting crushed by the crowds, out of nowhere, this ‘big hand’ appeared and plucked him to safety. That hand was Gordon’s. That sums Gordon up in lots of way, always there keeping one eye on his loved ones.
Vicki remembers slipping Gordon’s coat on to run to the shops, putting her hand in the pocket to get her money to find that he had left his new set teeth in there. Talking about teeth, that was one of his favourite things to do – chase the grandchildren around with his teeth set as ‘fangs’ and pretending he was Dracula.
Gordon was a practical joker and loved to make people laugh. Tales of ‘the fake leg’ will live on. From leaving it hanging out the boot of the car to scare unsuspecting motorists to convincing the young ones that they had pulled his leg off helping him remove his shoes. Not forgetting pulling out 50 pence pieces from behind ears, best bumps on the seesaw at the park, or rescuing two kids from different trees, Gordon has always been there.
Gordon and Dorothy emigrated to Florida in their retirement and this meant the Grandchildren were able to visit and spend quality time with him. They all have fond memories of Disney, rodeos and alligators - especially Olivia – she won’t be going near any swamps any time soon! Granddad dragging them on the roller coasters in Busch Gardens – he didn’t need any encouragement.
In addition to his family – Gordon had many great friends. From Brian, who is sadly no longer with us, to his ‘other woman’ Audrey! Many fun times were spent at the American Marine Base where Dorothy insisted on adopting everyone. As much as Gordon used to complain in jest – he was a family man at heart and these adoptees became extended family and still come to visit to this day.
Gordon and Dorothy’s family spanned to all corners of the world! His nephew Paul in Australia, his late sister Maureen’s son, to all over the United States.
McKenna, Dorothy’s niece from the USA, remembers;
“From the second I moved to the UK, Gordon welcomed me with open arms. We had a lot of quality time when I lived with Dorothy and Gordon.
Gordon gave me encouragement when I thought I was doomed to fail, made me laugh when I was stressed and put me in my place when I was being annoying!
“It’s a lot quieter here whenever you go out, McKenna. I can hear myself think” he would say!
We spent many a morning with coffee, doing the Sudoku and these are the memories I will cherish. He also taught me a lot about British Politics – but I’m pretty sure he just wanted to vent!
As Gordon’s health deteriorated – after much complaining – he got himself a mobility scooter. This gave him a new lease of life! He was able to spend many weekends in Poole with his son Dean and wife Claire, jiving away in the sunshine with a brandy in the basket. Let’s not forget it also came in VERY handy when giving a ‘little worse for wear’ Dorothy a lift home!
Note the use of the word ‘complaining’? This is what gave Gordon the affectionate nickname of ‘Victor Meldrew’. Gordon loved nothing more than a good old moan - especially when it came to fancy dress parties!
Gordon and Dorothy lived a very full life together. From family life to time spent together travelling the world. From the Dominican Republic, Singapore, USA and Australia. His last visit to Australia was to visit his sister Maureen who was terminally ill.
Maureen and Gordon will be reunited once more when this pandemic is over as his nephew Paul will return to England with his Mothers’ ashes, where Gordon and Maureen will be laid to rest with their parents, Bob and Bridie.
