Gordie Macleod

controller64 · Post by **controller64** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 12:42 pm

Gordie Macleod was the pilot in the NWA crash the other week, and he was a friend. I knew Gordie when he was just a little guy quietly plugging away on his chanter, practising for the next big bagpiping competition or gig. He and I went to the same school - Westgate Mennonite Collegiate in Winnipeg, and we would often wait to be picked up by our moms together... just hanging out in the entryway, with little chats here and there. Those that knew him know just what an amazing guy he was - super friendly, help others before himself, all that nice guy jazz - but with him it's very true.

What some of you may not know about him was his bagpiping... and how he blazed a memory in the minds of every westgate student for the 6 years he was at the school (in addition to winning competition after competition for years). He reluctantly would agree to play the talent show every year. 300 students all stompin' their feet and cheering wildly for the little, pudgy quiet guy who knew how to get people goin'. The last year I was there was really special though - near the end of the show there were a lot of whispers as to whether or not Gordie would play... (it had become high-school legend that Gordie would play for us - and the thought of him missing a year was shocking)... well - just as the MC wrapped things up, Gordie comes through the doors, blasting away... everyone on their feet cheering and stomping to the beat, but Gordie was performing and earning himself a place in our school's history.

After high school, I went to the ATC side of things and he went pilot... he loved it up there. It's super sad that he's gone, he'll be sorely missed.

(I was just missin' him this afternoon, thought I'd post a memory)

Cat Driver · Post by **Cat Driver** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 1:09 pm

How sad to read this.

There really is no true answer to why these things happen, over and over I wish there was an answer.

. .

the original tony · Post by **the original tony** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 3:27 pm

very nice,
i never knew him, like most ppl on this forum i can imagine.
But, now with an amazing post like that, i wish i did.
again, very nicely put.
thank you

the original tony

cinical · Post by **cinical** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:24 pm

From another bagpiper/pilot, I am very sad to hear of this. I couldn't imagine losing a close friend in this very small industry.

hazatude · Post by **hazatude** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 6:38 pm

The good memories will be with you for all time. Hold them close.

desksgo · Post by **desksgo** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 7:40 pm

the original tony wrote: But, now with an amazing post like that, i wish i did.
again, very nicely put.
thank you

the original tony

That's right on the money for me...sounds like a terrific guy. Not the departure from this world that he should have had.

R1830 · Post by **R1830** » Thu Aug 24, 2006 9:57 pm

Gord was the best sort of a person out there. At the end of a long day he was still always in a great mood and made flying together a pleasure.

I had the distinct pleasure of flying hundreds of hours with Gord. The whole crew misses him.

His first memorial was this past monday in the Northwright hangar( there are 2 more being planned I believe. He's such a great guy that one won't do). His mom came up to attend which was very important to all of us that worked with him.

Gord was always reluctant to give us a few tunes on the pipes but could be convinced.

It's great to hear stories from the people who knew Gord he was such a character.

Godspeed Gord