Samuel 'Gordon' Ennis
WWII RCAF Veteran

Sadly, his family announces the passing of Gordon Ennis in the Complex Care Unit of the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on June 19, 2010, just before his 89th birthday on July 3.
He was the devoted husband for nearly 63 years to Doris (Suffel), and the loving father of Marilyn (Alan) Assance, George (Susan), David (Mary), Colleen (David) Howard, Janine (Chris) Christensen, and Arlene (Jamie) Sommerville. Gordon was born on a farm near Inkerman to the late Ira and Sarah Jane (Smith). He was predeceased by his brothers, Roy and George, and sisters Hilda (Lloyd) Laporte, Lena (Arrington) Stewart, Helen, and Ina. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Audrey (Roy). To remember him fondly are 15 grandchildren: Matthew (Jennifer), David, and Kyla (Michael Mazza) Cotton; Michael (Alicia), Jonathon (Katherine), and Joshua Ennis; Colin and Carson Ennis; Kathryn, Sean, and Andrew Sommerville; Jackson and Dylan Christensen; and three great-grandchildren; Addison, Cohen, and Kalli. Many nieces and nephews respected Gordon as an uncle.
He attended school in Inkerman, with some of his senior classes being taught by brother-in-law Lloyd Laporte, who also prepared him for entry into Winchester High School at second-year level. He and his family were members of Inkerman United Church. After high school, Gordon qualified as a teacher from the Ottawa Norman School, but volunteered for the RCAF in 1943 and trained as a wireless air gunner. Shipped overseas in May 1944, and stationed in the south of England, he became part of an RAF squadron and began flying sorties in August in a B25 medium bomber. He flew 50 missions from England and later from Belgium. He returned home in the fall of 1945, and was honourably discharged from service.
He was married on July 5, 1947 to Doris (nee Suffel) in Inkerman United Church. The new couple settled on a farm near Winchester. They became active members of the Winchester United Church with Gordon being an Elder for a number of years. Gordon was a responsible member of the community as a School Trustee, and other farming organizations. He loved a game of hockey on the ice in the fields with his sons and grandsons. In his quiet and unassuming way, he was a good neighbour, sharing machinery and labour with his next-door neighbour, Morley Erratt. He was known for his smile by all who knew him.
A beautiful celebration of Gordon's life was held at the Winchester United Church under the tender care of Rev. Christine Lowson, with a reception in the church assembly hall provided by Unit 2 of the United Church Women. Appropriate music was provided by choir director John Hutchinson and choir.