SINGLETON, Gordon (C.M.)

It is with profound sadness that we announce that Gordon Singleton, husband, father, friend, business and community leader, world champion and Olympian, has died at age 67. Gordon was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer, last year and fought valiantly until his death on March 23, 2024. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Gordon was born on August 9, 1956, in Niagara Falls to parents, Bill and Betty; and had one sister, Lorraine (Jim Wall and daughter Corinne). Gord met Louann, the love of his life, and his rock. They've been happily married since 1981 and they were blessed with two wonderful boys, Christopher and Jamie, who he dearly loved and was so proud of both. Gord and Louann shared an amazing life together. Gord fell in love with Louann's Italian heritage and family and their annual trips to Italy and the incredible friends and connections they made were cherished by him.

Gord was a business leader, and ran Niagara Battery and Tire, which has served the Niagara Region for over 65 years and supported his employees well beyond the workplace.

Gordon was a pioneer for the sport of cycling in Canada. His work ethic, commitment and professionalism made him a fantastic role model. He shared his passion and love for the sport with both professional athletes and casual cyclists alike. Gord lent his time and effort to many community charity events and supported various clubs and organizations. He was a true citizen of the Niagara region. He had a passion for sharing his love of cycling and inspiring others to experience the joy that the sport gave him. He was honoured and loved being part of the Niagara Falls Sports Wall of Fame, for 34 years and a selection committee member of the Canadian Cycling Hall of Fame, which he was also a proud and humble member. He loved speaking to aspiring young cyclists or anyone interested in taking up the sport at any level. Always willing to offer advice, answer questions and of course recount his many many stories of memorable experiences. He enjoyed his involvement with the National Cycling Centre in Hamilton, and their wonderful developmental programs for young cyclists, he was humbled with his involvement with the Shelley Gauthier Para-sport Foundation and inspired with the determination and passion of the athletes. He loved to visit the Mattamy National Cycling Centre, in Milton and share words of encouragement and praise to the athletes who made him feel so much at home and part of their family. Most recently, he took such pride in becoming a member of the Amici per la Vita Niagara Cycling Club with his wife, Louann, and embraced the wonderful family of members that gave him so much joy and love in his life. He was always excited to inspire, encourage, teach, and celebrate his love of cycling with them and enjoy the non-competitive side of the sport. It was truly a special and happy time in his life.

Gord began cycling at the age of 17, when he raced for the St. Catharine's Cycling Club which he later became a lifetime member. Gord joined the elite men's circuit and captured his first Canadian National sprint title followed by moving to England, where he met his coach and mentor, Eddie Soens. Eddie had an incredible influence on Gord, shaping him into the man he became and truly brought out the best in him. Eddie and his wife, Mima, and their dear family meant the world to Gordon, and to this day, their children and grandchildren are family to Gord and Louann. Gordon became an Olympian in 1976, competing for Team Canada in Montreal. He was a Gold and Bronze medalist, in the 1978 Commonwealth Games and a double Gold medal winner at the 1979 Pan American Games. He was named to Team Canada to compete in the 1980 Moscow Olympics, before Canada joined the boycott that year. He instead attempted and set three world records, becoming the first and only ever to simultaneously hold all three and accomplishing them all in a 24 hour time span. Gordon made a triumphant return to competitive cycling in 1998, winning two Gold Medals at The World Masters Championships, in the Sprint and 750 metre time trial and returned in 2006 and won another Masters World Championship Gold Medal in the Sprint event. The Masters World Championship victories were a particularly special experience for Gord, who always treasured the memory of having his sons with him and reconnecting with so many close friends. Gordon was honoured to be named to the Order of Canada in 1986. Gordon remained physically active his entire life, ranging from riding his bike, working out, playing golf and hockey. He was a proud member of Lookout Point Golf Club for many years and especially enjoyed the camaraderie of his Thursday Night Men's League group. He was fortunate enough to continue enjoying his love of hockey and, even more, share in the joy of all the cherished friendships he made. Most recently, his treasured Sunday team was held so close to his heart. He constantly worked at maintaining a high fitness level so he could enjoy all of this and was proud and thankful to be part of the family of Bud's Gym for so many years. He was especially thankful to Dave and Jim, who he met regularly and who gave him so much motivation and hope.

Gord loved good wine, good food and great company. He savoured having "gourmet" picnics in beautiful Niagara, surrounded by the love of family and the many, many dinners out with the friends that he loved so much. Those moments are precious. Gord left this world proud of what he had contributed. He had a good life and has left a rich legacy. He valued and was grateful for the things he did, but always said the most valuable memories were held with who he did them with and the treasured relationships that came out of them with the lives he touched. He will be greatly missed and cherished forever by Louann, Chris, Jamie, and his extended family and friends. Cremation and interment has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity very dear to Gordon, Mike Strange's Boxrun Charitable Foundation via canadahelps.org

A community gathering is planned for 9 p.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the brink of the Falls near Table Rock House with the Illumination of the Falls, in Gordon's honour and all are welcome. The Falls will be illuminated in the colours of his World Championship Rainbow Jersey. Parking is available in the parking lot across the street from Table Rock House and free exit passes will be available. The overhead walkway may be used to access. Those who choose to drive by only, please sound your horn for Gordon. This special place was so very dear to his heart. Truly a proud son of Niagara Falls.