Tsawwassen, Ontario
October 10, 2011
We are deeply saddened by the loss on Monday October 10, of a very dear man, Gordon James Irving, son of Frances Marie Long and Dr. Isaac Irving, and beloved husband of Adrienne McAlpine of Tsawwassen and formerly of Olive Mullins of Ottawa. Over time Gordon has shared wonderful memories of growing up in Lethbridge, of his life work as an Oblate of Mary Immaculate and professor at St. Pat’s College in Ottawa, and of his travels far and wide. When St. Pat’s later joined Carleton University, Gordon served as Chairman of the Department of Sociology where he worked to create one of finest departments of criminology and sociology in a Canadian university at that time. He also served as Director, Institute of Social Action and was a member of the Honours Sociology Committee. He also participated in many extra-university associations including the John Howard Society, the Social Planning Committee Ottawa-Carleton, the American Catholic Sociological Association, Ontario Association of Criminology and Corrections, Canada Correctional Association, Adjundication Panel for Sociology, Ontario Graduate Scholarships, and the Canadian Sociology and Anthropology Association to name a few. He also lectured at the London School of Economics as well as at St. Paul’s University, Faculty of Theology, publishing many articles.
For Gordon, the moral imperative was to advocate for social justice. Not only did he teach it; he lived it. Gordon has touched hosts of people. His younger brothers and sisters especially, as well as Ollie’s six children, and Adrienne’s son Christopher have all benefitted enormously from his wisdom and generosity. His many longtime friends would attest to his uncommon modesty. His accomplishments were many, but he was happy to keep them quiet. We will celebrate the gift of his life at a prayer vigil to be held at Sacred Heart Church, Ladner, on Friday evening at 7:30 pm, at his funeral service 11:00 am on Saturday and at every occasion where a spirited discussion brings him to mind. Godspeed, dear Gordon. Donations to Peace and Development in Gordon’s memory would be most welcome.
AFFIRMING A PRIESTHOOD, ROOTED IN A REFORMED AND RENEWED CHURCH
