The Trent community is saddened to learn of the passing of long-serving board member and Trent University supporter Merritt Gordon.

Mr. Gordon was a long-standing member of the Board of Governors at Trent, serving for over a decade from 1982 to 1995. During his tenure with the Board, Mr. Gordon served as chair of Labour Relations Committee from 1986-1991, chair of Executive Committee from 1989-1995 and as the vice-chair of the Board from 1994-1995.

In recognition of his years of service to the University, Mr. Gordon was appointed governor emeritus in June of 1995 and was honoured with an Eminent Service Award, presented to those who have made outstanding contributions to Trent University, in 1996.

Below is an excerpt from Mr. Gordon’s obituary notice:

With sorrow his family announces the passing of Merritt Gordon in Orangeville, Ontario on July 19th at the age of 97. Merritt was born in Edmonton, Alberta and lived in Vancouver until he served in the RCAF during WWII. Having earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia, Merritt joined Canadian General Electric and eventually moved to Peterborough, Ontario where he spent the majority of his career and raised his family. Merritt believed strongly in helping others. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of one's choice would be greatly appreciated by his family.

The University extends heartfelt sympathies to Mr. Gordon’s family and friends, and to all who knew him at Trent.

In honour of Mr. Gordon, the University will lower the flag atop the Bata Library and at Trent Durham GTA to half-mast position on the day of his memorial.