Obituary for Gordon Chisholm Maclaren
It is with great sadness that we share the sudden passing of Gordon from hemorrhagic shock at his home in Kyoto, Japan. He is predeceased by his mother Mary Chisholm Maclaren of Ottawa. Gordon is survived by his partner Sagiri Taguchi of Osaka and her children Saya and Kiichiro, by his father Kenneth Maclaren and his siblings Alec and Wendy Maclaren of Ottawa and by his sister Janet Maclaren (Steve Dent) and nieces and nephews James, Andrew, Alexandra, and Margot Dent of Toronto.
Our brilliant, eccentric, affable and often hilarious Gordon was a real character who filled his life with eclectic people, knowledge, and adventure. A train nerd, a massive Expos fan and a voracious reader on literally every topic imaginable, Gordon left his insights annotated in the margins of books, on scraps of paper, and in the hearts and minds of the countless people he engaged with around the world.
Gordon was born and grew up in Ottawa where his passion for world affairs, politics and entrepreneurship was honed from a very young age. The focal point of family dinners was Gordon vigorously debating the merits of the latest government policies while questioning the underlying motivations of the politicians. In Grade Four he read a tour guide that listed the capacity and features of Ottawa hotels. Frustrated with the lack of detail, he proceeded to interview dozens of hotel managers demanding more insight into their businesses. His love of the outdoors developed while playing with friends and family at his Grand Lake cottage. An early sign of Gordon’s unconventional approach to the world, he would run outdoors when it rained and challenge his siblings to see who could stay out the longest. An unlikely athlete, Gordon surprised everyone by developing a love for cross-country skiing in high school and rowing at Harvard.
As a great intellect and natural life-long teacher, Gordon lived to share what he learned and then learn more. His encyclopedic knowledge meant that he dominated at Trivial Pursuit and was the favoured Quiz Night team member. In Kyoto and nearby Osaka, he lectured at several universities. His favorite formal teaching role, held for almost thirty years, was with preschoolers where he thrilled the children and was energized by their zest for life. As he travelled the world, he would attract people with his booming voice, animated presentation, and excitement to get his point across. A modern version of an ancient philosopher, he had a need to share his deep thoughts and invite others along through debate and thoughtful conversation.
A believer in equity, social justice and the health of the planet, Gordon was engaged with many organizations in both Canada and Japan. He believed the world needed to change and he was willing to roll up his sleeves for a good cause including sorting recycling, political speech writing, advocacy, and fundraising. He saw through power structures and fought for the rights of those who needed more, particularly in the labour movement where he helped to form workers unions. Disregard for convention meant he was open to seeing and acting in the world with a freedom that others envied.
Mostly Gordon will be remembered as a remarkable and kind friend to so many. He could be found at a local pub, most often with a favorite craft beer in hand, welcoming new friends and regaling old. His friends in Kyoto became his family and he was much loved by a wide circle around the world. Eight years ago, he found a deep love with Sagiri whom he adored and admired without end. Together they travelled Japan and the world, with a favorite being a trip back to Canada with Sagiri and her children to visit family and friends from home.
A cremation service has taken place in Kyoto, Japan beneath the mountains and forests where Gordon loved to hike. Due to Covid limitations a memorial service in Ottawa will be planned at a future date and a memorial service in Kyoto will also be planned for a future date in hopes that Gordon’s family can attend in person. All are welcome to view photos of Gordon’s life and share condolences and memories with Sagiri, the family and friends on this site. Suggestions for memorial donations will be shared at a later date.
Our brilliant, eccentric, affable and often hilarious Gordon was a real character who filled his life with eclectic people, knowledge, and adventure. A train nerd, a massive Expos fan and a voracious reader on literally every topic imaginable, Gordon left his insights annotated in the margins of books, on scraps of paper, and in the hearts and minds of the countless people he engaged with around the world.
Gordon was born and grew up in Ottawa where his passion for world affairs, politics and entrepreneurship was honed from a very young age. The focal point of family dinners was Gordon vigorously debating the merits of the latest government policies while questioning the underlying motivations of the politicians. In Grade Four he read a tour guide that listed the capacity and features of Ottawa hotels. Frustrated with the lack of detail, he proceeded to interview dozens of hotel managers demanding more insight into their businesses. His love of the outdoors developed while playing with friends and family at his Grand Lake cottage. An early sign of Gordon’s unconventional approach to the world, he would run outdoors when it rained and challenge his siblings to see who could stay out the longest. An unlikely athlete, Gordon surprised everyone by developing a love for cross-country skiing in high school and rowing at Harvard.
As a great intellect and natural life-long teacher, Gordon lived to share what he learned and then learn more. His encyclopedic knowledge meant that he dominated at Trivial Pursuit and was the favoured Quiz Night team member. In Kyoto and nearby Osaka, he lectured at several universities. His favorite formal teaching role, held for almost thirty years, was with preschoolers where he thrilled the children and was energized by their zest for life. As he travelled the world, he would attract people with his booming voice, animated presentation, and excitement to get his point across. A modern version of an ancient philosopher, he had a need to share his deep thoughts and invite others along through debate and thoughtful conversation.
A believer in equity, social justice and the health of the planet, Gordon was engaged with many organizations in both Canada and Japan. He believed the world needed to change and he was willing to roll up his sleeves for a good cause including sorting recycling, political speech writing, advocacy, and fundraising. He saw through power structures and fought for the rights of those who needed more, particularly in the labour movement where he helped to form workers unions. Disregard for convention meant he was open to seeing and acting in the world with a freedom that others envied.
Mostly Gordon will be remembered as a remarkable and kind friend to so many. He could be found at a local pub, most often with a favorite craft beer in hand, welcoming new friends and regaling old. His friends in Kyoto became his family and he was much loved by a wide circle around the world. Eight years ago, he found a deep love with Sagiri whom he adored and admired without end. Together they travelled Japan and the world, with a favorite being a trip back to Canada with Sagiri and her children to visit family and friends from home.
A cremation service has taken place in Kyoto, Japan beneath the mountains and forests where Gordon loved to hike. Due to Covid limitations a memorial service in Ottawa will be planned at a future date and a memorial service in Kyoto will also be planned for a future date in hopes that Gordon’s family can attend in person. All are welcome to view photos of Gordon’s life and share condolences and memories with Sagiri, the family and friends on this site. Suggestions for memorial donations will be shared at a later date.