Gordon North, 88, of Rochester Hills, Michigan, passed away on May 3rd, 2022. Gordie was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 9th, 1933. He graduated from Mackenzie High School and attended Wayne State University. After college, Gordie joined the service and was lucky enough to be a member of the Army golf team and tour Europe playing golf. After returning from Europe, Gordie was an avid skier and member of a ski club, where he met his future wife Karen. He and Karen were married on December 27th, 1968 and would remain married for 53 years until his death.

Gordie came from humble beginnings. He started his first job as a caddie at age 11. Gordie was self-sufficient from that early age, taking the bus to and from Dearborn Country Club where he worked. From then on, he would always be working to improve his status in life for himself and his family. In 1976, Gordie started North Roofing company, which would become one of the crowning achievements of his life, and for which he was very proud. One of his first employees was a neighborhood boy looking for a summer job - this fortuitous connection brought Brian Sylvain into Gordie’s life as a beloved friend and employee, and he has remained at North Roofing ever since, eventually leading the company when Gordie retired. When Gordie wasn’t working or spending time with his family, he could frequently be found at Wyndgate Country Club where he had a treasured community of friends and spent many hours playing golf. For Gordie though, the true joy and reward of success was that it enabled him to give to others and help those who needed it. Throughout his life he contributed to many causes and everyone in his life experienced his generosity. He frequently sought out people who may have needed help, and regularly supported over 20 charities.

In retirement, Gordie pursued all things he loved. He and Karen continued travelling and spent their winters at Reynolds Lake Oconee in Georgia. He loved a good mystery novel, and spent many hours reading in his favorite chair overlooking the lake. He played golf, made many friends and enjoyed sunsets from his porch. To his friends and neighbors at Lake Oconee, his porch was a favorite destination to enjoy a cup of coffee or a shot of whiskey.

While he was passionate about golf and gardening, the true loves in his life were his friends and family, especially his grandchildren. He deeply loved and cared for all of his family. Gordie had lots of friends in his life – he loved good times and a good joke and was truly the life of the party wherever he went. Gordie was young at heart and spent all of his time, up through his last day, being with friends and enjoying his very full life.

He is survived by his wife Karen North, daughters Julie Longo and Michele North, grandchildren Sean Prior, Colin Prior, Marissa Grima, Dylan Goodwin, Brianne Goodwin, Laura LaChapelle, Gary LaChapelle, Elliott Longo, and Emily Longo. Also by his siblings June North, Sandra North, Corkie North and Richard North. Gordie was preceded in death by three beloved children, Curtis North, Jamie North and Cynthia North.

A memorial will be held Sunday, May 15th, at Birmingham Country Club. There will be a brief memorial service starting at 11 A.M. followed by a gathering of family, friends, and food to celebrate Gordie's wonderful life.

Birmingham Country Club is located at 1750 Saxon Drive in Birmingham Michigan.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family graciously accepts hugs, condolences and sharing of fond memories of Gordie.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/rochester-mi/gordon-north-10742021