Private Alexander Gordon

Birth: June 11, 1897 in Newburgh, Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Death: March 1, 1917 in France
Service: WWI
Regimental Number: 760902

Biography:
Alexander Gordon enlisted in Vancouver January 19, 1916, aged 18, giving his occupation as a student. He was 5ft 7.5 inches tall, with hazel eyes and black hair and gave his religion as Presbyterian. His address was the same as his parents, James and Isabel Gordon of the Imperial Cannery, Steveston.

Alexander Gordon enlisted in the 121st Overseas Battalion and embarked for England on the Empress of Britain arriving at Liverpool on August 24, 1916. He was transferred into the 54th Battalion Canadian Expeditionary Force arriving in France on December 14, 1916. Alexander Gordon was killed in action on March 1, 1917, three months before his twentieth birthday. He bequeathed his personal estate to his mother. His parents received the plaque, scroll and memorial cross in 1921 from the Canadian government.

History of the Road Name (Gordon Way):

• Gordon Way is named after Robert Gordon, an early Terra Nova settler who came to Richmond from Scotland in 1887 with his wife, Annie. They had 10 children. Robert was an experienced carpenter-joiner and cabinet maker. During his first year in BC, he bought 8 acres of land from Hugh Youdall at Terra Nova on which he established his home. The house, built by Robert Gordon in 1887, remained in the Gordon family until 1943. Robert's fine craftsmanship in fine cabinet work and joinery was sought after, and seen in early churches and many homes. In 1891, he supervised the building of Lulu School and the Methodist Church and the building of Richmond United Church in 1903. Councillor from 1902-1906 and secretary of the school board from 1901-1906. Robert Gordon died in 1921 at the age of 71 years. His wife, Anne, continued to live in their home until her death in 1940, aged 89.
• Alexander Gordon is not related to the Robert Gordon family
• Council Resolution to adopt road name: Council Minutes August 26, 1991