Vale – Gordon Willis

Gordon Willis                   25th August 1931 – 25th January 2015

Long time co-presenter and Eildon correspondent Gordon Willis left our world for the next on Monday 26th January.

Gordon a much loved local identity along with his wife Shirley made the 4 week journey by boat to Australia from Quebec in Canada when their children were young.

Gordon began life in the early days of UGFM as a correspondent on Phil and son James Andersons ‘Good Morning Murrindindi’ program and later joined host Phil Anderson and Jenny Keddel as a co-presenter on the Wednesday morning ‘Burnt and Scrambled’ program, in later years hosted by David Palmer.

Following on from the ‘Burn & Scrambled’ show Gordon joined the ‘Clog Wogs’ Frank & Thea Arendse who took on the Wednesday breakfast spot until they too retired to NSW, but can now be heard on Saturdays from our Albury Studio 5.

When Phil Anderson retired from UGFM, Mike Dalmau took on the role as host of ‘Good Morning Murrindindi’ where Gordon remained the Eildon correspondent, sometimes from his hospital bed during spells of ill health.

Gordon loved Essendon football club and dearly missed his wife Shirley who passed away a few years ago. He had a soothing but authoritative voice that was infectious and always offered advice when you needed it and he was instantly recognizable whether he was on radio or you heard him in the street.

As a former Fire Chief in Quebec, Gordon was heavily involved with the CFA in Eildon along with the Opportunity Shop and many other local community groups.

Gordon loved Australia and sadly passed away peacefully in his favourite chair just prior to Australia Day 2015.

We extend our deepest sympathy to Gordon’s daughters Anne and Melanie and his son, Michael and their families.

 

Rest In Peace Gordon – from all of us at UGFM we will never forget you and the difference you have made to our community!