Six days ago we learned the sad news that the father of Gordon Ryan, “Big Gord” had died in his sleep, shortly after moving to Puerto Rico with the DDS.
Yesterday saw the DDS give Big Gord a unique send off in their own style, mostly choosing not to wear black and dressed casually for the occasion. Whilst some detractors took to instagram to describe the funeral as weird, most of the comments were positive, understanding that not everyone has to mourn in the same way.
The funeral itself was an open casket style with Big Gord appearing to wear a t-shirt with his sons face on. From the reports we’ve been reading in the past few days, there is no doubt he would wanted to wear anything else. Supporting his sons from day one and never wavering was one of the things that made Big Gord so special to those who met him.
Various members of the DDS attended the funeral including Garry Tonon who is one of the few members who chose not to live in Puerto Rico with the rest of the group. Tonon took to instagram to say that he would like to live life in the same style as Big Gord. He said “Some wish for a long life. In my youth perhaps this sentiment was the most appealing. The longer I live though the more I see things differently. For what is a long life, but a prison if it isn’t lived with risk and passion?”
John Danaher was also amongst the guests wearing his usual rashguard with a felt beret alongside a long black leather coat.
