Gordon Smith

Originally from Ontario, Gordon moved to Victoria with his family when he was 12 years old. Gordon earned a B.Ed in Math and Science from UBC after completing BCIT’s inaugural Prosthetics programme in 1982, with full scholarship.

Rowing is a passion of Gordon’s and he was heavily involved with the Victoria City Rowing Club serving as Club Captain for many years, rowed for UBC, and competed at a high international level including rowing for the Canadian National Team (1989).

By the age of 21 Gordon was a partner in two businesses—a building supply firm and a building contracting outfit. Realizing that he wanted to work with young people, he changed careers, pursued prosthetics and finally began teaching at Oak Bay High School where he created a special pre-engineering programme (including robotics and electronics) for talented students in the greater Victoria area.

After many years, he decided that he wanted something new and different and through rowing connections was introduced to Shawnigan. Gordon has been on staff since 1995 teaching Woodworking and Architectural Drafting. In addition to teaching, Gordon coaches squash and is a member of the House Staff in Duxbury. He reports that his favourite thing about Shawnigan is the people—staff and students alike.

Married to Leslie—a counsellor and English teacher by training who tutors students here at Shawnigan—the Smith’s have two children Vanessa and Gavin. In his free time, Gordon plays squash in a local league for adults and still pursues drafting.