MONTREAL – McGill Athletics & Recreation is saddened to learn that Gord Navis, a member of the University's 1960 national championship football team, has died. He was 82.
 
The 6-foot-2, 185-pound halfback played both ways during his freshman year, as a running back and defensive back on McGill's powerhouse squad that was coached by Bruce Coulter to a Yates Cup league championship for the first time in 22 years, defeating Queen's 21-0 in a sudden-death playoff. The team advanced to the East-West Churchill Bowl, then an invitational game for the national title, trouncing Alberta 46-7 in front of 9,200 fans at Percival Molson Stadium. That 1960 squad was inducted to the McGill Sports Hall of Fame in 2000.
 
Born Gordon John Matthew Navis, in Toronto on November 28, 1940, he passed away peacefully at Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, on May 12, 2023. He was educated at Bedford Park public school and Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute, where he excelled at both track and football. In 1960, he enrolled in McGill school of engineering and later completed his education at the University of Manitoba.
 
Navis, who had a successful business practice for over 50 years, will be remembered for his zest for life and good conversation. He enjoyed sports, big band music, architecture and travel.
 
Navis is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marlene (nee McDougald); and his daughters, Heather and Leslie. He was predeceased by his parents Borden and Olive Navis and brother Allen.  A celebration of his life will be held on June 10, 2023, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Glen Abbey Golf Club, with a tribute slated for 3 p.m.
 
The family has indicated that in lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to Oakville-Trafalgar Memorial Hospital or a Charity of Your Choice.  Messages of condolence can be left online.

SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Sports Info Officer
McGill Athletics & Recreation
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca
(514) 398-7012