Gordon, Percival H. (1884-1975)

An influential member of the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal, the Honourable Percival H. Gordon was born in Qu’Appelle, North-West Territories on January 27, 1884. Between 1905 and 1909, he earned three degrees and was a noted university athlete despite having lost his right arm in a hunting accident. Appointed King’s Counsel in 1927, Gordon represented the federal government on the Saskatchewan Relief Commission in 1930–31 and the provincial government before the DYSART Commission on natural resources in 1933–34. A year later, he was appointed to the Court of Appeal where he remained until his retirement in 1961. He continued to practice law and was one of the council who sought to have medicare legislation declared invalid in 1962. Gordon served as chancellor of the Anglican diocese of Qu’Appelle from 1921 to 1942 and as executive chairman of the Canadian Red Cross. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1968. Percival Gordon died on April 6, 1975.

Canadian Plains Research Center