THE Guyanese community in Canada is mourning the passing of Warrant Officer Class One (Ret’d) Gordon Gabriel Winter, a widely respected former soldier and longstanding diaspora leader, who died on November 16.

His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Guyana Consulate in Toronto, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), and members of the Guyanese-Canadian community, many of whom credit Winter with decades of service to both his homeland and its citizens abroad.

In a statement, the Guyana Consulate described Winter, who served as President of the Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association (Canada), as one of the diaspora’s most dedicated and active figures.

For years, he played a central role in organising and leading the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the Consulate’s annual Independence and Republic flag-raising ceremonies, a responsibility officials say he carried out with pride and professionalism.

“He was a professional soldier, a dedicated member of our Guyanese diaspora in Canada, and a true Guyanese patriot,” the Consulate said, noting that his passing represents “a great loss” to both the mission and the wider Guyanese-Canadian community.

The GDF also paid tribute, highlighting Winter’s distinguished military career and continued leadership long after leaving active duty.

In a detailed remembrance, the Force described him as a soldier of “exceptional calibre, discipline, and leadership,” noting that he enlisted in 1966 and quickly rose through the ranks. His early promotion to Lance Corporal immediately after completing recruit training was viewed as the first sign of a promising future.

Among Winter’s most notable achievements was his historic leap from Sergeant to Warrant Officer Class Two—bypassing the rank of Staff Sergeant—a rare accomplishment acknowledged as proof of his outstanding competence and command ability. He later served as the Regimental Sergeant Major of Camp Ayanganna until his departure in 1974.

During his service, Winter was awarded the Border Defence Medal and the Military Efficiency Medal, honours that recognised his commitment to duty, operational readiness, and the defence of Guyana’s sovereignty.

His leadership continued for more than two decades after his military career, as he devoted 25 years to the Guyana Ex-Soldiers Association (Canada), ensuring support, unity, and representation for former service members living abroad. Community members noted that Winter often served as a bridge between Guyanese veterans in Canada and national institutions back home.

The GDF extended condolences on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, officers, and ranks, emphasising that Winter’s “service will forever be honoured” and that his memory will continue to inspire soldiers and veterans alike.

Winter will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 29, in Canada. His passing leaves a void in both the military fraternity and the diaspora community, who remember him as “a soldier’s soldier”—firm, fair, respected, and unwavering in his commitment to service. (Frederick Halley)