Mr. Gordon Houldsworth

Gordon Houldsworth, 82, of Richmond died Thursday June 7, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Pittsfield January 16, 1930 son of John and Emily Holt Houldsworth. Gordon and his brothers grew up hunting, fishing, and roaming Lebanon Mountain. Gordon attended Sterns School and Pittsfield High School, graduating in 1948. He married his sweetheart, the former Theresa Piché, on August 4, 1950. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last summer. At age 18 Gordon started his general contracting company which operated continuously for 58 years. He built over a hundred single family homes throughout Berkshire County. He also constructed many commercial properties such as Colonial Gardens Apartments, Morgan Manor, Sweet Brook Nursing Home, Pine Cobble School, The Yankee Motor Lodge and many Friendly’s Restaurants to name a very few. In his later years Gordon became involved in historical restoration and worked with the Division of Parks and Recreation on various projects within the parks system. Always hard working with a strong work ethic, anyone acquainted with Gordon knew that he would never ask his workers to do something that he would not do himself. Gordon, Theresa and family moved from Dalton to Richmond in 1968 where the family cottage was located. Many picnics were hosted for friends and family throughout the years. Gordon was an animal lover. He was usually seen with his faithful companion, most recently a Golden Retriever, Brandy, who became the company mascot. He provided a home for dozens of pets in his lifetime, often being head of household for a menagerie of species including dogs, monkeys, cats, ducks, rabbits and horses. He dabbled in Thoroughbred Horse Racing in the 1970’s. He was always close to nature and loved to watch wildlife. A vehicle enthusiast, Gordon enjoyed a cool ride. Among his favorites were his Harley Electro Glide, classic cars, pick-ups and snowmobiles. True to his English heritage, he loved a good tale, especially a funny one. Both a skilled teller and listener, a well-known lunch-time phrase on the jobsite was “one more story and we’ll get back to work”. He also derived much pleasure from photographs and family videos. A favorite vacation spot, many family holidays were shared in Naples, Florida at the family condo. He derived much enjoyment from seeing his grandchildren get pleasure from the adventures they experienced there. Besides his wife Theresa he is survived by his four children, John Houldsworth (Sandy) of Naples Florida, Rick Houldsworth (Amanda) of West Stockbridge, Sandy Cormier (David) of Washington, MA and Holly Ketchum (David "Doc") of Pittsfield, 5 grandchildren that he adored, Jonathan, Jesse and Hilary Houldsworth, Jason and Katy Cormier, and two great grandchildren Joshua and Carter. He also leaves cousins, Arthur Gaudreau and his wife Dottie of Charleston, S.C. and Pauline and Irene Belowski of Nashua, N.H., and many nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by a grandchild Angela Venessa Houldsworth and brothers Frank, Howard and Jimmy Houldsworth. The family would like to offer a special thank you to the Richmond Volunteer Ambulance squad for all of their help over the past years. They would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to Berkshire Medical Center, especially the 2 South Stroke Unit, for the excellent, compassionate care Gordon received during his last days. Thanks also to Dr. Makdisi and his team for their care and kindness. Funeral Notice: A celebration of life and reception will be held at the family home at 1018 Dublin Rd, Richmond on June 15th at 4pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Berkshire Humane Society, Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter or the Richmond Ambulance Service in care of the DWYER FUNERAL HOME, 776 North Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201. DONATIONS CANNOT BE MADE ON THIS WEBSITE, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Gordon Houldsworth

January 16, 1930 - June 7, 2012