One of Villa Maria Catholic Homes’ most loyal and generous supporters has passed away, aged 99.

Gordon James was a life member of VMCH and his beloved wife Vera, who passed away 15 years ago, was a volunteer. Over the past 40 years, the James’ donated more than $200,000 to the organisation. Their generosity continues in memorium, with the couple leaving their Estate to VMCH.

VMCH Grants and Bequest Officer Sandra Rosano first met Gordon at his home in Queensland two years ago.

“We were able to have a cup of tea and quite a few chocolates – Gordon had a sweet tooth,” Sandra reflected. “He was a man with an amazing memory who loved Collingwood, reading the paper and telling stories. He loved and honoured his late wife Vera, always speaking so highly of her. He also had a cheeky sense of humour.”

Gordon grew up on a wheat farm in the small town of Yorkrakine (Perth) and lived through WWII, serving in the Australian Air Force. He met Vera at a town dance and they married shortly after the war. The couple later moved to Melbourne where Gordon worked with the weather bureau as an instrument maker, and later, a statistician.

Sandra said Gordon and Vera’s contribution to VMCH, and in particular St Paul’s College, had made a significant impact in the success of many appeals and capital works.

“Now he will continue to be remembered and his legacy will live on.”