Karen D. Gordon
In Loving memory of Karen Gordon,
After a heroic battle against cancer, the brightest light in our family’s lives – Karen – passed away in her husband’s arms, at her home in the countryside, on the evening of January 8th 2026. Surrounded by her immediate family in her final days, she was 49.
Karen is survived by her three children, whom she loved dearly: Madeleine Horn, Clara Horn, and Oliver Horn and her partner and friend, Rolf Horn, with whom she grew an unbreakable bond of love during their short 33 years together.
A few paragraphs will never come close to describing what a beautiful person Karen was, nor do justice to her life. Nonetheless, we will try to honour her life and legacy with a few words.
Karen was the youngest of 3 children (siblings Bruce and Brenda) born to Don and Mary Gordon (Clutterbuck) and grew up on a crop farm just outside of Paris, Ontario. Her focus, drive, and work ethic developed there, always wanting to prove she could do what her big brother and sister could do. From chores to picking corn and berries well underage she was eager to shine. She attended Princeton Central Public school before moving on to Paris District High School where the foundations of a few precious lifelong friendships began. She met Rolf in grade 9, went on their first date on Christmas eve in grade 11, and by the following November the two would commit for life. While heavily involved in PDHS athletics, Karen also had a keen sense of rhythm and excelled at dance. Her striking figure and personality shone through on the stage and she had fond memories of her time both performing and teaching for Carol Kitchens dance center in Brantford.
Following high school, Karen briefly attended Queen’s university, before transferring to the University of Guelph where she completed her undergraduate degree in bio-mechanical engineering. She continued in the field achieving a Ph. D in short order at the University of Western Ontario followed by a brief stint as a Post Doctoral Researcher at the University of Calgary before returning to the University of Guelph in 2004 as a young tenure track faculty member. She never looked back, achieving a full professorship, conducting successful research, teaching and mentoring students, before finally dedicating her later years in service to the school of engineering (now college) and to the university. She was a highly regarded instructor, a mentor to her colleagues, and a natural role model for women in science.
While she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the University, she was happiest being a mother and raising her three children. Seeing that same charisma and rhythm in each of her children, she willingly became a dance mom enrolling them all at Bojangles Dance Arts. Encouraging them to be themselves and watching them perform were highlights in her life that she cherished each year. She showed them how to persevere: she ran religiously and after moving to the country side, gained three running partners: her beloved dogs Josie, Griffin and Coco whom she faithfully took with her each and every morning. She showed them resilience: despite her illness, Karen ran right through her battle with cancer until she could physically no longer do so just a few months ago. And she taught them to love and live. She enjoyed her coffee in the morning with Rolf on the front porch and reading in the evenings in her cozy bed. She listened patiently, rarely lost her cool, and treated us to her baking on any given evening.
Karen’s approach to life made her special. She was a quiet intelligent leader. She had a rare proclivity for being practical. She was optimistic in the face of adversity and there was always something worth living for. She approached cancer much the same way. Despite the gravity of her illness she carried herself with poise and grace growing wiser and more stoic with each year, committing more and more to the greater good of others than herself. Her selflessness continued to be evident until her very last moments. Such was Karen’s legacy. A beautiful soul until her last breath, she never gave in and never gave up.
Karen, it is with the heaviest of hearts we say goodbye. You were our guiding star. We will carry you in our hearts until it is our time to pass. We love you and will miss you forever.
For those wishing to pay their respects and celebrate Karen’s life, friends and acquaintances will be received at the University of Guelph Arboretum, 200 Arboretum Rd, Guelph on January 24th 2026 from 2 pm – 5 pm. Additionally, the University of Guelph will be joining with the family to celebrate Karen’s life with a faculty led event from 12:00pm – 2:00pm. Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
In Karen’s memory, please contribute to an Arboretum Dedication Tree and Sapling (enter Karen Gordon’s name in the Tribute and select Arboretum – Dedication Tree and Saplings) and towards a University of Guelph Engineering Scholarship.
A tree will be planted in memory of Karen D. Gordon in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.