Burlington Veteran Gordon Schottlander is Ontario's Senior of the Year

At our Council meeting yesterday (June 18), I had the distinct pleasure and honour to officially announce Burlington Veteran Mr. Gordon Schottlander as Ontario's Senior of the Year!

June is Seniors Month in Ontario and I had nominated Mr. Schottlander for Ontario’s Senior of the Year recognition. This award honours one outstanding local Ontarian who after the age of 65, enriches the social, cultural or civic life of their community.

I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than our very own Gordon Schottlander. He served as a soldier in World War II, valiantly fighting for freedom and peace as a 19-year-old young man. Eighty years ago, this month, he landed on Juno Beach and fought bravely alongside Canadian soldiers as part of the D-Day invasion that would lead to the successful end of the Second World War.

He later came to Canada with his wife Colleen, building a big and wonderful family here that now includes four sons, 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

He continued his contributions to the community once arriving in Burlington. His many accomplishments include President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Burlington Planning Board, serving with the Knights of Columbus for many years, Chair of the committee that raised more than $1 million for the local YMCA.

He was also named as Burlington’s Citizen of the Year in 1968 and received the Burlington's Key to the City in 2020. Here is a news clipping from YourTV Halton featuring him remembering the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

He continues to make Burlington his home, living in the Aldershot area, and continues to give back to the community in valuable and meaningful ways.

Congratulations, Mr. Gordon Schottlander, on being named Ontario's Senior of the Year!

See below clips from the June 18, 2024 Council meeting.

Mayor's Presentation

Mr. Gordon Schottlander