Brother Chris Gorton SDB

The funeral of Brother Chris will take place in Thornleigh at l0am on Tuesday 10th February in the School Chapel, followed by interment at Astley Bridge cemetery. There will be a buffet afterwards in Thornleigh.

Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB (GBR Provincial Secretary)
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Dear Friends

Br Christopher Gorton, the senior member of our province, passed away
peacefully at 10am this morning, the Feast of Saint John Bosco, at the
age of 100, in the 75th year of his religious profession. Fr Tony
Bailey and Father Bob Coupe were with him.

May he rest in peace!

--
Fr Patrick Sherlock SDB (GBR Provincial Secretary)

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A wonderful record of the celebrations of Brother Chris Gorton's 100th Birthday, with a lovely inclusion of a message from a fellow Brother, the late Br. Tom Caulfield SDB.

First Salesian Centenarian in Great Britain

On Sunday 15th June 2008 Br Christopher Gorton SDB celebrated his 100th birthday. He is the first member of the GBR province to reach this significant milestone.

l to r: Fr Michael Winstanley, Br Christopher Gorton, Fr Michael O'Meara and Br Michael Delmer.

Salesians, family and friends assembled in the chapel of Thornleigh College, Bolton, ready for the arrival of Br Chris from the Willows Nursing Home where he now a resident. Still in excellent physical health Br Chris joined in the prayers and hymns of the concelebrated Mass, led by Fr Michael Winstanley, our Provincial.

Fr Tony Bailey, Rector of the Bolton Community, preached the homily which included the reading of a birthday card, prepared in advance by Bro Tom Caulfield RIP, who as a four year old had been welcomed to his first school by Chris, then fourteen. Bro Tom died just over a month ago. Fr Bailey also read Br Chris's letter of application to the novitiate, written when he was 24 years old. Br Chris speaks of his great longing to be admitted into the Salesian Congregation and promises to do his 'very best to give satisfaction, and become a 100% Salesian'.

At the end of the Mass Fr Winstanley read the Papal Blessing from Pope Benedict XVI and a wonderfully personal letter and blessing from our Rector Major, Fr Pascual Chavez. Br Chris was visibly moved and delighted by these honours. At the festive meal which followed Br Chris was presented with a telegram, in a beautiful folder, from Queen Elizabeth II. Encouraged by his good friend and fellow tailor, Fr Michael O'Meara, Br Chris responded by joining in the singing of some of his favourite songs, including Ad Multos Annos and Keep right on to the end of the road.

"Christopher Gorton, tailor of taste: out at the shoulders, in at the waist."

Br Chris has certainly achieved his aim of becoming a 100% Salesian. We wish him peace and deep joy in his remaining years.

I have received an invite to the above event. Brother Michael has kindly asked me to let him know if any other Blaisdon Old Boy(s) would like to attend to let him know before 08 June 2008.

John Ward

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99 Years Old

(l to r) Wilf, Anne, Brother Chris and Mrs Sheridan

Bro Chris, the oldest ever member of the GBR province, remains in good
physical health, but since 2005 he has needed more care than can be
provided in community. He is now in a nursing home.

For most of his active Salesian life Bro Chris worked as a tailor, in
Blaisdon, Battersea, Shrigley and Malta.

If you would like to send greetings, please do so through Bro Michael
Delmer (mjdelmer@tiscali.co.uk)

We hope Bro Chris enjoys his birthday and, if the Lord wills, reaches his
century!

(l to r) Brother Michael, Brother Chris and Fr Bob Coupe

14 June 2007 Brother Chris Gorton is 99 years

Dear Friends

Tomorrow, 15th June, is the 99th birthday of Bro Chris Gorton SDB of the
Bolton community.

Bro Chris, the oldest ever member of the GBR province, remains in good
physical health, but since 2005 he has needed more care than can be
provided in community. He is now in a nursing home.

For most of his active Salesian life Bro Chris worked as a tailor, in
Blaisdon, Battersea, Shrigley and Malta.

If you would like to send greetings, please do so through Bro Michael
Delmer (mjdelmer@tiscali.co.uk)

We hope Bro Chris enjoys his birthday and, if the Lord wills, reaches his
century! Click here to see the celebration photo