Gordon Hall (24 Oct 1969 - 8 Mar 2021)

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Location
Barnby Moor Memorial Park and Crematorium Diggles Lodge Lane Barnby Moor DN22 8FL
Date
7th Apr 2021
Time
12pm
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Gordon Hall, sadly passed away on Monday 8th March 2021 aged 51.
Gordon was dearly loved and will be missed greatly by his son James who describes his dad as a wonderful and truly unique man, who supported and mentored many people. Gordon was the treasured brother to 3 sisters Denise, Dianne and Debbie and the uncle to many nieces and nephews all of whom Gordon held dear.
Gordon was described by family and friends as fun loving, charismatic, influential and inspirational.

Sadly due to current Covid-19 restrictions, Gordon's funeral service will be by invitation of the family only.
For those unable to attend but would like to watch Gordon's service live as it takes place, a live stream is available by visiting: www.obitus.com and enetring the following log in details
Username todi4798
Password 971546

Jason McGann wrote

How to even begin to describe Gordon William Hall?
How to put into words a person such as this?
You can’t even say ‘such as this’ with Gordon, that would imply at least one other Gordon out there somewhere. No other such Gordons exist, Gordon was a genuine one off singular deal; Gordon was the only Gordon.
We all know and knew him, we his family and his friends, we all feel the magnitude of this loss.
While Gordon may have lived only 51 years, he packed those years with real life experience, he lived those 51 years well, he touched many people, he made positive contribution to so many lives.
He put cities on the map.
He was a true friend.

Gordon’s personality? Where and how to even begin to describe it…
he’d make you a cup of tea whilst listening to your woes.
That’s probably where to begin, where things would usually begin anyway.
Gordon had a particular way of stirring tea, more a whisk than a stir.
Your tea would then be handed to you along with a solution to your dilemma. Usually, it was that simple.
Next, you’d be off driving somewhere on a crazy expedition, or listening to his guitar, or watching something interesting, or reading something interesting, having something interesting ran by you, many ideas, schemes and plans. How to do this that and the others, crazy funny stories, somewhere new, news; usually a string of them all.
Life was never boring when Gordon was about.
He’d also just listen, if need be.
Going to get paint from the shop was entertaining with Gordon.
Sitting in the rain was entertaining with Gordon.
He could quietly chat 1 to 1, he could hold rapturous court with tens, even hundreds.
The tea was interchangeable, it could be coffee if you preferred, or beer; bottled usually.
“Can I get you anything?” he’d say.
It was easy to like Gordon, he was warm, welcoming, fun, respectful. Sharp and cynical in all the right places. You could sense something deep in him intellectually, he was smart, aware, wise and his confidence and charisma were off the charts.
He wasn’t some goodie two shoes either, he was bloody rebellious, but only with those that would seek to limit him, or underestimate him. he’d push their boundaries, answer them back and prove them wrong. He was competitive like that; he wanted to always be getting better, always be growing.
When he was skint in 1995 he photoshopped points from his driving license to get lower car insurance. That was super cool, he got away with it too.
He’d talk the police out of giving him speeding points more times than not, …usually.
Gordon could talk you into most things, if he thought you could do it, you probably could. Even if you didn’t think you could do it. You’d find that in actual fact, astonishingly you could actually do it!
That’s how he effected most people first; he showed them what they were capable of, he’d see your potential, he’d give you a chance and trust you to try.
He’d work with you on your weak spots too, he’d forgive you if you fucked up.
Gordon did not suffer fools however. If you made it through your first conversation with him, he probably liked you. Or, at least he thought you could be useful to the group somehow.
The group was important to Gordon, centrally important, vitally so; his team, his family. He dedicated his life to nurturing, growing and maintaining it, facilitating happiness within it.
Gordon was a true natural leader; it was effortless to him. Or, at least he made it seem effortless.
When storms needed navigation, Gordon truly shone at it.
Those who have weathered storms with Gordon know how deep the bonds forged therein run. Those great moments when everything would click into place, even the moments when it would all fall apart again, they were all special, the failures, the success, ups, downs, all of it, it was all perfect experience, all a privilege to share with him.
And when the dust cleared, we’d all be stronger, wiser, better.
Gordon was indeed a true leader; he led you to a better version of yourself.

Gordon’s first love was video games.
Gordon had made a few games in his mid teens, he was a self-taught games programmer, he’d figured it out himself. he’d finished the games; this was always the first great hurdle to overcome; finishing anything. Then brazenly he negotiated pretty good deals with games publishers. Early signs of things to come…
However, initially Gordon landed a ‘proper job’ - he worked at British Coal, he maintained their I.T. at a couple of pits. He was mostly driving here and everywhere, doing this that and the other, he was well paid and very overworked.
While he continued to dabble in games development, it remained largely a hobby, something to advance in the odd bit of spare time he did have.
At British Coal he was given tremendous trust and responsibility at a young age; managing large teams of people years older than himself. Key skills were perfected, …ultimately though, he was bored.
In the mid 90’s, he packed in the ‘proper job’ and embarked upon a remarkable games industry career instead.
Initially he joined Hookstone, a small games developer in Harrogate. Where he immediately became indispensable, which wasn’t hard being Gordon.
From there he began his own company Mobius Entertainment formed in 1997 with his close band of comrades, a group which would grow and grow, flourish and ultimately become Rockstar Leeds in 2004. He worked with Rockstar Games until 2012.
Gordon declared his ‘retirement’ in 2015. However, the term ‘retirement’ to Gordon was somewhat loose; he was always right there should you ever need him.
He led and sold millions of games, now classic games; he entertained millions.
He threw legendary parties.
He put Leeds firmly on the games development map.
In-fact his contribution to the games industry, especially here in the north is immense; many hundreds of jobs created, many careers started, many lives touched, …and now, many great new companies emerging. Faces, old and new.
The legacy of a great leader; a great man.

In his 51 years Gordon knew tragedy. He knew success.
He lived full and he lived well.
He will be loved dearly and missed deeply by the many hearts he touched.
When the pain of his passing eases into all those great memories he left us; we’ll see Gordon there smiling.
When our times come, Gordon will be there to great us all.
To help us out, make tea, …show the ropes of whatever’s next.
Who knows?
Suffice to say no words could ever really sum up Gordon William Hall.

Thank you Gordon.

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Axel Klozenbuecher wrote

Wishing to forward my deepest condolences to Gordon's family.
He was a truly inspirational person to deal with during his building project.
With Best Wishes
Axel

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Tina Wright wrote

You have been so many things to me during your life. To mention a few, my first true love, my husband, an amazing dad to our son, my support when I needed you most, the person on the end of the phone, this never stopped even when we went our separate ways, we never truly did, we have remained trusted friend since I was 14 and you were just 18. Reading all these messages is only a fraction of what people thought of you, if you only knew how loved you were. I keep expecting a message to pop up from you but it doesn’t, this is the longest we have gone without speaking, life will not be the same without you in it. Rest well, stay out of trouble and Watch over our boy. Love always xx

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Mark Washbrook donated in memory of Gordon

There was always a spark in his eye, something he had just learned, an idea he just had, a joke or a new trick he wanted to show you. Generous, caring, driven, he lived life very much on his terms - "Shine on you crazy diamond".

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RICHARD PLATTS wrote

I never met Gordon but know how much his family loved him.
I personally would like to thank him for the many lost hours I had playing the games he developed
RIP Gordon, your memory will live on through gamers worldwide

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  • Thank you for your kind words,

    Posted by Tina on 17/04/2021 Report abuse
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Jo Turner wrote

Gordon and I met when I was 19. He was 22. He was teaching a martial arts class that my friend went to. I’d gone to watch. Little did I know we would spend the next 18 years of our lives together, and what a rollercoaster time we had. So many highs and lows. So many stories I could tell. The drunken nights out with Terry and Jools. One in particular in Nottingham, dressed up in drag for a night of Rocky Horror. Heading home stopping at a village pub laughing at the looks and comments Terry and Gordon got as they sashayed off to the men’s toilet together!

Sunday nights playing pool in the tap room of The Dukeries pub in Edwinstowe. Gordon delighting in the fact that he could use me as a hustle to beat the guys. And then him challenging the best pool player in there to a game where Gord would play one handed and continue to clear up in one go.

Such wonderful, fun and crazy times.

We’ve all got our favourite memories of Gordon. Favourite stories. Favourite times we shared with him. However, the Gordon that I will hold dear is the one who got home at the end of a busy week, locked the door behind him and took a deep breath, and relaxed. Those times when I saw the man behind the curtain. The vulnerable man. The man who’s favourite musical was Seven Brides for Seven Brothers...who’d have thought!

Lazing around binge watching TV together, Bob Ross Joy of Painting, The New Yankee Workshop, just two of the weird and wonderful programmes he enjoyed so much. He just loved those times doing nothing, being at home, being a Dad and being a husband. These are my favourite memories.

Thank you for those treasured times Gord. I’ll never forget them xx

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Isabelle ( Izzy) Colls wrote

I met Gordon when he walked into our pub to meet us and talk about our Son Paul Colls, you see Paul was crazy about computer games, animation and design. Gordon took Paul under his wing and made my Son the man he is today in the Games Industry, Gordon sat by my side and said to me that the things he liked about Paul was his passion, loyalty and drive. Well Gordon was right because Paul already had those qualities, Gordon just brought them out and mentored Paul how to use them, We spent time with Gordon over the years as we had hotels back then, and Gordon came to most of our family functions as a friend . We will miss him and his caring, loving personality . Fly high Gordy go make those amazing games in the sky xx A truly top bloke xxx Love Izzy Colls xx ♥️

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Terry Gill wrote

We met through HapKiDo in the 1980’s , you were 18. we rode motorcycles together around Europe. We didn’t know you would become a genius but we knew you couldn’t put oil in a car and kicked out a smoke alarm as it would not stop, only realising it was a different alarm you were trying to deactivate. In the Dordogne piggy backing my wife you both got knees so hurt when you both fell over. On the motorbike you couldn’t sit down as JoJo’s water rolled onto the seat. We all moved on and lost contact but we knew a brilliant bloke and wish you were still here. Miss you mate. Tez

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Tony Gowland donated in memory of Gordon
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Tony Gowland wrote

Such a wonderful selfless friend, and the life of every room you were in. Thank you for everything mate, you were the very best of us.

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Rhianna Bircumshaw donated £10 in memory of Gordon
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Simon Barratt donated £20 in memory of Gordon

Rest in Peace Gordon, thank you for all the laughs and great conversations x

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Kevin Boland wrote

I still find it hard to believe you are really gone.
You truly knew how to live and to be around you was to feel alive.
Rest in Peace.

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Sean Fitzpatrick wrote

I will always remember our times in Leeds and San Diego fondly. It was always a barrel of laughs which will never be forgotten. Sleep well Gordon.

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Rhianna Bircumshaw wrote

Gordon, a truly inspirational soul and an amazing uncle to me, among many other things to many people. In the short time i've known you, you welcomed me into your home with open arms. Every time i tipped up, the musical instruments had been dragged into the garden, the guitars would come out, and a serenade from Gordon was a standard friday night.

Squidged between his kitchen booth, drunk as owt, having our 2am talk seshes. A 5 minute conversation from gordon could instigate niagra falls, and thats without alcohol. We'd pass around the reins of music till 5am. He introduced me to many a band, and i'd finally found someone who shared my love of musicals. Singing seven brides for seven brothers and olklahoma at the top of our lungs, everyone else wondering what the hell was going on and why we had gone back to the 1950's, but thats what i love about Gordon, no judgements. Just stories, experiences, advice and singing. Lots of singing.

You will be greatly missed by many people. Family, friends and the wider community. You've brought about many hours of gameplay for people all over the world, that will only continue to grow in the future, and that is only a snippet of what you have achieved. To have met you and to have sat around that kitchen booth with you, was a blessing in itself.

Rest well Gordon ❤

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Rhianna Bircumshaw lit a candle
Tas Hadjisavva donated £30 in memory of Gordon

Goodbye my friend x

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Natalie Searson wrote

I still can't believe you are gone, you had such a profound impact on my life and always mentored me and supported me. You were always so welcoming and treated me as your daughter, I'll never forget the nights we stayed up till the sun came up talking and listening to our favourite songs. Your influence is part of my everyday life and I will never, ever forget you. Thank you for being a big part of my life. X

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Natalie Searson donated £20 in memory of Gordon
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gillian johnson wrote

Gordon, never in a million years would I think to be doing this, it's the wrong way round. It has been an absolute honour and privilege to know you from an 11 year old school boy coming home with Justin to the amazing man you turned into. My heart goes out to your family and friends as I know you will be dearly missed. I would say R.I.P but I would like to think that where ever we go after life you are there questioning and making your mark as you did here. I raise a glass to you Gordon, one in a million. xxxx

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sherie massey wrote

What an amazing gentle kind man, with so much love you always believed in me and supported me, thank you so much for everything, and being part of our family. What an amazing gift you gave us my nephew James. R.i.p love you Sherie & family
( power ) m.g.b.n.f.xx

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Sherie Massey-mclaughlin donated £10 in memory of Gordon

Such a kind loving clever man thank you for everything and being part of our family, you will be very sadly missed but with lots of happy memories, r.i.p Gordon you live on in James g.b.n.f. xx

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Andy & Naomi Greensmith donated £50 in memory of Gordon
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Andy & Naomi Greensmith wrote

Gordon was a fantastic boss, mentor and, most importantly, friend to us (and our children) over the past 19 years.
Life was never dull around him. He regularly became the focus of the room because he engaged with everyone.
Every day with him was an experience. You never knew what he would come up with next and we would always look forward to finding out.
Our memories are too many to list, but he will always be incredibly fondly remembered and his antics recalled with much laughter among friends.
Our thoughts are with James and his whole family.
We will miss him.
Andy & Naomi x

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Terry and Jools wrote

Our biking trips were so memorable and we still laugh so much remembering our times together, you were always full of life planning the next adventure. It is with such sadness to be writing this but it is with joy we will always remember you.
Our condolences to James and the family.

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David Roberts donated £30 in memory of Gordon

Rest in peace Gordon. Thank you for all the opportunities that you gave myself and others, and for all the friendships and great memories formed under your watch.

You will be missed by many - and will continue to inspire all those who were lucky enough to have met you. Looking forward to a drink together in what comes after. x

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