Master Warrant Officer O. B. (Gord) Hryhoryshen, CD was born in 1931 to William and Mary Hryhoryshen. His early years were spent growing up in the tight knit Ukrainian farming community in Arran, Saskatchewan. A strong work ethic, sense of humour, belief in service to the community and the Church, and a love of nature were instilled in him from a very early age. These traits would follow and sustain him throughout his careers and into retirement.

Gord joined the Army Cadets in 1948, the Royal Canadian Artillery in 1950, then the Regina Rifles in 1951. Thus began a 31-year military career which would see him serve with both the First and Second Battalions of The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and 3rd Mechanized Commando. He served in Korea (1954-55), UN peacekeeping duties in Cyprus (1970-71) and many military training duties throughout Canada and Europe. Postings involved three tours of Germany, Calgary, Victoria, and CFB Gagetown, NB, returning to Victoria when he retired.

In 1958 Gord married Donna who he had met in 1956 while he was stationed in Calgary, they had three children.

Following his retirement from the military came a brief stint with civilian life as a postal worker while he waited to begin his next career as a civilian member with Special I, RCMP E Division where he served for 17 years.

He died on 10 April, 2021 in Brentwood Bay, BC.