Born in Victoria and raised in the then Surrey neighbourhood of White Rock, he was a Surrey MLA and Surrey MP for more than 22 years. He began his career as a youth probation officer in Whalley. He and his wife, LaVerne have a son Blair and were local foster parents and billet parents with the Surrey Eagles for 12 years. An avid sportsman, Gordie played football for the Surrey Rams, coached Little League, founded Kidsport Surrey and Nighthoops for youth at risk.

He serves and volunteers on several community boards and provincial and national organizations including Brella (formerly Seniors Come Share Society), Food Banks BC and Disability without Poverty. He has served on the board of Options and is an honourary lifetime member of Sources, Peace Arch Hospice and Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary.

He has a PhD in Public Policy from SFU.