Remembering Mr. Science: BIG Little Science Centre hosts memorial for Gordon Gore

KAMLOOPS — At first, it seemed like your usual weekend at the BIG Little Science Centre — a series of science experiments to keep the audience entertained.

However, Sunday (Oct. 3) at the BIG Little Science Centre was much more than just fun experiments. It was a day to remember the life of Gordon Gore, the founder of the centre.

“I think this would’ve been really special for my uncle,” said Gordon Gore’s niece Jennifer Gore, who’s also a board member with the BIG Little Science Centre. “He really wanted people to have fun with science, to enjoy it, and to get a good laugh out of life, so I think he would’ve loved it.”

Instead of a tradition Celebration of Life, Gore’s final wish was a memorial filled with science experiments. In fact, it was written into his will. His friends and family came through with a half a dozen experiments.

“For me, it was a personal reminder of Gordie and what he was about and how he did things and his life as a science teacher. He was a mentor to me as well,” said executive director of the BIG Little Science Centre Gord Stewart. “That, along with the chance to remind people what his legacy was, what it is now. This is his legacy, this science centre.”

Susan Hammond (right) and a volunteer conduct the ‘Elephant Toothpaste’ experiment at the BIG Little Science Centre on Sunday (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

Gore passed away in November 2020, but not before making a memorable impact on the community. He taught science for years in the public school system, making Kamloops the final stop of his teaching career.

Following retirement, Gore’s passion for science stilled burned bright, inspiring him to launch the BIG Little Science Centre in 2000. He touched so many in Kamloops with his love of science, especially some of the students he worked with.

“Whether it was a volunteer that is now a veterinarian in Saskatchewan or there are at least two engineers that now work, through contract work or otherwise, with NASA,” said President of the BIG Little Science Centre board Annette Glover.

Moving forward, Gore’s legacy will live on through the centre. As a way to keep it going and also remember the science giant, there is the Gordon R. Gore Legacy Fund.

“Any funds that go to that go to the core part of keeping this science centre operational,” said Stewart. “So that’ll be an ongoing fund that people can donate to, try to keep the science centre moving forward.”

To donate to the Gordon R. Gore Legacy Fund, you can visit the BIG Little Science Centre’s GoFundMe campaign here.