Farewell, Gordon Bell
Last week we were heartbroken to hear that our cherished friend and retired Crossing Guard, Gordon Bell, had sadly passed away in hospital with family by his side.
Gordon was incredibly loved and adored by students, families and staff as our McCulloch Street Crossing Guard for over 20 years. He was one of a kind, made our world brighter, will be dearly missed by all.
As our community comes to terms with this loss, a number of our staff members who knew Gordon for many years have kindly shared their fond memories and sentiments with us below.
Thank you to Kate, Ange, Sue, Craig, Macalie and Carole for your heartfelt, moving contributions, and for capturing Gordon's character so beautifully.
Gordon's passion for our school was immense, and his interview upon retirement last October is also reshared below, as we remember the special emotional bond and wonderful history he had at ENPS and beyond.
Community Tributes
In loving memory of Gordon we have also created an online Tribute Wall, and encourage community members to add their messages of condolence and tributes via the Padlet link below. Together, let's celebrate Gordon's wonderful life and the very special impact he had on our community (these messages will also a be shared with Gordon’s family).
Please enter the password McCulloch and remember to add your family/name, thank you.
Funeral Details
At the request of Gordon's family, we share with you that the funeral arrangements are as follows:
Date: Monday 12th May
Time: 10am
Venue: Le Pine Essendon, 941 Mt Alexander Road Essendon
All details can be found at whiteladyfunerals.com.au.
It is also planned that Gordon will do a final "drive down McCulloch Street" following the funeral, around 11:10am. More details will be advised closer to the date.
Our Special Memories of Gordon...
Kate Barletta
Gordon’s connection to ENPS dates back to the 1990s and early 2000s, and while most will so fondly remember Gordon as our McCulloch Street Crossing Guard for 22 years, from 2002 to 2024, Gordon also actually spent years at ENPS prior to that, and during his crossing years, in a maintenance role as well as working in before and after school care.
In December 2019 I was privileged to witness Gordon receive recognition of 15 years of service with the Moonee Valley Council as a Crossing Guard. He was so chuffed.
In 2022, as a school community, we nominated Gordon for a Victorian Senior of the Year Award for his contribution to our school community. While he didn’t get the big award, he was always a winner in our eyes. And one of the most special days in my memory of our school, was on 1st November last year, when together we celebrated Gordon’s retirement with a magnificent and very special school assembly, the official naming of ‘Gordon’s Crossing’ and a guard of honour stretching all the way up McCulloch Street with students present and past, staff and families celebrating and acknowledging the most marvellous impact he had had in our school community.
Doing the Anzac Day Dawn service last week without Gordon just wasn’t the same. Every year Gordon spent that morning with us representing the school and he led the way each year laying the wreath with our students.
I often say that the heart of our ENPS community is enormous and so incredibly special, well Gordon was right at the very centre of it.
Gordon had a way to connect with absolutely everyone, from the youngest student, to our staff, and to our parents and grandparents. Whether it was his love of the horses or the Bombers; to talk to the kids about road safety; to share his stories about how things have changed over time; coming along to VIP events just to be there in case a child didn’t have someone there for them; to hold a child’s hand to cross the road on their first day of school; or just to have a chat. He got invited to kids birthday parties, family dinners and special events. Everyone loved Gordon and Gordon loved being a part of our school.
Gordon came to every assembly he could. He knew every child’s name that crossed the road with him and his end of year candy canes were a tradition that we all loved and cherished, along with his Santa hat and ENPS beanie.
For me personally, Gordon was my ENPS dad. We often said we were each other’s rock as we hung out at the crossing while on yard duty each morning or afternoon. I would tell him every chance I could, that I loved him.
The outpouring of love for Gordon over the past two weeks from within our school community has been so overwhelming. We are so grateful for everything Gordon did for our school, how he brought us all together and how he reminded us what it means to be a good person. Gordon will always have a place in the history of our school and a huge place in our hearts.
– Kate
Ange Collins
Gordon truly loved ENPS. Being part of our school community brought him as much joy as he brought to us.
When I first met Gordon, he was helping out around the school in a grounds and maintenance role. It didn’t take long for everyone to know his name. Gordon was always eager to help and never said no - his response was always, "I’ll see what I can do!" His main goal was to make sure everyone had the best day possible, but his focus was always on our students.
As Gordon got older, he transitioned to the role of crossing guard, which he loved. This position allowed him to see families every day, and he made sure to greet everyone with a kind word, a smile, and a sense of being truly seen. As a prep teacher, one of my favourite moments was taking our students to the crossing to learn about safety at ENPS. Gordon would guide each child across, teaching them about the whistle, the crossing sign, and the importance of staying behind the line as they crossed. The preps were always in awe of him.
Every Christmas, a special buzz would fill the school. No matter which gate students entered through, they would make a beeline for Gordon’s gate to collect a candy cane. This became Gordon’s cherished tradition and a memorable part of our school’s history.
On a personal note, for almost two decades, my weeks always started with a chat with Gordon as I drove into school. We'd talk about family, all sports but mostly about the Geelong Cats or how the Bombers had gone over the weekend. During finals, Gordon would always stop by for a longer chat and hand me the Cats poster from the newspaper to display in my classroom.
Rain, freezing cold, or extreme heat - morning and afternoon, Gordon was always at the gate. Even when his health began to decline, he continued his role as often as he could. When asked about it, his response was simple: “I love it, I do it for the kids!”
Thank you, Gordon.
– Ange
Sue Elsbury
Gordon was a much-loved presence at our school, always ready with a big smile, a cheerful wave, and a story to brighten each day.
As both a valued colleague and friend, Gordon left many memories - from his earlier days as the maintenance worker, to his ever-cheerful chats about horse racing tips and wins.
One of Gordon’s proudest moments was seeing our horse win the Echuca Cup. This photo captures his pure joy on the day, proudly holding the Cup with a huge smile. He couldn’t have been happier to witness the win - and, of course, to have a little success himself at the betting window! It was a day that perfectly reflected Gordon’s passion for racing, his community spirit, and his warm-hearted nature.
Gordon’s stories, laughter, horse tip conversations and joyful spirit will be deeply missed.
– Sue
Craig Mather
Gordon was one of the very first people I met when I arrived at the school 23 years ago. I instantly took a liking to him because of the very friendly and courteous manner in which he treated everyone. Because of that he was well respected by everyone in the community; parents, teachers and students alike.
We had many discussions at the front gate about how our football teams went on the weekend and it was just an awesome way to start the week. He also always had a friendly wave followed by “Have a great weekend” as I drove out on Friday afternoons. He was so well loved by many and he will be sorely missed.
As I look at Gordon’s crossing I will always think fondly of the guy who had a smile and a wave for everyone every day. RIP Gordon.
– Craig
Macalie Vlah
I have very few memories of my time at ENPS that don’t include Gordon. Whenever our paths crossed, he would always greet me with the kindest, most genuine interest - asking how I was, what was happening, and how the kids were doing - both my students and my own.
Every year, without fail, he’d see me walking to Essendon North Kinder as we began our Foundation transition. And every year, with his trademark big smile, he’d say, “Don’t tell me we’re ready for another lot!”. His joy was infectious, and I always knew he was just as excited as we were to welcome a new group of students. Gordon took such pride in guiding them safely across the road each day. I honestly should have asked him for a list of incoming siblings; he somehow knew them all :)
Gordon was one in a million, the kind of community member who quietly made an enormous impact. His love of life (and horses!), his warmth, and his genuine care for others were a reminder of just how much joy can come from simply showing up for people.
I will remember him so very fondly and always carry a big smile with me as I cross the crossing.
Thank you Gordon x x x x
– Macalie
Carole Upton
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of our truly beautiful Gordon. He was a kind, humble, and generous man who left an extraordinary mark on everyone he met. I feel incredibly lucky to have known and worked alongside him at ENPS, and even more grateful that, over time, he became a true friend.
He was one of those rare people who made a lasting impact just by being himself. As our school’s crossing guard, he greeted every student by name - not because he had to, but because he genuinely cared. He understood how powerful it was for children to feel seen, and he made sure they started each day with a warm smile and a familiar face.
For many years he was also our go-to maintenance man, and the kind of person who would drop everything if you needed help. Nothing was ever too much trouble. No matter how busy he was, he always made time to check in - asking how you were, offering a kind word, and truly meaning it. He loved to chat, especially when I dropped in with biscuits, cakes, or other treats - these small, shared moments that will be fondly remembered.
What I’ll remember most is his positive attitude and the quiet way he looked out for everyone. He took pride in being part of our school, and we loved having him here - whether it was for a special event, an assembly, or to share his stories of the past to support student learning. His presence made ENPS a better place.
He will be deeply missed, and I feel so grateful to have known him.
– Carole
An Interview with Gordon Bell
Sharing with our community one more time...
Previously on Gordon's retirement in October, we chatted with our local legend about how he found his way to ENPS, and into our hearts.
Gordon when did you start as a crossing guard at ENPS?
2002 or 2003, I’m not exactly sure but it was about then. 20+ years.
Were you a crossing guard anywhere else before our school?
I did a day here and a day there down at Lincoln Street, but this was my permanent school.
And what made you decide to take on the role all those years ago?
I lived just down the street and used to talk to the previous crossing guard. She was leaving, and asked "Would you like the job?” and I said “Yeah I’d love it”, and that’s what started it all.
I did the crossing guard role, and did about two, maybe three years in before and after care, when Camp Australia was there. It was terrific. I also did the school’s maintenance for about 15 years. I’d start at 7am in the morning, and open the school up, classrooms, gates, made sure everything was working, you know.. doors were open, everything like that, ready for the teachers. It was two of us then, Jike Jones and myself. Then I’d do the before care, and then at 8 o’clock I went out and did the school crossing. And then I'd come back and do the school maintenance. Then I did it in the afternoon again of course.
I used to do all the general maintenance, fix the plumbing, chop the grass, chop up everything, anything that was necessary… whatever they asked me I just went and did. We used to have to mow the old oval, we had an old ride on mower but it did the job. I finished up doing maintenance when I was 70, 13 years ago now… I stopped when the maintenance system changed. I've seen a lot of changes at the school, there's the upstairs, the library and all that, the new oval of course. Putting the hall in was a big building and a lot of work, we moved a lot of trees for that. We've had a bit of fun.
As a crossing guard, have you always been on McCulloch Street, or did you ever try your hand at Gillies Street or Keilor Road?
I didn’t want to do Keilor Road, it’s too dangerous, so I just stuck to McCulloch Street for 20+ years. The new crossing guard on McCulloch seems very nice too. But I haven’t yet had the chance to tell her to stop the traffic for staff when they're exiting the car park!
How did Gordon Bell spend his time prior to ENPS?
I did many years in general maintenance at the airport but had an injury and had to retire in 1987, and went to Seymour and spent a couple of years up there. I also had a hotel/motel down in between Portland and Mt Gambier, at a place called Dartmoor for some years, but had a couple of heart attacks and moved back to Melbourne, and got work with the school. Having the set of hotel/motels was probably 16-18 hours a day, and pretty hard because it was only a small little village, around 450 people including the farmers, but I enjoyed it.
I also worked for Flemington Racecourse and Moonee Valley Racecourse for 15 years in the members area and also the float cart. But I finished up there when my wife got sick around 2018.
So you worked at the races on weekends and Friday nights, and as crossing guard at ENPS during the week?
Yep, that's right. I think I only missed three race meetings in all the years I was there.
Sounds like you like to keep busy! Any retirement plans?
As soon as I get better I’ll be heading up the Murray! I love it up there. Corowa, Wangaratta, Echuca, any of those places I just love it. I visit Echuca three times a year. I’ve travelled Australia fairly well, I’ve been in every state and every territory at different times, but haven’t been to Far North Queensland. Been down to Tassie quite a lot, and around Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia. Haven’t toured a lot in Queensland, that’s the only thing. I’ve been up to the Northern Territory, I went to Tennant Creek, I went to Alice Springs, I haven’t been to Darwin but I’ve been to a lot of other places.
Perhaps Far North QLD could be on your retirement list?
It sure is. I’ve been told it’s magic up there and I’d like to get to Port Douglas and see what it’s all about.
So was there ever anything unusual, entertaining, or perhaps any big drama on the McCulloch St crossing?
I think the only thing I haven’t stood out in is snow. I’ve been in hot sun, rain, hail, but not snow. It’s been bloody close though! But no I don’t think there was ever any dramas, I loved it and had lots of fun with different mums and dads. They always invited me everywhere and looked after me. They really have been tremendous people, and the school has been tremendous. I love that it’s a very diverse school too, it’s extraordinary. As for Kate, I just love Kate - she’s one out of the box. Kate put the community back into that school, and it’s just magic. This is why I love the place so much, because of what’s been done to get the school back to what it was… movie nights on the lawn and other events, it brings the community together and makes everyone feel welcome. And that’s what Kate did, it took her some time to put things in place, but when she’s done it, she’s done it. I have a lot of time for Kate.
So many of our ENPS families express heartfelt gratitude for your service as crossing guard. You've kept thousands of children safe over the years! Do you ever bump into any past families?
There have been lots of years and lots of great families, and I’ve had a very lovely time. I’ve never had a cheeky student or anything like that. Everyone has been great, the staff, the families and the pupils. I do see past families sometimes. I have had some students come back to me after 15 years ago to say hello again, from different places and different jobs… most of them come back and say “Oh you’re still here?”. I say “Yeah, yeah, I’m still here”.
Do you recognise them?
I do! I forget a few of their names or faces these days, but as soon as they say who they are yep, I remember them, and their mums and dads.
But you really do remember SO many names! What’s your secret?
I don’t know. I was always pretty good with names, so once we’d spoken a few times, once it went in there, I could remember. It’s getting a bit vague now, because I’m getting a bit older, sometimes it’s a bit foggy. But I have a lot of friends there, it’s very very good. I’m very pleased.
It’s remarkable how you’ve connected with families so easily. Even though you didn’t have time to stop for a long chat, you always managed to form a connection with people in just a quick passing.
It’s really about the kids. I get the opportunity to be standing there as part of their school journey, they see me at the start of their school day, happy, with a smile, a hello and giving them a high five. And I get to send them off home the same way, at the end of the day. I think that's very important for kids. It's been a joy, I love it, and it’s one of the best jobs I’ve ever had. I’ve had a few jobs, but this has been the most fulfilling, and the most rewarding.
You’re truly one in a million Gordon and it won’t be the same without you on McCulloch Street. It helps us to know that this isn’t goodbye - you’re just retiring from the crossing guard role. We’ll still see you around school and the community.
Yes I’ll be around, I’m close by and I’ll still be doing things and chatting to the mums and dads and teachers. Sometimes I pop into the classroom to talk to kids and bring in old items to show them stuff, things that they haven’t seen before. I’ll probably be doing a bit of that. The Keilor East RSL Dawn Service is very important to me, I often led the school kids in for that. I was pretty well in with the RSL and I used to do a lot for them on ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day, and I hope to be doing that again.
We can’t wait to give you a special send-off when you’re on the mend, but it will be bittersweet as you are so very loved by our community! We'll need plenty of tissues on hand.
It’s going to be very hard to say goodbye. And very emotional. We might need to get towels instead of tissues!
Do you have any words you’d like to say to our staff and the ENPS community?
Geez, that’s probably the hardest thing, the hardest. There’s Ange Collins, Sue Elsbury, Carole Upton, Craig Mather, they’ve all been there as long as I have, there’s others too I think. It’s an incredible school, from the principals, to the office staff, the teachers, the parents and grandparents, and all others… but the biggest thing I think, is the pupils. They’re the ones I really love. I love all the rest of them too, but I really love dealing with all the kids. I really love that.
We love you too Gordon.
Your memory is our greatest treasure, to have to hold in our hearts forever.
Rest peacefully, Gordon Bell
~ 🤍 ~