Gordon Cairns Neilson, (1952-2020) (2 Viewers)

[King & Country]

To all K&C Collectors & Friends,

Earlier this evening, my brother and friend Gordon passed away after a four month stay in hospital here in Hong Kong...Over the years he fought many a battle against ill health and medical misfortunes and triumphed o’er every one ...except this last one which he endured with great patience and bravery.

Throughout these years his spirits never wavered and his gentle nature and good humour carried him over and beyond his personal trials and tribulations.

One of the joys of his life was his love of toy soldiers and his model-making...especially dioramas.
His contribution to the hobby could often be seen and enjoyed at major shows in Chicago...Los Angeles...London...and San Antonio.

Many fine collections all over the world, large and small, have examples of Gordon’s superb and unique artistry and handiwork. I am proud to have some myself.

Gordon was an integral part of King & Country since its earliest days. It was Gordon who got me back into collecting toy soldiers when, in 1980, he sent me a small set of a Royal Marines Colour Party made by Blenheim in the UK for my Christmas that year. These were the first toy soldiers I had seen since I last collected them in the mid 1960’s...and I was hooked!

Within a few short years I became an ‘addict’ with a serious ‘habit’ which eventually led, in 1983, to the founding of K&C...Gordon started the ball rolling and it’s never stopped rolling since. In 1984 Laura and myself brought him out to Hong Kong to join us and work with the company.

Gordon’s contribution to the company and his friendship and loyalty were second-to-none and can never be replaced or duplicated...He was a ‘One-Off’ pure and simple...and a kind, quiet and gentle soul into the bargain.

He was also my younger brother and friend and I will miss him greatly,
Andy C. Neilson.

 

[Poppo]

Condolences for your loss.

 

[Warrior]

Andy,
Very sorry for your loss, this is very sad news.

I had the pleasure of meeting Gordon at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show a number of years ago, I always enjoyed our chats. He'd visit my room and compliment me on my displays, we'd talk shop and display/diorama making, he always encouraged me and inspired me to try different things, a true gentleman.

His dioramas for me were the highlight of the show, always looked forward to seeing what he had created for the show, he never failed to disappoint, collectors around the world own his dioramas and I am sure they all treasure them greatly.

My Dad always spoke highly of him, he always enjoyed seeing Gordon as well.

It always saddens me when we lose members of our little hobby, when we lose someone like him, it saddens me even more, someone I got to know personally and someone who will be greatly missed.

Again Andy, my heartfelt condolences, take good care of yourself and I wish you strength over the coming days, the bond between brothers is always special.

Respectfully,
George Guerriero
Minutemen Toy Soldiers

 

[King & Country]

Andy,
Very sorry for your loss, this is very sad news.

I had the pleasure of meeting Gordon at the Chicago Toy Soldier Show a number of years ago, I always enjoyed our chats. He'd visit my room and compliment me on my displays, we'd talk shop and display/diorama making, he always encouraged me and inspired me to try different things, a true gentleman.

His dioramas for me were the highlight of the show, always looked forward to seeing what he had created for the show, he never failed to disappoint, collectors around the world own his dioramas and I am sure they all treasure them greatly.

My Dad always spoke highly of him, he always enjoyed seeing Gordon as well.

It always saddens me when we lose members of our little hobby, when we lose someone like him, it saddens me even more, someone I got to know personally and someone who will be greatly missed.

Again Andy, my heartfelt condolences, take good care of yourself and I wish you strength over the coming days, the bond between brothers is always special.

Respectfully,
George Guerriero
Minutemen Toy Soldiers

Many thanks George, your kind words are greatly appreciated.
All the best,
Andy.

 

[tdubel]

Andy,
My friend, very sorry to read this news and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I have many a fine memory of Gordon! I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with him at shows and I loved (and will always remember) the back and forth between 2 brothers. You certainly had each other's number and I know from seeing what a truly good relationship you had. You made a great team! I always look back fondly at his previous work in the brochures and magazines. They are visually stunning, he had a true gift which I know you are adamant about keeping going with your creations. Anyhow, I will fondly raise a glass to Gordon and the great memories.

Best
Tom

 

[EPGallagher]

Andy
I am deeply saddened to hear about Gordon. As I always mention in my articles in Toy Soldier magazine, Gordon was my muse and artistic inspiration, and the reason I got back into this hobby. Over the years, your room was always my first stop at the Chicago show, where Gordon's creations always awed and inspired me, and where he selfishlessly and patiently would show me each of the techniques he would use in constructing his dynamic dioramas. His art will live on long after we all are gone in the many fine collections around the world that are lucky enough to have his dioramas as their center pieces. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Our hobby and his many friends within it has lost a true inspiration.
Pat

 

[Normandy1944]

Very sorry for your loss, this is very sad news.
The world has lost a beautiful person. God bless you and your family.
Greetings Harry
from the Dutch toy soldiers club

 

[Guy]

Sorry for your loss Andy, a fine person left this world to join a better one !!!!
my sincere condolences
guy

 

[jazzeum]

Andy,

I’m very sorry to hear about Gordon. He was a sweet and lovely person and a very talented one at that. I always enjoyed talking to him at Chicago and missed him the last few years. He was an icon in the business and the hobby and he will be missed but will forever be in our memories.

My condolences to you, your families and everyone who knew him. If I could, I would give you a big hug right now.

Stay well my friend.

Brad

 

[Phantom Warrior]

Sorry for your loss Andy. I had the good fortune to meet Gordon in Chicago in 2009 and was able to have several one on one conversations with him. I was fairly new to collecting, and like he did with you, got me interested in collecting WWII. Getting into collecting was a great help to me back then.

Thank you Gordon.

Terry

 

[King & Country Texas]

Andy,

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear brother. In spanish there is a saying for loss, Te acompano en tus sentimientos. I share your grief with you over your talented and wonderful brother.

Gordon was kind enough to teach me so much about the toy soldier world, dioramas, films, Scottish culture, books and I could go on and on. I was just 17 when I started working at Kings X and he was a great friend from the start. I will always fondly look back on all the times we shared together in the store. Gordon was kind natured as you said, he always made sure I had lunch and dinner. He introduced me to many great films I doubt I would have ever seen if it hadn't been for his recommendation. Meeting Phil Collins with Gordon is one of my favorite memories! We both nugged and whispered to each other, "Is that Phil Collins that just walked in?!?!?" Gordon encouraged me to go over and greet "Mr. Collins"

Of course, there were the many nights of laughing and hearing you two go ten rounds with each other at the Chicago Show. Poking fun at him as he nodded off on a chair after a long day of toy soldiers in the halls.
In the beginning of my time managing Kings X, I often worried about whether my scenes on the shelves looked good. As George mentioned also, Gordon encouraged me to try new things and incorporate diverse elements on the shelves.
I remember at the last Chicago Show he worked with us he had me hand carry all the tiny arrows he had made for his Little Bighorn dio. I was very nervous to lose them since he had spent so much time hand creating each one! He assured me that he trusted me wholeheartedly not to lose them. Thank the Lord I didn't disappoint!

I considered Gordon a very good friend and I will miss him dearly. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by his work here in the shop daily!

Te acompano en tus sentimientos, Andy.
You, Sue, William and the rest of your family will be in my family's prayers.

Kind Regards from Texas,

Amber Garcia

 

[Larry Allen]

This is a very sad day for the YOU, your Family and all the Toy Soldier Collectors around the world.
He has taught so many of us collectors the finer points of making astounding dioramas and creative new techniques.

As you look at all the pictures of his masterpieces that get displayed here on TreeFrog and the many brochures that contain his work you will always have him close to you.

My best of wishes and condolences go out to you, your friends and family from myself and my family.

MANY can say that today, we lost a good FRIEND and someone we both admire and respect.

--- LaRRy

 

[joesgis]

Such terribly sad news.
My deepest condolences to you, Andy.
Gordon was one of those "ray of light" people in an often dark world.
He shared this spirit with so many.
We lost a wonderful soul. May he rest in peace.

My prayers for Gordon and family,
Joe

 

[wwiibuff]

Andy,

So sorry to hear this news about your brother Gordon. It's always hard to lose someone close to you. My sincere condolences go out to you and your family. I lost my father last month and the grief is real, but we have all the wonderful memories that we keep forever.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Gordon, but always delighted in seeing his great work either at shows or photos on the forum.

I know you will miss him. My prayers to you and your family.

Duke

 

[Louis Badolato]

Andy,

I am so sorry. Please accept my sincere condolences. Gordon was an artist, had a wonderful sense of humor, and made a tremendous impact on the hobby, as well as the lives of those, like myself, who considered him a friend. He will be sorely missed.

Your friend,

Louis

 

[Normandy1944]

My condolences to you, yours family.
On behalf of all the dutch toy soldiers club members

Harry

 

[ROUGH RIDER]

Very sorry to hear this about your brother my heart goes out for all. I meet Gordon once at the Chicago show some years ago. We were talking about a diorama he built and had answered all my questions. We often meet people in life that stick in the back of our minds. Gordon was one of mine, Thanks to you and him for all yous have given us with this wonderful hobby.

 

[Horus]

So sorry to hear of your loss Andy.

Like many others I've admired the wonderful work your brother created.

Please accept my sincere condolences.

Steve

 

[Desertkiwi]

To be honest I was quite shocked to learn of Gordons sadpassing. My deepest condolences to you and your family Andy during thisdifficult time, he’ll be sorely missed.

Like many, I too was very fortunate to meet Gordon and spendsome time with him during his visit to Brisbane a few years ago. A very kindand gentle man who was more than happy to share advice along with some classic Scottish wit.

Thinking of you.

Sincerest Regards.

Toddy

 

[waynepoo]

To Gordon.... RIP.


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