A Dundee-born man has appealed for help to trace his long-lost family after decades of unsuccessful attempts.
Peter Charles Gordon was born Charles Tasker in Dundee on November 25 1942 and was placed in foster care by his mother shortly after.
The 77-year-old has very limited knowledge of his family history despite spending decades trying to trace relatives.
His mother Elizabeth Newton Tasker lived at 190 Lochee Road, Dundee, at the time of his birth.
When he was four-years-old, he was adopted by Isabella Martin Mitchell Gordon and her husband William Keith Gordon. He was raised nearby in Newbigging, near Monikie, and left the city in 1960 to join the air force.
Born in Miegle, near Blairgowrie, on September 13, 1904, Elizabeth had various jobs in the city, including working as a grocer’s assistant and at one of the city’s famous jute mills.
The only details Mr Gordon has about his father is that he may have been a married man who subsequently divorced.
Elizabeth had two sisters and moved to 104 Glengate in Kirriemuir to live with one of her sisters after leaving the jute mills.
But very limited details are available and she passed away on December 19, 1979.
He has never seen a photograph of his mother – or any other relative – and would love to know if he resembles her.
In 2002, he travelled to Kirriemuir to try and trace relatives of his mother at her last known address – but was unsuccessful.
After decades of failed attempts to trace his family, Mr Gordon hoped readers of The Courier would be able to help piece together his past.
He married his wife Janet in 1964 and they settled in Brownhills, Walsall, where they had two sons, both now in their 50s.
Mr Gordon said he would like to be able to show his children what his mother looked like.
“I have been trying to trace relatives for many years and have always wondered where I came from,” he said.
“My childhood was a relatively happy one but I have always wondered what my mother looked like as I have never even seen a photograph of her.
“I would really like to be able to show my children what she looked like.
“I’ve always wondered if I had any kind of resemblance to my mother but it has been difficult to find any information at all.
“It will be very hit or miss but I’m determined to keep on trying. I would be extremely grateful if anyone who knew anything at all came forward.”
