The death of Wendell Edmund McGathey of Fredericton occurred unexpectedly at his residence on Sunday, November 21, 2010. Born in Fredericton on April 23, 1944, Wendell was the son of the late Wendell H. McGathey and Wanda A. (Biden) McGathey. Educated in the Fredericton public school system and Rothesay Collegiate High School, Wendell was also a graduate of the Maritime Forest Ranger School in Fredericton and the former Moncton Institute of Technology (Building and Construction Option). He was employed for several years with the NB Departments of Natural Resources and Tourism (Parks Branch) and the Federal Department of Public Works at CFB Gagetown as an Estimator. Wendell spent his boyhood summers at Grand Lake and was an avid outdoorsman. His main passion was fishing for Atlantic salmon on the mighty Miramichi River, or tying flies to catch the same. In his younger years he was a celebrated Boy Scout and an accomplished Guide on the Miramichi (with a fond memory of poling his canoe by moon light to reach his morning destination). Wendell was instrumental in coordinating a fishing trip in association with Rick Hanson’s Man in Motion World Tour visit to NB in the 1980s. Wendell is survived by his beloved daughter, Andrea Jill (George) Youssef of Fredericton, his cherished son, Wendell Daniel (Karen Delorey) McGathey of Braintree, MA as well as his much loved grandchildren: Catherine and Gabriel Youssef and Morgan and Aidan McGathey; a sister, Paula (Gary) Wilson, a brother, C. Allan McGathey, both of Fredericton, as well as four nieces, a nephew, several grand-nieces and grand-nephews; an uncle, C. William Biden of Fredericton; an aunt Mrs. Edress Thomas of Stanley; and numerous cousins. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Connie Noble of Fredericton.
At Wendell‘s request, there will be no visitation, however, family and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Service at Christ Church Cathedral on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 2:00 pm, with the Very Reverend Dean Joyce officiating. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall on Church Street. Honourary Pallbearers will be Dr. Edmund Biden, Robert Murray, Gary Purves, David Balmain, Harry Libbey and Richard Waugh. Interment will follow at a later date in the St. Thomas’ Anglican Cemetary in Stanley. In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Bishop's Funeral Home, 540 Woodstock Road, Fredericton. Online condolences can be made at www.bishopsfuneralhome.com.