Gordon H. BOSS
Gordon H. Boss, age 91, passed away on July 28, 2019 at his beloved home in Maccan, Nova Scotia. Born to the late Irvin and Elizabeth Boss in 1928, Gordon lived his entire 91 years within sight of the Maccan River. He was the long-time owner of the Maccan Garage, selling both fuel and Studebaker cars, and he took great joy from serving his staff, his customers, and his
community. After selling the garage in 1974, Gordon embraced his other passion — serving as the Maccan River’s unofficial “Bore Keeper”. He held an encyclopedic knowledge of the river and its iconic tidal bore, and for over 60 years he created and distributed a detailed schedule of bore times, carefully prepared on his 1940s Remington typewriter. He personally hosted
thousands of tourists and locals at the bore, first at the old Maccan Bridge, and then at the Maccan Tidal Wetlands Park. For his work, Gordon earned multiple official commendations and media profiles, and made friends from all over the world. Gordon was also an avid reader, an amateur photographer and geographer, a keen train-watcher, an award-winning square-dancer, an experienced woodsman, and an engaged member of the United Church. He drove across North America several times, and thoroughly enjoyed participating in community events — especially church breakfasts, dinners, and suppers, where he could always be sure to meet his many friends and acquaintances. Gordon called himself a “one-woman man”, and was a devoted husband to his wife Ruth (Read) for over 60 years, until her death in 2013. He was also a caring father to his three children, Joyce Gilbert (Phillip) of Maccan, Susan Smith (Phillip) of Athol, and Keith Boss (Clarice) of Lower Sackville, and was adored by his eight grandchildren (Andrew, Denise, Heidi, Jennifer, Jeffery, Julie, Christine, and Nick) and twelve great-grandchildren. Gordon lived his life with curiosity, generosity, good humour, and a genuine, open-minded acceptance of everyone who crossed his path. In his own words, “I am so grateful for my family, family connections, and all the great people I have met up with over the years.” Arrangements are under the care of the Jones Family Funeral Centre, 70 Church St., Amherst, NS (902-667-8777), with visitation on Thursday, August 1 from 6-9 pm. Gordon’s funeral will be held Friday August 2 at 2 pm, with burial to follow. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nappan United Church, or the charity of your choice. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Gordon's online memorial at www.jonesfamilyfuneralcentre.ca or through the Jones Family Funeral Centre Facebook Page.