McALLISTER, GORDON JAMES – The much beloved Gordon McAllister slipped quietly from this life on Monday, November 4, 2013. Born in Milltown, NB in 1927, he was the son of the late James W. McAllister and Ruth (Alward) McAllister Norwood. Throughout his life Gordon demonstrated a deep devotion to his family and friends. For seventy years he joyfully shared his passion for music with all those around him. After mastering the piano by the age of sixteen, he expressed his strong faith by serving for several decades as a church organist and choir member in both Fredericton and McAdam. His musical contributions included leading a dixieland band in the 1950s and 60s, serving as Director of the River Valley Chorus (Fredericton’s barbershop chapter), playing the piano for Fredericton Golden Kiwanis meetings, forming a hand bell choir in McAdam, and teaching many young people to play the piano, including several of his own children and grandchildren. We, his family, loved it best when he played the piano at home and at family gatherings. Gordon was proud to have served in the Canadian Air Force. Following that he spent forty-one years working for NB Power. He was among the pioneers who brought computing technology to that organization, and he helped shape their information technology direction for several decades. He is predeceased by his first wife, Betty (Welch) and daughters Nancy (newborn) and Linda LaBine (Jerry), 2009. He is survived by his wife Patricia (Robinson) Little McAllister, McAdam; sister Barbara Logan, Fredericton; children Stephen (Susan), Scarborough, ON, Mary Ann Casey (Michael), Fredericton, Andrew (Brenda), Fredericton, and Wendy Cromwell (Allison), McNamee; fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
There will be no visitation, by request. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2013 at Wilmot United Church, 473 King Street, Fredericton. A reception in the church hall will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities: St. Paul’s United Church in McAdam, the Fredericton Food Bank, and the IWK Hospital in Halifax.