With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Allan Gordon, 70, on April 30, 2009 in the Palliative Care Unit of the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow.
He was the youngest of 4 sons, born to Cameron Alexander and Esther Mona (Chisholm) Gordon of Lorne, Pictou County. Allan was a graduate of Acadia (BA, BEd) and Dalhousie (MA) Universities. A life-long educator, he influenced the futures of thousands during a long and popular career at West Pictou District High School. An avid nature lover and gardener, he enjoyed sharing his bounty generously with friends and relatives, and supplied Crofter’s Restaurant with fresh vegetables. Allan was a “book lover and collector”, our local historian and geneaologist, mentor and loyal friend to many, camp cook and fishing companion to the lucky few.
He was active in many organizations: Euclid Masonic Lodge No. 92, Pictou County Shrine Club, Abercrombie Volunteer Fire Department, Pictou County Historical Society, St. Andrews Society, Pictou County Minor Hockey Association, and the Progressive Conservative Party.
Allan possessed a strong passion for the political life of country, province and community. He served as campaign manager over many years through good times and bad. His broad knowledge of economics and political history combined with his instincts, positive attitude and common sense served prime ministers, premiers, MPs, MLAs and town councillors. His wise counsel and energetic support reverberated across, and was recognized well beyond, any political party lines.
Although well-travelled, his favourite places remained close to heart and home. His garden and vineyard in Abercrombie, the cottage on Caribou Island, and Lorne Lodge (fishing camp) in Glenelg were all places he shared special times with family and friends as he created his own most interesting and varied life history.
Allan is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diane (Graham); children: Leanne (David MacKay), Natalie, Aaron (Janis Downey) and Tanya (Cory Bell). He leaves behind 7 cherished grandchildren: Cameron Gordon, Connor & Graeme MacKay, Kansas & Karling Gordon, and Victor & Sadie Bell.
Allan was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Arnold and Doug, and twin siblings, Ralph and Margaret (in infancy).
Allan is survived by his brother, John; several brothers & sisters-in-law; many nieces and nephews; foster brother, Gordon Graham, and a huge circle friends from all walks of life. He will be sorely and deeply missed by all.
The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday May 2, in the H.W. Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 3 at St. Columba United Church, Hopewell with Rev. Heather Landry and Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson officiating. Burial will be in Lorne Cemetery.
Family flowers only. Donations in his memory may be made to the Shriners or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada.