On August 2nd, 2011 our lives changed forever with the passing of Judge Gordon G. Easton, at the age of 80 years. He has taken the helm of a new boat and has charted a new course. We all wish him a fair sailing. He leaves us filled with love and memories to help us mourn his death and to celebrate his life. He will be missed terribly by the love of his life, his darling devoted wife, best friend and soul mate for 32 years, Beverly (Stafford), who looked after him up until the end. Missing him also his son Geoffrey Easton, of St. John’s and his daughter Charmaine Easton (Allan Power), of Toronto. He leaves behind his grandson Graham Candy (Jing Jing) of Toronto. Also left with fond memories are his two stepsons Todd Snelgrove, of Calgary and Robin Snelgrove who has been a tremendous help both to Gordon and his mother over the past 18 months. Thank you Robin. Gordon leaves behind one brother Lloyd (Shirley Feltham) of Gander; and two sisters Marie Gushue (Raymond) of CBS and Millie Andrews of Wesleyville. Also left to mourn his sister–in–law Wanda Stafford (Gerry Pratt); brothers – in–law Carlz Stafford (Ruth), Robert Stafford (Barbara) and Kevin Husk. Numerous nieces and nephews are left with plenty of stories to remember him by. Special nephew Robert Easton who especially loved “Judge Gordon” will miss him dearly. Gordon was predeceased by his parents Captain Richard and Nellie Easton; sister Jean Street and her husband John Street; brother Richard Easton and his brother–in–law Rex Andrews. Gordon was also predeceased by his sister–in–law Debbie Blair Husk (Stafford). Judge Easton had a very distinguished career. He spent 20 years in Corner Brook where he became one of the province’s leading real estate lawyers. He also spent a few years in Gander as a lawyer and legal counsel in his brother’s law firm. Gordon was appointed Chairman to the Labor Relations Board and moved to St. John’s where he spent many years with the Board and became well known as an Arbitrator, Mediator and Conciliator in the Labor/Management field. In 1989 he was appointed as Justice to the Supreme Court of Newfoundland, Trial Division in Grand Bank. In 1991 he was transferred to Gander Court where he remained until his retirement in 2005. His contributions to the legal community, labor relations community and the judicial community are well known and he was very well respected for his work. As per Gordon’s request cremation has taken place. There will be no visitation. Notification of a memorial service to celebrate his life will be published at a later date. Funeral arrangements have been taken care of by Caul’s Funeral Home. Messages or cards of condolences may be done through Caul’s. No flowers by request. Gordon would appreciate it if donations in lieu of flowers, be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation to help any child’s last wish come true.
Last, but certainly not least a very special thank you goes out to the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the L.A. Miller Centre for their exceptional care, kindness and compassion in making Gordon’s last few days so comfortable.
In closing we leave you with one of Gordon’s favorite poems called “The Sea” by John Masefield:

I must go down to the seas again,
to the lonely sea and the sky,
And all I ask is a tall ship and a star
to steer her by,
And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking,
And a grey mist on the sea's face,
and a grey dawn breaking.

I must go down to the seas again,
for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call
that may not be denied;
And all I ask is a windy day
with the white clouds flying,
And the flung spray and the blown spume, and the sea-gulls crying.

I must go down to the seas again,
to the vagrant gypsy life,
To the gull's way and the whale's way where the wind's like a whetted knife;
And all I ask is a merry yarn
from a laughing fellow-rover
And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick's over.