GASKIN, MAJOR CYRUS CLEVELAND (Ret'd)
It is with deep sadness, but gratitude for the many wonderful memories he gave us, that we announce the death of Cyrus Gaskin on Monday, September 28th, 2015 at the Veterans Health Unit. Born in Moncton, NB, on August 4th, 1920, he was the eldest of seven children born to Ewart and Beulah Gaskin.
He was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis, whom he married on September 27th, 1941, ten days before leaving for England to join the war effort.
He is survived by daughters, Rose-Hannah Gaskin and Margaret Murray (Albert), both of Fredericton, who feel blessed to have had such a loving father.
Enlisting in 1941 and assigned to the Governor General Horse Guards, Cyrus was part of the 5th Canadian Armoured Division that set sail for England in October, 1941. Part of the “D-Day Dodgers”, he saw action in Italy before moving to Northern Europe to help liberate Holland.
Returning to Canada, he completed his B.Sc. at Mount Allison University. In 1949, he rejoined the Canadian Army and became a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons.
His career took him all over the world including the War Office in London, England, and a Nato tour of duty in Hemer, Germany. In 1965-66 he served on the International Commission for Control and Supervision in Viet Nam. In addition to other decorations, Cyrus received a commendation from the Canadian Army Chief of Staff for action which saved the life of a tank crew member.
After leaving the military in 1969 he became an administrator at the newly opened Georgian College in Barrie, ON, retiring in 1985. His free time was spent curling and golfing.
Over the next 16 years, he and wife Phyllis travelled extensively, especially several trips to Portugal. In 2001, he and Phyllis left Barrie and moved to Fredericton, NB, making many new friends including Bridge partners Leo, Blake and Earl. Cy was an Elder at Wilmot United Church where he could be found on Sunday mornings while he was in good health.
He enjoyed his summers at the family cottage in Murray Corner where, not being a skilled handyman, he discovered there was rarely anything he couldn’t fix with Duct Tape. It was also there on the shores of the Northumberland Strait that he learned the art of cooking lobster- an event he enjoyed immensely.
Cy leaves behind his brothers, Paul (Mary), John (Dorothy) and Bob (Connie); sister, Frances Wade; sister-in-law, Alice; five grandsons, Sean, Matthew and James McNamara, Christopher and Brian Murray; great grandchildren, Kane, Sawyer, Emerson, Duke, and Charlotte; and many nephews, nieces and military friends.
Cyrus was predeceased by his dear sister, Margaret Walls; brother, Eric; and granddaughter, Jenna.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of the Veterans Health Unit for the compassionate and respectful care they gave to Cyrus since 2012. We could not have asked for better.
A Memorial Service will be held at Wilmot United Church on Tuesday, October 13th, 2015 at 2:00 pm. Any inquiries may be made through McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may consider a donation to Wilmot United Church for the work of the Interchurch Refugee Committee – a cause very much in keeping with Cyrus’ humanitarian nature.
For 95 years, Cyrus acted to make this world a better place with his positive manner and kind service.
Dad, you have fought the good fight. Go now in peace...renewed in spirit, loved by God.