Augustus 'Gus' C. MacPherson
Lieu de naissance : Glace Bay
Lieu de décès : Reserve Mines
Date de décès : 14 février 2015
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Gus MacPherson, on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at Taigh Na Mara nursing home (Glace Bay) where he was a resident for the past year, surrounded by his loving family at his side.
Born in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Thomas and Gertrude (Boutilier) MacPherson.
His mom meant the world to him and he kept a picture of them both above his bed at Taigh Na Mara. Gus was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces serving at the early age of 18 and was proud to be a paratrooper. He served in the Korean War and both the American and the Canadian Army. He was a lifetime member of Branch 3 Legion and contributed in many campaigns including Remembrance Day ceremonies and running the weekend dances. He served as vice president and seargent-at-arms for a number of years. Gus was a proud veteran and a perfect example of what a veteran should look like in his uniform, from his beret to his shiny shoes. He would polish his medals and buttons weeks before Remembrance Day. Upon returning to Glace Bay Gus became a member of the boiler makers and travelled throughout the province to work for a number of years.
Gus was a gentleman and true friend. He was known for telling stories and knowing how to have a good time.
Gus loved to dance and when the music started he and Vera were the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. He loved listening to George Jones and would always say “There is no one like the possum”. In his younger years he enjoyed boxing, and helped train many a young fellows down at the Table Head club. He took great pride in training and taking care of his horses including his favourite Bombay Max.
Gus is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Vera (Kolmick-Blanchard); two daughters, Debbie (Peter), Australia, Faye (Dave), Glace Bay; one son Gordie (Gail), Saskatchewan, and stepson Jimmy Blanchard, Alberta; grandchildren, T.J, Evan, Michelle, Summer, Brandon, Kenny, and great-grandchildren, twins Lilah and Millie and Tom and Izzy; also left to mourn his passing are his brother Lem (Donna), Coldbrook; sisters, Gertrude 'Tootise', Isabel, Joan, all of Glace Bay; brother-in-law Louie Yates and many nieces, nephews and friends. Gus will be deeply missed by his niece Cindy and nephew John and Kelly Yates who shared a special bond with him; his close friends, Mickey and Marie MacKenzie who always found time to visit him; Dorothy Usher a friend to both he and Vera that travelled many trips to P.E.I. with them and his neighbour Wayne who was always there to lend a helping hand. He will be truly missed by his special companion, his dog Samson, who would wait by the door to give him his slippers.
Besides his parents, Gus was predeceased by his sister Emily and brothers, John Charles, William, Neil, Tommy, Mark and Danny.
Gus was a spiritual person and church was a very important part of his life. He was a member of Chalmers United Church for many years and after its closing, he attended Warden United Church.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015, in Patten Funeral Home, 71 Union St., Glace Bay from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will take place on Friday, Feb. 20 in Warden United Church at 2 p.m. with Rev. Ralph Johnston officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in Gus’s memory to Alzheimer Society or charity of choice.
Online condolences to www.pattenfuneral.com.
To those I love and
Those who love me
When I am gone, release me, let me go ...
I have so many things to see and do, you mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy that we had as many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love, you each have shown,
But now it’s time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me, for grieve you must;
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on; So if you need me, call and I will come,
Though you can’t see mw or touch me, I’ll be near
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
All of my love around you soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say, “Welcome Home”.
