It is with profound sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of Mr. James Gordon Masten (Gord Masten), Canadian actor, on July 26, 2020, at the age of 69. He was predeceased by his loving parents Jim and Evelyn Masten of Lacolle, Quebec.
Gord’s theatrical and musical fires were ignited by his dear Aunts Margaret and Louise Masten and the flames were fanned when he was a much loved drama camp counsellor called affectionately by the young campers, “Big Red”. He went on to receive an Honours B.F.A. in Theatre from York University. Upon graduation he “paid his dues” working in childrens’ theatre but soon enough was seen on main stages in Toronto and Montreal and across Canada: Theatre Plus, Canadian Opera Company, Citadel Theatre, Huron Country Playhouse, Theatre Aquarius, The Segal Centre, The Centaur to name a few. Memorable stage performances include the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz, Stephano in The Tempest, Phil Hogan in A Moon for the Misbegotten, Mr. Bumble in Oliver!, “He” in Counting the Ways teaming up with his wife, actor Jude Beny as “She” and most hilariously, the Pickle in Schwartz’s The Musical! Gord also appeared in feature films and television (The Day After Tomorrow, Source Code, The Sunshine Tax, The Santa Clause, Road To Avonlea, and the much loved Christmas classic A Child’s Christmas in Wales) as well as numerous commercials, voice overs and animated cartoons bringing light and life to all he engaged with. Later in his career he joined Jude, his wife of 21 years, on the teaching faculty at The Professional Theatre Department at Dawson College where he will always be remembered by students and faculty alike.
Gord also starred as the beloved husband of Jude, proud father of James Christian Masten, devoted stepdad to Ian Beny Anderson (Darlene Anderson) and Nelle Beny Anderson (Christof Collier), playful grandpa (Yaya) to Scarlett Anderson Collier, Vance Anderson Collier, Thomas Emmett Anderson and Rose Saba Anderson affectionately nicknamed Lil’ Red after her loving Yaya.
He is also survived by his close cousins including George Van Vliet, his strong sisters-in-law, his wise brother-in-law, his creative nieces, his adventurous nephews, his playful grand nieces and nephews and dear friends who counted as family to Gord including long-time agent Mollye Reisler and neighbor Charli Ferguson.
The funeral will take place at The Burtonville Cemetery near Lacolle, Quebec at the Masten family plot on Sunday, August 9th at 10 am. Please bring your own lawn chair if you wish to sit. The service will be conducted by Debbie Beattie, one of Gord’s spiritual friends, a lay minister at Lacolle United Church where Gord was a valued member. Please respect social distancing. Gord was keen on that. All are welcome.
The “Gord Masten Memorial Award for adventurous, playful creativity” is in the process of being established at The Professional Theatre Program at Dawson College/New Dome Theatre. This fund will be under the administration of the Dawson College FoundationUrsula Cabral, Vice President ucabral@dawsoncollege.qc.ca.
Those wishing to contribute may do so soon by credit card, cheque, or online once Gord’s fund appears in the drop-down menu.
interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E920349QE&id=66
Funerals arrangement entrusted to:
Serre & Finnegan
1-800-263-3074
www.serrefinnegan.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Gordon Masten..
Death notice for the town of: Lacolle, Province: Quebec
It is with a sad heart that I heard the news of Gordon’s passing. My memory of years ago: every time I worked with Gordon, I always walked away enriched by the experience.
Goldie and I extend our condolences to all the family.
Andy Gryn
Dear Jude and family. Words can’t express how I’m feeling and I can only offer you my deepest sympathy along with prayers to ask God to watch over you during this time. I worked with Gordon in Duddy and The Music Man and saw him in many productions. You can be comforted in a very small way knowing that he was so loved and will be missed. I wish you all peace.
Love Diane Fabian
I am also very saddened by Gord’s passing. What a guy. What an indomitable spirit. He was many things, but never boring. I loved his humour and his curiosity and passion. His love for music and his creativity live on in our son Christian.
Ursula
Dear Jude and family
We are so sorry for your loss. While Gord and I had lost touch over the years I happy that we were able to reconnect at the McRae family reunion a few years ago and more recently at your house in Lacolle. Where his mother and I were identical twins, I used to joke that genetically we were half brothers. He will be missed.
Brian and Sharon Nussey
shocked and so saddened to hear of my first cousin’s death.
I could never understand why he wasn’t world famous for his singing voice.
His presence at the McRae clan gathering was just perfect – the music was memorable thanks to his hard work at putting it all together.
Gordie – keep singing – we’re listening
Shirley McRae Ziebarth
I am blessed to have called Gordon my friend,I and the world are better for him being in it!! God Bless and rest in peace !!
Dear Jude and family,
Gord’s passing is a shocking loss; I am so sad for what you folks must be going through. I met Gord in 1972, nearly 50 years ago, and he had a huge impact on my life in so many ways. He was a trusted friend and confidant, a buddy who made me laugh, and a person I admired greatly for his performing skills as an actor and musician. He is still my all-time favorite drummer. The world is a much smaller and sadder place without him.
With empathy,
Gordon Braun-Woodbury
Dear Jude
I am very sad to hear of Gord’s passing. He was such a positive, joyful presence in our play, both on stage and off. He will always be an inspiration. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
George Bowser
Jude and family,
So sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. His Mom and mine were the twin sisters of the McRae family and we had a lot of Christmas dinners in Lacolle in our younger years. There are lots of good memories of playing in the big house with lots of neat toys. It was interesting to follow his career on the internet and see his success in film,on stage and in teaching. He will be missed by many.
Ian and Renee Nussey and family
Gordon was a force, and I will miss seeing him at auditions, gigs, ACTRA meetings and other social functions. He was a consummate performer and a lot of fun to be around. My condolences to his partner, Jude, and to his family and friends. May he Rest In Peace.
Gordon was a force, and I will miss seeing him at auditions, gigs, ACTRA meetings and other social functions. He was a consummate performer and a great guy to be around. My condolences to Jude and family. May he Rest In Peace.
Jude and Family,
I met Gord on the set of an episode of ‘Are You Afraid Of The Dark’. It had not been long since my move back to Montreal from being away in Edmonton for 10 years. I had returned to Montreal with my 2 young sons after my divorce. I had never met Gord prior to this shoot yet in the following days on set he got me talking about my personal life… I’m very private so that in itself was quite a feat. I remember how much he made it a point to reassure me that life would get easier and true love would come my way again, as it did for him, with his beloved Jude.
A sweet loving man … a good man… may his sweet kind lion roar Rest In Peace !
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
With love,
Giovanna Carrubba