R. Gordon Smith (Major (Ret’d), CD2)
1923-2020
R. Gordon Smith, of Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully
on April 6th, 2020, at the South Shore Regional Hospital with his
children by his side.
Born in Saint John, N.B. on October 26, 1923, Gordon was the son of
the late Frank P. and Sarah C. (Lacey) Smith. He was a veteran of the
Second World War, serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) from
1941 to 1945. He continued to serve Canada in the militia from 1954
with 3rd Field Artillery, 2nd Battalion N.S. Highlanders, P.E.I.
Regiment, and finally as Militia Area Atlantic Public Affairs Officer,
retiring in 1983.
Gordon had a remarkable career in broadcasting, which began in 1946 as
a weekend fill-in at CFNB in Fredericton while attending the
University of New Brunswick. And with that, he had found his calling.
Gordon went on to work as an on-air personality, sportscaster, and
manager at CFBC Radio in Saint John, N.B. from 1948 until 1962.
Continuing his broadcasting journey, he and his family moved to
Sydney, N.S. where he ventured into television as program director and
on-air host at CJCB-TV. Gordon remained with CJCB-TV until mid 1967,
at which time he joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in
Sydney. In 1968 he and his family transferred to Charlottetown, P.E.I.
where he oversaw the merger of an affiliate (CFCY-TV) into CBCT, which
included being location manager, on-air responsibilities, as well as
coordinating the 1972 construction of the CBCT building. Late in 1974
he became a part of regional management team for CBC, based in
Halifax, until his retirement in 1986.
Gordon was a true Maritimer, having lived in cities and towns in all
three provinces: Saint John, Sydney, Charlottetown, Halifax, Mahone
Bay, Mader’s Cove, and Bridgewater. Following his retirement, he
volunteered his time and expertise, serving on numerous boards and
committees in both Mahone Bay and Lunenburg.
Gordon’s legacy will be one of a courageous, intelligent man
with an exceptional life story, unparalleled integrity, countless
friends, and a family that loved him unconditionally. He is remembered
and deeply missed by many.
Gordon was predeceased by his loving wife of 57 years, Lois (Lodge),
as well his siblings: Donald, Ruth Peacock, George, Freda Taylor,
Shirley, and Bob. He is survived by his three children: Tony (Lynn
Lantz), Sara (Stephen) Harding, and Becky (Bruce) Campbell;
grandchildren: Jennifer (Rob Bustos), Christine (Morgan Smith),
Geoffrey, Alex (Samantha) Harding, Ryan (Katrina Lapierre) Harding,
and Sherri Campbell; great-grandchildren: Ronan Bustos, Jacob and
Olivia Harding, and Hugh Smith; sister-in-law Joyce (Moore) Smith;
nieces and nephews: Cecilia Bowden, David (Marie) Peacock, Janet (Bob)
McKinney, Keith (Sydney) Peacock, Stephen (Brenda) Smith, and Roger
(Joanne McFall-Smith); numerous grand-nieces and nephews across
Canada; and his dear friend and companion, Wilma Chandler, and her
entire family in Charlottetown, P.E.I..
Cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral or visitation. A
graveside service and celebration of life will take place at a later
date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the VON of
Lunenburg County, in appreciation of their caring support of Gordon
over the years, or an alternate charity of choice. Arrangements are
under the direction of Mahone Funeral Home, and condolences may be
sent to www.mahonefuneral.ca.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have
kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Your memorial donation may be sent directly to:
Victorian Order of Nurses
P. O. Box 147
Blockhouse, Nova Scotia
B0J 1E0
Please be advised that our business office is closed to the public
until further notice.
Unfortunately we are not able to receive memorial donation payments at
this time.
Our Professional Services continue to be available by calling
902-624-8241.
Throughout your daily lives, please practice “Physical
Distancing” … the length of a hockey stick away from each
other. Wash your hands with soap and warm water often or use hand
sanitizer if necessary. Do not touch your face, eyes or nose with
your hands at any time. Above all …BE SAFE.
MAHONE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE
“Founded in 1883 – Serving the Community for 137
years.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of R Gordon Smith Major Ret’d CD2 19232020..
Death notice for the town of: Mahone-Bay, Province: Nova Scotia