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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HOLSTEAD, Gordon Ramsey - age 87 of Dartmouth, passed away (crossed the bar) on September 24, 2025, at Dartmouth General Hospital. Born in North York, Toronto, he was the son of the late Annabelle and Harold Holstead.
Gordon joined the Reserve Navy at the age of 16. At the age of 18 he joined the regular force and was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Navy for 32 years. Gordon sewed on several ships, was a navy diver for 14 years, and he was a weapons technician by trade (a gunner). After retirement, he was employed by Paramax Electronics where he was the Maritime Area Manager and responsible for the installation of the weapon systems for the Frigate Program, HMCS -Toronto until 1991.
Gordon is survived by his wife Jill of Dartmouth; son David (Leasa) of Dartmouth, daughter Karen MacKinnon of Dartmouth; daughter in-law Sandra of Dartmouth; stepdaughters Nikki Parnell of Westville, Joanne McPhee (Dennis) of Ancaster; stepsons Andrew Evans (Carla) of Bridgewater, Gareth Evans of Lower Sackville, Daniel Evans (Michelle) of Stillwater Lake. Gordon is also survived by 7 grandchildren: Michael, Maria, Ryan (Ryann) Matthew (Larissa), Rebecca (Chris), Nicholas (Mallory) and Corey (Kristine). Gordon is also survived by 5 great-grandchildren, 16 step-grandchildren, 9 step-great-grandchildren and 1 step-great- great-grandchild.
Gordon was predeceased by his first wife of 43 years, Evelyn Holstead (Gormley); son Douglas; grandson Mitchell; stepdaughter Kate Adams (Rob); and son-in-law Robert MacKinnon.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. The family would like to express their appreciation to the level of care he received during his recent journey. Thank you Dr. Toma, Dr. Brothers, Dr. Llewelyn and the Dartmouth General Hospital nursing staff. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society.
A limb has fallen from the family tree. I keep hearing a voice that says, "Grieve not for me." Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, The good life I lived while I was strong. Continue my heritage, I'm counting on you. Keep smiling and surely the sun will shine through. My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest. Remembering all, how I truly was blessed Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't worry about falls. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin. Until the day comes, we're together again.
Gordon joined the RCN in Jan 1955. Prior to joining the RCN he served in the RCN(R). After attaining the rank of CPO1, Gordon Commissioned from the Ranks. He retired from the C.A.F. in 1985 as a Lt (N), CSE after a combined 31 years service in the RCN(R), RCN and C.A.F. (Navy)
Awards and Decorations: Special Service Medal, Canadian Forces Decoration
Ships served in: HMC PENETANG - Served in PENETANG as RCN(R) HMCS LAUZON - Served in LAUZON in 1954 as RCN(R) HMCS MICMAC - Served in MICMAC Dec 1955 - Jan 1957 as an OSS and ABLR1, RCN HMCS LANARK - Served in LANARK Mar 1969 - Jan 1961, RCN HMCS ALGONQUIN - Served in ALGONQUIN Jan 1961 - Oct 1962, RCN HMCS COLUMBIA - Served in COLUMBIA Oct 1963 - Jul 1967, RCN HMCS TERRA NOVA - Served in TERRA NOVA Nov 1967 - Nov 1969, as a P2WS (ASROC Technician) RCN / C.A.F. (Navy) HMCS RESTIGOUCHE - Served in RESTIGOUCHE Aug 1971 - Oct 1972, as a P1WS, Dept. Head Weapons Surface, C.A.F. (Navy) HMCS ALGONQUIN - Served in ALGONQUIN Aug 1973 - Aug 1974, C.A.F. (Navy) HMCS ATHABASKAN - Served in ATHABASKAN Aug 1974 - Aug 1976 as a C2WS, C.A.F. (Navy)
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