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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
ROWE, Gordon William (Gordie) - It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon “Gordie” Rowe, 84, of Halifax, who died at home on September 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Gordie was born in Worthing, England, and immigrated to Canada with his parents at a young age, becoming a Canadian citizen at age 28 in 1967. He was the son of the late Elsie (Colley, Rowe) Camden and Petty Officer William Rowe of the Merchant Marines, England, and stepson to James Camden. Joining the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958, he served at CFB Shearwater as a firefighter, safety systems technician, and rescue crewman aboard Sikorsky Sea King Helicopters. Gordie received the Medal of Bravery in 1972 from the Governor General Roland Michner in Ottawa and received several "Good Show" Awards from the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. He served deployments aboard HMCS Bonaventure and HMCS Provider, in British Columbia and Puerto Rico, as part of his helicopter service. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Gordie spent more than twenty years working as a life raft repair technician at the HMC Dockyard. An active member of St. Theresa’s Parish, Halifax, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for more than 30 years. He was a member of the first RCIA team in the parish, the Youth Liaison Rep. on Parish Council, Director of the Parish Youth Club, a Scout and Cub Leader/Master, and Director, of the 15th Halifax Cub and Scouts Troop. Gordie was a member of the Men and Women’s Association Hall Committee, Parish Fair Committee, and St. Theresa’s Folk Choir since its inception. Gordie was made an honorary member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Women’s League, as a thank you for his time and commitment to the Parish. Gordie took part in the Nova Scotia International Tattoo Choir for over 30 years, taking great pride in serving as a Liaison Officer for participants from all over the world. He was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 1097, and part of the Knights of Columbus Honour Guard, Halifax Assembly. An avid bowler, he participated in many tournaments locally and provincially. He also enjoyed reading and solving puzzles. Gordie had an exceptionally well-organized workshop and he loved his “double-double” any time of the day! Gordie was also lovingly known as “Grump” or “Grumpy” by his grandchildren. He never ceased to put a smile on anyone’s face with his little songs, dances, quick-witted remarks and jokes! Gordie’s biggest source of pride, even amongst all formal accomplishments, was his family. He always made it known how proud he was of all his children and grandchildren. He will also be missed by Thomas, the cat, Gordie’s little buddy. Gordie is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ann Marie (Poteri); son, Tim (Joan); daughters, Traise (Rob) Bevans, Kelly (Tony) Richards, Lisa (Kevin) Wyer, Maryann (Philip) May; grandchildren, Emily, Katelyn, Andrew, Marc, Erin, Liam, Barb, Ben, Owen, Seth; and great-grandchildren, Nero and Hudson. Besides his parents, Gordie is predeceased by his granddaughter, Kailee Richards; and brother, Alan Rowe. Visitation will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax, Tuesday, October 3rd, 6-8 p.m. Funeral Mass to take place in St. Catherine’s Church, 6476 Bayers Rd, Halifax, Wednesday October 4th 10 a.m. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you send donations to the Prostate Cancer Atlantic Region, Radiation or Chemotherapy Units at the QEII Health Science Center, or a charity of your choice. (The Saltwire Network 30 Sep 2023)
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Master Corporal Gordon William Rowe - Receiving the Medal of Honor from Governor General Roland Michener, June 1973 (left) and a commendation from Lieutenant Governor Victor de Bedia Oland (right) click on the photos to view larger images
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