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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GOULD, Claude William (Bill), CD, BA, Mdiv, Order of Saint George - Field Knight - of L’ardoise, Richmond County, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It is with great sadness that his children announce the passing of their father, age 93, who passed away suddenly, 3 July 2024, at Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Wing, Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Halifax.
Born August 22, 1930 in Halifax. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joan (Sampson) Gould of 70 years; parents, Claude and Nora (Peitzsche) Gould; sisters, Maxine, Jacqueline Manson (Gould) and brother Gary Thompson. He will be remembered with love by his children, Richard (Chris), Ross (Deb) and Katherine (Larry); grand-children, Kathleen, Samantha, Patrick, Joshua, Kelly; great grandchildren, Brandon, Vanessa, Cassandra, Nathaniel, Kerrigan, Joss, Genevieve, Amelia and Elaina and by his great-great-grand-daughter, Evalyn. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara (Leslie) Delta BC and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Bill is also remembered by Ross’s stepchildren, Scott and Tanya and his step-grandson Hunter. He was a grateful friend of Bill W. for 34 years.
Bill was a Veteran , who began his Service to King and Canada enlisting in the Halifax Rifles in 1946. He then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy on 20 April 1947, as a Cook. He did his Basic training in HMCS Esquimalt , Victoria BC. He then served in many of His and Her Majesty’s Canadian Ships including; HMCS Magnificent, HMCS Quebec, HMCS Crusader, HMCS Portage, HMCS Granby and his last ship, HMCS Bonaventure three times ( as Leading Seaman, Petty Officer First Class and after commissioning from the ranks in 1966, he was posted as a Lieutenant (Navy) in 1969. He had the distinction and privilege on Her day of decommissioning, 3 July 1970, to be the Officer of the Day, to take the final Salute at Sunset, when the Canadian Ensign and Naval Ensign were lowered for the last time. He served in many stone Frigates - HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Naden, HMCS Hochelaga, HMCS Shearwater and HMCS Cornwallis, Canadian Forces Base Halifax, Maritime Command Headquarters Halifax (twice), Canadian Forces Base Lahr - Germany and United Nations Emergency Force Ismalya Egypt. He retired in 1979 after 32 Years of Loyal Service to God, Queen and Country. He briefly served in the Canadian Coast Guard.
After retirement, he moved to Joan’s ancestral home, L’ardoise, Cape Breton. He began Academic Studies in 1996 at the University of Cape Breton where he received a BA, St Francis Xavier with a diploma in Ministry, and with a Mdiv from the Atlantic School of Theology in 2002. Throughout his retirement, he was very active in his Church and community. He was a Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, and a member of Holy Guardian Angels Church, where he held many leadership positions in the Parish. He was devoted to praying the rosary daily, and at Camp Hill continued his leadership in the chapel community, the Veterans Choir and on the Veterans Committee as the Foods Service Representative. He was a volunteer Chaplain at the Richmond Villa and supported many outreach charities, as well as, fostering children through the Save the Children Fund. In his home community he served as, Chair of the Men’s Club, he spent time teaching cooking courses and held positions as President, Vice- President and Secretary at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 110, L’ardoise.
Bill will be remembered for his love of family, sense of humour, love of music, exceptional guitar playing and singing ability. It is said that if you closed your eyes when he was playing a Hank Snow song, you would think Hank was playing the song. The Staff and Residence commented on his kindness and his great sense of humour stating” he always had a story to lift the spirits of staff or resident when needed”.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of JA Snow Funeral Home, Halifax. A Memorial Mass, in celebration of a life well lived, will take place at Holy Guardian Angels Parish, L’ardoise, on Friday September 20, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow. In lieu of owners, donations may be made to the Veterans Hospital Camp Hill, Royal Canadian Legion, the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund, War Amps - Disabled Veterans, Save the Children Fund or a charity of your choice in Bill’s name. The Family wishes to thank all the caring, loving staff of Five East, Camp Hill Veterans Memorial Wing, QE II for their care, love and support for our Father over these seven years. (The Chronicle Herald 13 Jul 2024)
Ships served in: HMCS BONAVENTURE - Paying off crew CFB HALIFAX MARCOMHQ HALIFAX CFB LAHR UNITED NATIONS SECURITY FORCE ISMALYA, EGYPT
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