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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GORTON, David (Pipi) - of Dartmouth, NS, passed away peacefully at home, on October 31, 2024, after a battle with Esophageal Cancer. Born November 17, 1952, in Leamington Ontario, the son of Wilfred (Jane) Gorton and Elva Mary (Claire) Smith nee Crofts. Dave joined the Canadian Navy in 1969 and was posted to Halifax NS, where he served on the HMCS Margaree until 1975. He then entered a career of firefighting with the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) Fire Service in Nova Scotia. He served at CFB Mill Cove Hubbards, CFAD Bedford Magazine and CFB Halifax Dockyard which included the CFAV Firebird (YTR 561), retiring from the DND as Platoon Chief in 2008. Dave volunteered at the Hubbards District Fire Department for 10 years, ending his service as the Hubbards Fire Chief, in 1997. He served as Executive Director of the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Burn Treatment Society, including Executive Treasurer for 11 years, before stepping down in 2013 to enjoy his retirement. "Davey" was also a well known and popular person at Camp Connect, the summer camp for survivors of burn injuries sponsored by the Society which he helped organize and operate. He enjoyed being a Snowbird, travelling to Florida for the winter months, playing golf at the Abbey Golf Course with his buddies. Good times were often spent at Happy Hour with Florida family & friends. At home in Nova Scotia, he was a member of Brightwood Golf Club playing golf with his Canadian buddies. He enjoyed wine making and loved spending time with family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents: Wilfred & Jane Gorton and Elva & Claire Smith, also by his brother, Jack Gorton and his beloved faithful buddy, Dundee. He is survived by: spouse, Roseina Matheson; son, Ted (Carol) - Ontario; daughter, Tammy - Dartmouth; grandchildren: Erica McNeil - Alberta; Jenna - Dartmouth and Alex - Ontario. Brothers: Fred (Penny) - Ontario; Glenn (Pam) - Washington State; Tom (Debbie) - California; Rob (Beth) Smith - Ontario; Art (Tammy) Homolka - Arizona & Pete (Nicky) Homolka - California. Sisters: Linda (Neal) Rousseau - Ontario & Kathy Homolka - California. Numerous nephews, nieces, cousins & lifelong friends. Special thanks to NS Cancer doctors, nurses & technicians; Dr. Madelaine Plourde; NS Palliative Care doctors & nurses; VON nurses; CBI Homecare workers and Shoppers Wyse Road staff, for all their wonderful assistance during Dave's journey to meet up with his pal, Dundee. Dave has been cremated and will be laid to rest with Dundee, along with a tree in their honour, sometime in the spring of 2025. As per Dave's wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Nova Scotia Fire Fighters Burn Treatment Society or Charity of your choice. Arrangements under the care of Harbourside Crematorium. (Harbourside Regional Crematorium)
"A limb has fallen ... 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 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, now I truly was blessed. Continue traditions, no matter how small. Go on with your life, don't just stare at the wall. I miss you all dearly, so keep up your chin, Until the day comes we're together again
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