Alan Murray Gaudet

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Alan “Al” Gaudet, Dartmouth, NS, on Tuesday, July 28 at the age of 63. Born the 4th child of Farrell and Bernice (nee Murray) Gaudet, Alan was the “baby” of the family. He was born in Moncton, New Brunswick on December 14, 1962, and grew up in Charlottetown, PEI and Gander, NL.

Alan was, above all else, a deeply proud and devoted father. He is survived by his beloved son, Ian; his former wife and close friend, Kim; his brother, Rick Gaudet; and his sister, Janet (Roger) Rankin; his dear nephew and niece, Patrick and Suzanne; his great-nephew and great-niece, Peyton and Harper, and many cousins. And he will be sadly missed by his wide circle of friends. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Farrell and Bernice, and his brother, Roger, as well as many aunts and uncles.

Music was one of Al’s early passions. In his younger years, he filled local venues with music, serving as the charismatic lead singer for several local bands and travelling to perform throughout Eastern Canada. He loved the energy of the stage and hospitality, later working as a bartender while continuing to perform in various house bands.

He then channelled his love for travel and people into a dedicated, 36-year career as a flight attendant and inflight trainer with Air Nova/ Jazz Aviation, making countless friends along the way. For more than three decades, aviation was a huge part of Al's life. The airline was a second family to him, and over the years he formed lasting friendships with colleagues who shared his love of the skies. He also enjoyed meeting and connecting with the many passengers whose lives briefly crossed his path.

In the past few years, Alan reawakened his passion for music, attending summer concerts with old friends and even returning to the stage to sing, even while navigating health challenges.

Nothing brought Alan greater joy than his son. While Alan and Kim lived apart for the last 15 years, they remained completely united in raising Ian. Together, they formed an unwavering support system—frequently travelling both within Canada and overseas to cheer at his kayak races, proudly attending every graduation, sporting event, and performance… and they made sure to take trips together to Al’s favourite spot, Disney, and to celebrate every Christmas together as a family. His son’s achievements and character were Alan’s greatest source of pride.

Al’s family wants to be sure to pass along our sincere thanks to the medical teams including doctors and nurses at Dartmouth General Hospital, who supported him through his health challenges. We also want to send hugs to three special friends in Al’s life – JoAnne Dooks, Janice Morrison, and Jane Hemming McEwen.

An informal, drop-in celebration of Alan’s life will be held at A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, 217 Portland Street, Dartmouth, on Saturday, August 8 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to stop by, share stories, and celebrate his memory. A short, dedicated time for sharing memories will begin at 2:30 p.m. Honorary Pall Bearers are nephew Pat Rankin and long-time friends, Bryan Johnstone, Thom O’Brien, and Jackie Smith.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorial donations to Diabetes Canada (Nova Scotia) or your favourite charity. And Al would love for you to go outside in nature and play your favourite tune while your thoughts linger on a memory of him.