Gordon Parker Teasdale

Gordon was born Feb. 3rd, 1923 and passed away in peace Dec. 18th, 2013 at Camp Hill Veteran’s Memorial Building, Halifax NS. He was the eldest son of the late Clyde and Mary Elma (Fulton) Teasdale. As a lifelong resident of Dartmouth, Gordon’s wonderful childhood was spent in and around the lakes of Dartmouth, swimming and skating. The Teasdale brothers shared many fishing trips with their father and Gordon was an avid paddler at Banook Canoe Club. At the age of 12, he and 3 of his friends each made their own wooden kayak. The little boats caused great excitement and interest to fellow paddlers and the general public when they were launched on Lake Banook. He attended Park and Hawthorne schools, and Greenvale/Dartmouth High. In 1942 Gordon enlisted in the RCAF for Aircrew Training in Quebec and Ontario. He received his pilot’s wings the following year and was posted to #126 Fighter Squadron in Gander, Nfld. flying Hurricane aircraft. His mission was to patrol the Atlantic Coast searching for enemy submarines. When his squadron was posted back to RCAF Station Dartmouth he would fly daringly low over the homes of his mother and sweetheart (Doris Dyke) and dip the aircraft wing in a salute to them. After honorary discharge in 1945, Gordon married his high school sweetheart, Doris. Gordon enjoyed people and became a travelling salesman with the Colgate Palmolive Company. His next career lasted more than 30 years as a successful and respected Real Estate Agent. His pastimes included curling as a 30 year member of the Dartmouth Curling Club, golfing, and spending quality time at the cottage. After retirement Gordon surprised everyone by purchasing a keyboard and taking piano lessons. Practicing and giving recitals gave him much enjoyment. He had a hearty playfulness and delighted being with his grandchildren. Gordon was very fit and continued to golf, work out at Cole Harbour Place, and cross country ski among other activities. Gordon always greeted people warmly and was genuinely interested in what was important to them. Recently he sang his rendition of “I Did It My Way” and tried to tell a joke which had his girls in hysterics because he couldn’t remember how it went! He treasured his girls: wife and soul mate of 67 years Doris, daughters Patricia, Marilyn (Allen Mitchell), granddaughters Sandra and Emilee, and many nieces and nephews who were dear to him. Also survived by sisters, Margaret Teasdale, Muriel MacLeod, brother, Clyde F. Teasdale (Virginia), and sister-in-law, Barbara Teasdale. He was predeceased by brother, Donald K. Teasdale. There will be no visitation at his request. Funeral arrangements are with A. L. Mattatall’s Funeral Home, 217 Portland St. Dartmouth. The body has been cremated and a memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 20th, 2014 at 2 pm in Christ Church, corner of Ochterloney and Wentworth Streets, Dartmouth, Rev. Jane Clattenburg officiating. Reception to follow in the Church Hall. Family flowers only. Donations may be made in Gordon’s name to Christ Church. The family wish to acknowledge and sincerely thank Dr. Frances Moriarty, his caregivers over the last 4 years, and the nurses at Veteran’s Memorial Building 6 Jubilee West, who made his last days most comfortable. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to:www.mattatallfuneralhome.com