Gordon Floyd Varen

VAREN, Gordon Floyd “Mick”, Commander Retired ( RCN) 81, of Halifax, sadly passed away in the early hours of Friday, August 18, 2017 in the Abbie J. Lane Hospital. With unbelievably broken hearts we sorrowfully announce the sudden passing of Gordon Floyd “Mick” Varen.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be missed by those he loved. He retired from the Royal Canadian Navy after 35 years achieving the rank of Commander after serving on the Bonaventure, Athabasca, Algonquin, and the Annapolis as well as various postings. Shortly after retirement he accepted a position as Deputy Regional Director of the Canadian Forces Technical Service Agency responsible for oversight of building the Tribal Class Destroyer fleet.

After retiring from that positon upon completion of the project he had more time to spend doing the things he loved; kayaking, windsurfing, and canoeing were on Ponhook Lake which was one of his favorite spots to go with his family. He spent many enjoyable weekends there teaching his grandchildren how to do those things but learn to ride bikes and swim as well as chaperone their occasional catch and release frog hunting missions. He also liked exploring, hiking, cross country, and downhill skiing as well as playing guitar.

He was born with a quick wit, and keen sense of humor not being shy to use it, always good with the comebacks. He was a perfectionist at everything he decided to take on. He was a former member of Toastmasters, an organization dedicated to promoting public speaking skills.

He received many accolades for both his speech writing and presentation abilities. He was also a member in good standing with the Probus Club. He and his wife Joanne loved to take the fall and winter traveling to the White Mountains in New Hampshire ending up at their favorite spot, Ogunquit, Maine.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Joanne; sons, Glenn and Greg; grandchildren, Britney, Tyler, Dakota, Beau, Alex, and Alea. As well as great grandchildren, Preston and Adrienne. He also survived by brothers, Earl, Jack, Eric, Wayne, Allen, Neil; and sisters, Phyllis and Janet. He is predeceased by his parents, Gordon, Vera (Pepper) and his step-mother, Simone Depatie.

Visitation will be Thursday, August 24 at 7-9 pm in Cruikshanks Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax, with Funeral Mass, Friday, August 25 at 11 am in St. Catherine of Siena, on Bayers Road, Halifax, Burial at a later date in the Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.