Gavin MacLeod Murdock

Gavin MacLeod Murdock was born on the 30th June 1948, in Kitchener, Ontario, to parents Jack, a Presbyterian minister, and his wife Elizabeth (Betty). He was the oldest of three, along with his beloved sisters Susan and Janet.

After graduating from Augusta Military School in Virginia, USA, he received his B.A, B.ED and M.A. from Acadia University. He then went on to have an illustrious teaching career, first in Chester, NS, then at Birchmount Park Collegiate in Toronto. It was here that he was much-loved, not only as an English and Drama teacher, but as the coach of the girls’ soccer team, director of school plays and the official school photographer, just to name a few.

It was while studying for his PhD in 18th century literature at University of Toronto that he met Kristene (Whetmore) Murdock, his wife of 44 years, devoting his life to her and their children Vanessa and Scott.

Gavin was a man of many passions which included hockey, sailing, photography, theatre and of course, music. A consummate scholar, he immersed himself in the life and works of Samuel L Johnson and considered himself a proud Johnsonian.

Beneath his eccentric exterior was a gentle and kind man who found genuine interest in people of all walks of life; he always made an effort to make those in his company feel valued and had a lasting impact on everyone he met.

Gavin passed away on the 13th October after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, under the loving care of his wife and the staff at Tideview Terrace, Digby, NS. He is survived by his wife Kristene, children Vanessa (Neil) Quigley and Scott (Kaitlyn Lawrence) Murdock, grand-daughter Tess (Quigley) and sisters Susan (Gerry) Taylor and Janet (Brian) Bukowski.

A private, green burial and service will take place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Lower Sackville, NS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Recreation Program at Tideview Terrace, Digby, NS or the Alzheimer’s Society at https://alzheimer.ca