Gordon Joseph Barrett Sr.

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon J. Barrett SR., on August 7th, 2016, at his home in Halifax at the age of 90. Born in Halifax to the late Peter and Phyllis Barrett, of L’Ardoise, Cape Breton.

Gordon was a member of ILA Local 269 as a longshoreman, a job he loved, for 32 years. The friendships he made on the waterfront lasted for many years after retirement, especially morning coffee with close friends Freddie and Eddie.

Dad was a quiet man with a great sense of dignity, grace, morals and a good judge of character, instilling these qualities in his children for which they will always be grateful. He was a man of great faith and a lifelong parishioner of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. He enjoyed fishing, painting and was an avid gardener. Most of all, Dad loved his family, knowing what was best for each of his children, even though they did not realize it at the time.

Dad cherished his memories of yearly trips to Montreal, Toronto and days at the beach where he showed his prowess as a strong swimmer and his willingness to help those who were not.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, predeceased by his wife Jemima (Sissy), sons Gordie and Darryl, brothers Edward and Raymond (Googie), sisters Florence Roach and Edna Keefe, and daughter-in-law Elizabeth.

He is survived by his daughter Sandra Collins (Shaun), sons Shawn (Donalda) and Ricky Neave (Wanda), sisters-in-law Jean Edwardson and Barbara Neave, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A very special thank you to John Hansen for all the times he was there to take Dad for drives, trips or just for a coffee, as it meant so much to him. We especially want to thank Dr. David Tilley for all his compassionate care and support to our family. The VON’s provided exceptional care with kindness for which we are utmost grateful.

The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica on Friday, August 12th, at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica. Family burial at Gate of Heaven Cemetery following Mass.