Eldon Archibald Gunn

GUNN, Eldon Archibald - It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Eldon Gunn, age 66, on February 11, 2016. He fought a valiant battle with prostate cancer for several years, and died in the Halifax Infirmary, QEII, surrounded by family. Eldon remained active until just a few days before his death. He was born July 13, 1949 in St. Stephen, NB to Eldon Sr. and his wife, Janet (Maxwell), both of whom predeceased him. Eldon graduated from Mount Allison University with a MSc, Dalhousie University with a MA (Mathematics), and PhD in Industrial Engineering from University of Toronto. For over 35 years, Eldon was a university professor in Industrial Engineering at Dalhousie University, where he served as Department Head for several years. During that time, he launched the careers of many students, supervised many Master’s students, and over 14 PhD students. In addition to teaching, he was an active research professor. He has served on several grant committees with NSERC (National Science and Engineering Council of Canada). In recognition of his research accomplishments, he received numerous awards: Fellow of Industrial Engineers (IIE); CORS Award of Merit, and Professor Emeritus. In addition to his academic work, Eldon was a loyal member of Grace United Church where he served on the Unified Board. He was actively involved in forestry research, chaired the Nova Scotia Forest Alliance for several years, and worked with FP Innovations developing software models to optimize harvesting and processing. He was equally at ease in the woods in Lunenburg County, fly fishing on the river, or presenting his research at an international conference. When he was younger, he loved playing basketball in high school and university, and later in the Metro Men’s Masters League. He loved days at the cottage with family and friends, and he loved working in his woodlot. Left to mourn are his loving wife of 44 years, Holly (Turner), Dartmouth; his daughter, Heather Gunn McQuillan, and her husband, Jarrod, Morell, PE; his son, James and his wife, Erika, Moncton, NB; three beautiful grandchildren, Finlay Gunn McQuillan, Emma Gunn McQuillan, and Jack Gunn; four siblings, Dan Gunn and his wife, Laurie, Truro, NS; John Gunn and his wife Kristen, Sudbury, ON; Tom Gunn, and his wife, Ann, Port Hawkesbury, NS; Margaret Robertson (Gunn), and her husband Bill, St. Andrews, NB, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to A.L. Mattatall Funeral Home, Portland St., Dartmouth. Cremation has taken place, with a private interment of ashes at a later date. Family will receive visitors at A. L. Mattatall Funeral Home on Sunday from 5-8 pm. A funeral service and celebration of Eldon’s life will be held at Grace United Church, Dartmouth, Monday, February 15, 2016 at 2 pm. A reception will follow in the church hall. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Eldon can be made to Christ Church Anglican Cemetery Fund, New Ross, Grace United Church, Dartmouth or to any hospital foundation fund. Online condolences may be viewed or sent to: www.mattatallfuneralhome.com