Obituary of Gordon Joseph McWade

McWADE, GORDON J. - Gordon Joseph McWade of Saint John, and formerly of Ottawa, husband of the late Marie Elizabeth "Betty" (Mitchell) McWade, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2009 at the Ridgewood Veteran's Centre. Born at Tuft's Cove, Nova Scotia on September 28, 1919, he was a son of the late Fred and Ethel (Brennan) McWade. Gordon was a Veteran of World War II, being discharged after the war with the rank of Master Corporal. He then worked for Statistics Canada in Ottawa until his retirement in 1980. An active member of Canadian Martyrs Parish in Ottawa, Gordon served as a pastoral assistant and a Eucharistic minister, as well as volunteering at Riverside Hospital, also in Ottawa. In his retirement, Gordon was able to continue his life-long enthusiasm for reading, spending many hours in the Parliamentary Library. A strong supporter of his children, Gordon's kind spirit will continue in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his children, Tim McWade (Joanne) of Fredericton, Eileen McWade (Mimi) of Vancouver, BC, Ann McWade (Randy Burchat) of Templeton, Massachusetts, and Stephen McWade (Donna) of Kemptville, Ontario; grandchildren David McWade (Angela), Shamus McWade (Dawn), Tammy McWade, Tara Arnold (Mike), Tanya Duff (Peter), Anne Marie Cope, Patrick Burchat, and Thomas Burchat; 14 great grandchildren; brothers Bert McWade (Patti) of Pugwash, NS, Pat McWade (Mary Lynn) of Annapolis Royal, NS, and Terry McWade (Theresa) of Oshawa, ON; sisters Claire McWade, Mickey Brennan (Ernie) and Mary Carr, all of Charlottetown, PEI; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife Betty, who predeceased him in 1986, Gordon was also predeceased by a grandson, Gregory Cope in 1997; his daughter, Mary Cope in 2002; a brother Rev. Fr. Fred McWade; and a sister Ruth MacDonald. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (634-7425), with visiting on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 12:00 noon from St. Rose de Lima Church. Interment will take place in Notre Dame Cemetery, Ottawa, at a later date. For those who wish, remembrances to the Canadian Cancer Society or any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.