Obituary of Gordon Mawhinney

With great sadness, the family of James Gordon Mawhinney announces his passing on Thursday November 7, 2024, at The Grass Home in Riverview, N.B. surrounded by his loving family.  Born in Chance Harbour, N.B. in 1928, Gordon was the son of the late Arthur S. Mawhinney and Blanche (Tiner) Mawhinney, and beloved husband to the late Muriel (Richardson) Mawhinney (2018).

Gordon is survived by one daughter; Jane (Nicholas) Franklin, of Halifax, N.S., two sons; Gordon Mawhinney (Cynthia), of Rothesay, Jonathan (Jane) Mawhinney, of Moncton,  daughter-in-law; Brenda Mawhinney, six grandchildren; Mary (Nick) Reid, Jonathan Mawhinney, Stephanie Franklin (Paul), Maria Mawhinney (Brian),  Geoffrey Franklin (Kristin), Joshua Mawhinney, and five great grandchildren; Sarah, Myles, Adin, Matthew and Theodore, many nieces and nephews.

Gordon is predeceased by his parents; Arthur and Blanche Mawhinney, his beloved wife; Muriel Mawhinney, his daughter; Jennifer Mawhinney March, his son; Joel Mawhinney, and great granddaughter Emily.

A proud educator by profession, he began his teaching career as the vice-principal of Deer Island Consolidated School. He then taught in several Saint John city schools, later becoming principal of Beaconsfield School.  In 1967 he became Superintendent of School Districts 14, 16, and 17 in southeast N.B. He later went to School District 15 where he retired as Superintendent in 1985.

Throughout his working life, Gordon held several executive positions; President of Saint John County Teachers Association, Canadian Director of the International Intervisitation Program in Educational Administration, and President of New Brunswick Superintendents Association.

Outside the educational field he was a Lieutenant in the Canadian Militia.  As a lifelong member of the Canadian Red Cross he was Chair of the New Brunswick Youth Program, Director of the New Brunswick Division and Director of the Canadian Red Cross Society.  Gordon was a member of the Moncton Rotary Club, Moncton Heritage Society, and Vice-Chair of the Greater Moncton Foundation.  In 1992 Gordon received a Commemorative Medal in Celebration of Canada’s 125^th Anniversary, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the citizens of Greater Moncton.

In retirement, Gordon and Muriel enjoyed travel to Florida, Arizona, Alaska, the Caribbean and Mediterranean.  Summers were spent in Chance Harbour, N.B. enjoying fishing and great family gatherings.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the Grass Home for their wonderful care of Gordon over the past three years.

Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave. Saint John, N.B,  A Funeral Service will take place at Castle “Fallsview” Chapel on Wednesday, November 13 at 11:00 am with pastor Rachel Kwan officiating.  A reception will be held at Castle Funeral Home following the service. Interment will take place at Maces Bay Cemetery. Donations to a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences can be made at www. Castlefh.ca