Antigonish, NS
January 05, 1947 - November 20, 2024
Barker, Gordon Alfred (age 77) of Antigonish, died on November 20th at St. Martha’s Hospital, Antigonish. Gordon was born January 5th, 1947, to Keith Barker and Iris Marie Manche in Birkenhead, Great Britain.
He grew up in Scarborough, Ontario where he has fond memories of chasing rabbits in the nearby fields with his 2 brothers and playing a variety of high school sports. He graduated from Neil MacNeil High School in 1964. He attended St. Francis Xavier University from 1967 to 1971 where he pursued a degree in Biology and graduated from his Bachelor of Education in 1972. During his time at STFX he met and married his wife, Wendy Laura Gould of Amherst, Nova Scotia. They were married in Amherst on August 23, 1969.
He began teaching high school biology at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School in 1972. Gordon was the epitome of a true teacher. He took tremendous pride in sharing his passion for Biology with countless students during his 32-year teaching career (which also included 2 years as principal at St. Andrews Consolidated and 6 years as Vice Principal at Dr. J.). Gordon never stopped teaching. His teaching and love of science extended beyond the high school classroom, to the STFX B. Ed program and into the community at large where he shared his knowledge of life sciences with Cubs and Scouts for over 10 years. To this day, former students credit him as being their favorite teacher and the reason why they chose to pursue sciences in their own careers. He taught for one last time in a formal classroom setting in Spring 2024 when he visited grade 3 classes at Antigonish Education Centre and shared his wealth of knowledge with classrooms full of grade 3 students enthralled by his infectious love of Biology!
In his spare time Gordon enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, travelling, wood working, hiking, and playing racquetball. Gordon supported various community organizations including Minor Hockey, Minor Softball, Minor Soccer, Boy Scouts Canada, St. Ninians Parish, and the Knights of Columbus.
Gordon and Wendy proudly raised their 4 busy boys in Antigonish. Neighborhood friends were always welcome to come and go from the family pool on hot summer days, and coffee with good friends Marina and Wes was a nightly event. They created a home filled with love while instilling in their children the importance of spending time with family, education, community involvement, and learning the importance of integrity in a job well done.
After Wendy’s passing in 2005, he married Marguerite Chisholm in 2008. They spent 10 years enjoying their retirement while travelling, frequenting local dances and concerts, and watching their grandchildren grow.
Gordon is survived by his children Gordon (Cheryl Ritz), Stephen (Lisa O’Connor), Kyle (Shannon MacPherson), and Sean (Christine Martell) as well as his biggest fans, his grandchildren, Kyla (Nathan Mark), Kourtney, Tyler (Melissa MacDonald), Ethan, Cameron, Toni, Nate, Sophie, Harvest and great granddaughter, Olivia.
He is also survived by Marguerite’s children Tanya (Kevin Reardon), Stephen (Kara Saville), Shaun (Kathy MacDonald), Kyle (Sylvia Rodrigeus) as well as step grandchildren Hannah, Olivia, Linden, Astrid, George and Adi.
He is predeceased by his parents Keith and Iris Barker, wife Wendy, wife Marguerite, and twin brothers Ian and Allen Barker.
Gordon loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. He was the master of the dad joke, a legacy that is alive and well in his sons and even a few of his grandchildren! It is certain that when his family gathers in the future, they will inevitably share one of many "G.B.-isms" and a good laugh will be shared by all.
Gordon and his family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have supported him during his illness, especially Palliative Care, VON, and doctors: Howard, Gorman, Mason and Fauor.
Visitation will be in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish on Friday, November 22nd, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. Funeral Mass will be in St. Ninian Cathedral on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 am with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. Family flowers only please.
Donations in his memory may be made to Music Therapy (Palliative Care) at St. Martha's Hospital or the VON.
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