It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of Gordon Watson Mann, 80, who passed away peacefully at the Saint John Regional Hospital on October 24, 2020 with his daughter holding his hand and telling him how much he was loved.

 Gordon was very much full of life from the moment he was born on June 29, 1940 in Moncton, New Brunswick. He was fortunate to having two wonderful parents, Watson and Celia (Mitton), and an older sister, Jean (Bone), who taught him how to love and not be afraid to show emotion. Gordon met the love of his life, Linda Joyce (Bishop), in 1959 through First Baptist Church in Moncton when they went on a church outing to Hopewell Rocks – Linda drove in the back seat on the way there and in the front seat on the way home, as Gordon loved to tell with a twinkle in his eye. Gordon and Linda were married in 1964 and shared 56 wonderful years together. Their journey took them from Moncton to Woodstock for 3 years and then to Kennebecasis Park in 1968 where they settled. Gordon worked as an auditor for IAC which allowed him the opportunity to travel throughout the Maritimes, Gaspé Peninsula and the British Isles. With Linda as a teacher, she was able to join Gordon on his travels which created lifelong memories for them. In 1977, they welcomed their daughter, Martha Lindsay (Beyea), whom Gordon adored and stayed home to raise, and eventually their grandson, Jack Steven Beyea. As amazing as a father as he was to Martha, Gordon was born to be a Grampy.

Gordon will be remembered for his big personality, sense of humour and way of making those around him feel special. He was always willing to help, whether it be volunteering at the South End Food Bank or making coffee at Saint David’s United Church. He was fortunate to have loyal friends and spent many hours following his own rules playing cribbage. Gordon had two serious brushes with death, most recently 12 years ago. Gordon’s family feels blessed to have had those additional years which gave Gordon the chance to walk Martha down the aisle to marry her love, Steven Beyea, and to meet Jack. With thanks to Linda, Gordon had an amazing quality of life for 80 years and he enriched the lives of those who had the pleasure to know him.

Linda welcomes family, friends, and neighbours to her home for an outdoor garden party on Friday, November 6, 2020 from 1-3pm to share a story and a laugh, as Gordon loved to do.