Obituary of Gordon Peckham, New Waterford

We are saddened to announce that Gordon Peckham, 95, of New Waterford, passed away on, April 28, 2023, in Sydney. Gordie was a devoted husband, a proud father, an exceptional father-in-law, and an indulgent, loving Papa.

Born in Belle Island, Harbour Main, Newfoundland, Gordon was a son of the Late Edward “Ned” and Sophie (Coveyduck) Peckham.

He lost his mother at the tender age of 11 years and at 14 went to Cooperstown, NY, to work as a farm labourer for five years. After moving to New Waterford, he was hired as a coal miner by, Dominion Coal Company in 1948. That same year, he married Marjorie Crane, of Belle Island, Newfoundland. They were happily married for 72 years. Gordie worked as a coal miner, mine electrician, and overman with DEVCO for 41 years.

He loved all things Mira, including boating, horseshoes, ladderball, campfires, and a friendly card game. As soon as school was out, he took Marjorie and the kids to the bungalow. Whether at home or out on the Mira, the welcome mat was out, and the kettle was on. He played in the Salvation Army Band, was involved in the Orange Lodge and was an active member and treasurer of the Salvation Army Church, New Waterford until its closing. He volunteered to man the kettles in New Waterford every Christmas, and very few passed him by.

Gordon was a long-time member of the board of the New Waterford Credit Union. He was a scout leader and a maker of back yard rinks. He was a gentleman and a sweetheart.

Surviving are his children, Wayne (Linda), Albert Bridge, Lorraine (Keith Paddick), Edmonton, AB, Joan (Ford Morey), Springdale, NF, Jean Grace, New Waterford, Blair (Donna), New Waterford, Donald (Debbie), Albert Bridge. Also missing their Papa are his 13 grandchildren, Shawna, Lee, Alisa, Tara, Chad, Walter, Sheldon, Vanessa, Natalie, Stephen, Jason, Aliesha, and Aimee; his 21 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lottie Baggs, Labrador.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie; brothers, Hayward and Anderson; sisters, Annie, Lillian and Myrtle; son-in-law, Walter Grace.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 11:00 am with a Celebration of Life at 12:00 pm., followed by a reception, all taking place in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. Capt. Keith Barrett officiating. Burial in Forest Haven Cemetery.

Memorial donations in Gordon’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army.

Online condolences can be sent to the family by visiting, www.vjmcgillivray.ca