Whitney Pier
It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Gordon Gosse Jr. on Thursday, November 14, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, at the age of 64.
Born in Sydney, Gordie was the son of Enid and the late Gordon Gosse Senior.
Besides his mother, Gordie is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Susan; sons, Gordie and Daniel; brothers, Bill (Kathy) and Grayson (Cheryl); granddaughter, Paisley, who brought him such joy over the past two and one half years; as well as several nieces, nephews and his special fur-kids, Spook, Duster, Cookie and Bob.
Besides his father, Gordie was predeceased by brothers, Lorway (Cecilia) and Harold (Cathy).
Gordie was proud to have been a steel worker at Sydney Steel. From there he went to Holland College to become a youth worker and became the Executive Director of the Whitney Pier Youth Club, which he was very proud of. He became MLA in 2003 for Cape Breton Nova and later became Speaker of the Nova Scotia Legislature. He went from a company house to Province House.
Gordie had many passions such as his Philadelphia Flyers, his Pittsburgh Pirates and the Denver Broncos. He enjoyed spending time at the cottage with his ‘outlaws’ watching sunsets and birding wherever he went. He loved to feed the birds in the backyard. He loved going to watch the Cape Breton Eagles with Barry Hennessy and playing darts with the Hen House Darts Crew.
Memorial Mass for Gordie Gosse will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Holy Redeemer Church. The service will begin at 9:45 a.m. with the Eulogy and the Mass continuing at 10 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Following the service, a light lunch will be served at the Pier Community Funeral Home reception area. Private family interment will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gordie may be made to the Whitney Pier Youth Club, the Cape Breton SPCA or the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Special thanks to the ENT team at the VG, Dr. Puppala, the VON and the team at Palliative Care.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of the Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Our sincere sympathy on such a great loss to the family…Jack& Kandice Murphy and sons, Dartmouth,NS
From: Jack Murphy
my deepest condolences to Sue ,Daniel, Gordie Jr and their loved ones, on the loss of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Gordie meant so much to the people of the Pier and he will be remembered and mourned deeply….Betty Murphy
From: Betty Murphy
Truly was a complete Gentle man.
My Thoughts & Prayers go out to Family and Friends.
My Deepest Condolences and prayers.
The whitney Pier area is forever changed with his Passing.
Thoughts & Prayers
From: Dave Siwak
Very sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was a true Pier Boy through and through. He will be missed.
From: Gordie Parsons
To: Susan & Family of Gordie Gosse:
I had the honour of serving with Gordie in the Nova Scotia Legislature. He constantly demonstrated respect for his constituents and for all Nova Scotians. Gordie served as one of our great elected public servants and it was my honour to serve with him.
From: In Faith: Jerry Pye & Marion
Sue and Family, sending our sincere condolences. Gordie was a lovely man. He represented Cape Breton with so much pride. He will be missed by all.
From: Heather Sparling
Our family is very saddened by the passing of a very dear friend. Gordie was close friend growing up and was always a part of the “Henry Street Gang” so many fond memories. Dad, Kaz thought the world of Gord and was so pleased of his tireless work with the youth club and felt he was a great ambassador representing the Pier. As speaker of the house, upon my retirement from the RCMP, Gord brought forward recognition of my years of service to our Province. Gord was a true friend and so many cherished memories will be forever. My family’s thoughts are with the Gosse family at this time of loss.
From: Gary Siepierski
Our deepest sympathy on Gordie’s passing. Thoughts and prayers are with you all during the difficult days ahead.
From: Jim Sheppard and Family (Victoria Mines)
We were Deeply Saddened to hear of Gordie’s Passing he was a long time friend and a People’s Politician. We Send Heartfelt Condolences, Prayers and Hugs to Gordie’s Family and Friends during this very difficult time.
From: Wally Talbot Jr, Mona Yakimchuck, Garfield Yakimchuck
While I didn’t know Mr. Gosse personally, I did follow his work and admired his position on so many things. Even though I never met him, I’m sure those who did will experience a great sense of loss, especially his family. My deepest sympathy and sincere condolences.Tom Gaskell
From: Dr. Thomas J Gaskell
My sincere condolences to the family on your loss. I played baseball and hockey with Gordie in the Pier as teenagers. He was a great guy and person and will be truly missed!!
From: Bruce Richardson
So sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing condolences to Sue, his mom, his kids, grandchild and family. Gordie was a great guy and will be missed.
From: Nancy Drohan
Heartfelt condolences go out to your family from mine. God bless.
From: Marie (Bona) Chiasson
Sue, Daniel, lil Gordie and family We are so very sad to hear about Gordie’s passing. He was an amazing person who helped everyone in need. He was a wonderful neighbor and we will miss those short lil stories we always had when we were out mowing the lawns. Gordie will be missed by all who had the absolute privilege of knowing him. ” Gordie do what you do best, take care of all those other Angel’s in heaven as you always did here on earth”
RIP and God Bless….
From: Joanne and Bob Beaton
Nancy and I have both Gordie and Sue in our thoughts and prayers. We pray for God’s Blessings on Gordie, Sue and the family and may my old friend’s soul rest in peace. “Death is not extinguishing the light, it is turning down the lamp because the dawn has come.” May Gordie eternally rest in the peace, love, joy and mercy of God our Heavenly Father!
From: Dan & Nancy Smith
Thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time….R.I.P. Gordie…..
From: Michelle (House) and David Anthony
Whitney Pier and indeed, Nova Scotia has suffered a grevous loss with Gordie’s passing. To Enid, Susan, Gordie, Daniel, Bill, Grayson, family and friends we offer our sincere condolences. While his loss has left a void in our community his legacy lives on. Thank you Gordie for being here!
From: Frank and Delores Starzomski, North Fort Myers, FL
Deepest condolences to the family of Gordie, he was a well respected member of the community and will be missed greatly.
From: Pam Petrie
Our sincere condolences to the Gosse family Gordie was a friend of the family he will be sadly missed Rest In Peace. The Borden Family
From: Mary Borden Hurel
Thank You Gordie for your Friendship and Dedication/Commitment to the Community. You’re missed by many, yet live on in our Hearts. My Condolences to your Family !!!
From: Tom Campbell
In the passing of Gordie Gosse. My condolences to Sue, young Gordie,Daniel and grand daughter Paisley. My wishes are sincere. Condolences from a Pier boy. He did pretty good he was a stand up man like Paul McEwan. Pier Boy you did well.
From: Joe Savoy
I grew up with gordie in the pier until I moved to ontario in 1976. there were many great memories from our younger years growing up. I was very saddened to hear of his passing. he was one of a kind and will be missed by all. because of people like gordie growing up in the pier was a wonderful time of my life. thanks gordie for the memories.
From: Rick Siwak
Sincere condolences.Rest In Peace Gordie.
Sending condolences and prayers to Gordie ‘s family.He will be missed. God Bless -Jeannie and Forrest Mc Leod.
Our sincere condolences going out to you at this very difficult time. Gordie will be missed.He was a good man with a wonderful family . God Bless.
Sincerely sorry to hear of Gordon’s passing.Condolences to all the family.Joan MacIntosh
My condolences goes out to his wife, family and friends
Dear Shirley and family,I am truly sorry to learn that I have once again lost a wonderful and compassionate friend,,Gordie was my champion,,in many ways,,his caring and interest In my paintings,,of Whitney Pier,,and an opportunity to paint the Christmas card for the province,during his time as house speaker,,May God Grant him peace and well deserved rest ,
I knew Gordie for nearly 30 years due to his work at the Whitney Pier Youth Club. He got me involved in the club, sent me to Tim Horton’s camp in Ontario (the first time I ever left Cape Breton) and when I became a young man, he was directly responsible for me joining the military. He was a staple in the community and played a major role in my life and the person I am today. I cannot begin to list the ways he had a positive impact on me and my future. He is indeed one of the best people I have had the pleasure of knowing. I would like to share my sincere condolences to his family and wish them well during this difficult time. Goodbye Gordie.
I knew Him since 2003 and he was a great guy i knew him at the Whitney Pier Youth Club and i knew him at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 128 in Whitney Pier in June 2006, June 2009 and October 2013 i saw him lots of times in Whitney Rier and Rest of Sydney Nova Scotia and after he left Politics i saw him still R.I.P Gordie i will miss him.
So sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. Our memories of Gordie were of the many kind things he said about my father, Redmond O’Keefe, who taught him in high school..Many years ago he spoke of my dad in the legislature and what he said was very touching. Our condolences to you all…The O’Keefe Famly
So sorry to hear, Gordie was a very nice man and an amazing representative of the people. I worked with many politicians over the years, in my opinion he was the hardest working one of them all. He truly cared and would do his best to help people. We sure could use more like him, he will be truly missed.
Condolences to the Gosse family. Gordie was a wonderful man.
Amazing man such a loss . Soar with the angels buddy fly high . So sorry to hear .
Condolences to Sue and the Family on Gordie’s passing. He fought a long hard battle. He was a friend to my husband and I and my sister Diane. Rip Gordie.
I have so many fond memories of Gordie from Roberts Street, the Pier Ball field and during his time on Maloney Street. I will be forever grateful to him for securing the property for the Horizon Achievment Centre building campaign. It was a proud day for everyone. I’ll miss our talks and coffee breaks. My sincere condolences to your family and friends
So sad the world lost one of the best men! All the love to the family at this time there’s some shoes no one can fill and he’s one of them . So many memories Gordie u will be so missed #gordieskids
Will not be able to attend due to doctor appointments and health issues. But mysincerecondolences to the gosse family. Rest in peace my friend
I will miss you dearly Gordie. Rest In Peace my good friend.
A great man, caring,loving,kind,devoted to his duties. There are so many words to describe this man, but in a phrase True Cape Bretoner.
Rest in peace forever, the world will miss you. 😢🌹💕
Our thoughts and prayers, are with Sue and family. Gordie was a great friend,I will miss our cups of tea and our long talks. He will be dearly missed.
Your Legacy will live on, Rest in Peace.
I grew up with gordie. He was everyone’s friend. One of the nicest guys anyone could meet.we all looked up to him .he was like a big brother to us .we called him hodge.you are gone now but never forgotten. I live in Hamilton ont for the last 43 yrs .we were so proud of you up in Hamilton. R.I.P our brother
Gordie was a huge part of my family growing up & great friends with my brother Joe. I have tons of stories & memories. One that I always tell people.
I had a motorcycle as a kid and on one particular day I was being chased by the Police. I ended up behind Don Bosco school & still heard the sirens coming. I rode towards Roberts Street & drove right into Gordie. He was waiting for me because he knew I was being chased. Gordie had a Pontiac Grand Prix at that time. He said come on with me “Dick ” . Gordie was the only person who called me that. He picked up my motorcycle by himself & put it in his trunk. He closed the lid as best he could. One Cop car came from behind the school & one flying past Clyde McDonald’s house. We drove right past them & laughed our arses off. Gordie took me home to Meadow St. & hauled out the motorcycle. My father saw what was going on & Gordie said ” Don’t ask.” One of the many times Gordie saved my bacon.
RIP my friend.
Rickey
Ahhaha , loved this story Ricky… this was one i never heard before, of the most loyal friends a person could have.. .talk about ” Having yer back ” and I also know how he loved Jokie too..spoke of him often…he shared a nice picture of him with me recently too. ..well they’re together again buddy !..she’s getting a little too Big up there for me though, but as the say ” Until we meet again eh ?
R.I.P Gordie man
Peace brother
Prayers sent to the family of Gordie,He was for sure one of the best.Rest In Peace Gord.You surely will be missed by all.
Dear Sue and family,
Gordie was a remarkable man and our community mourns with you all.
Much love and peace,
Frank and Sandra Dunn.
,
Sending sincere condolences to Gordies Family at this very difficult time. He was a true Cape Bretoner and worked very hard for his Community and this Island. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. R.I.P. Gordie
Thank you for everything Gordie. I’ll catch ya around later
Another of my life long friends has left us . A big hole in our lives!
A huge loss for all of Cape Breton . Gordie’s door was always open.
My condolences to the Gosse family. He made a difference in many lives.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Gordie you may be gone from here but you will never be forgotten. May the family’s grief be lessened with all the Good Memories.
A true gentleman with a big heart your kindness and caring for other people has touched many Anyone who knew you Gordie loved you You will be greatly missed by everyone Rest easy fly high with the angels Thoughts and prayers with your family
Mr Gordie Gosse ..u were the true meaning of a legend .. a phenomenal Man your Legacy will live on in every person in Whitney Pier .. Gone but never Forgotten My Friend !! Sue and family cherish all your memories ..they will get u all through in the months ahead .. Fly high Gordie no more pain ❤
A great guy who helped one pile of people / you will be missed .
RIP Gordie.
You fought the fight buddy one think they can’t say you gave up. You will be missed but never forgotten, rest in peace my friend.. Sue and boys our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gord was the best guy around, he will be missed. Condolences to Sue and the family.
Our sincerest condolences to the entire family. Quite a guy, he did the Pier proud and was extremely proud of the Pier. He was genuinely interested in everyone else and how they were doing, and in helping them in any way he could. They don’t make them like him any longer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Gordie was a remarkable man. My sincere condolences to Sue and his family and friends. Soar high with those angels. You are one now. RIP
Deepest Condolences to the Gosse family. Gordie will truly be missed. R.I.P Gordie
Sincere condolences to Sue and family. Gord will be greatly missed by the community he served as MLA but most by the friendly person he was. He always made time to sit and listen, he was a people person. It was a pleasure to have known you Gordie.
Rest in Peace, God Bless
Rest in peace my friend! Sincere heartfelt condolences to all of Gordies family! Some day when people look up the definition of pier boy I know your name will be on the top of the list!, you were also the definition of a true friend to a lot of people! You will be remembered for ever Mr.Honourable Gordie Gosse. Fly with the angels my friend!
Dear Sue and Family: Our deepest condolences on the passing of Gordie. Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Don and Debbie
Our Sincere condolences to Gordie and the Gosse Family Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the family at this difficult time. I met Gordie many years ago while working with his mother Enid at New Dawn Guest home in whitney Pier they are kind generous people. RIP Gordie
Gordie Gosse…An honest to goodness great politician who helped and deeply cared for his constituents, friends and family. It was an honour to work for his campaign. His legacy with the Whitney Pier Youth Club lives on. Whitney Pier and the world will never be the same without Gordie. Love Sue Christie & Family & The Jessome Family.
With sincere sympathy to Gordie’s Family. A true gentleman and friend. He will be truly missed.
I am ears so sorry to hear of Godie’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are expressed to his family on. He was a wonderful man. Our thought and players are with your family.
Our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Gordie.
Greg & Ruth Boone, Alberta
I have been so saddened to learn of Gordie’s death and grateful to have known him as a colleague in the House of Assembly. My sincere sympathy to Susan and Gordie’s family and to his many, many friends.
So sorry for your loss
Leo Morrison Antigonish
Sincerest condolences to Susan, Gordie, Daniel, and the entire Gosse Family. We’ve lost a true champion and wonderful human being. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gosse Family.
Joe and Sandra Petitpas
Gordie was a great guy- a true people person. Our sincere sympathy to Sue and all the family. He was a caring MLA and a fine Speaker of the Legislature.
My condolences to the Gosse family during this difficult time. Gordie was a huge presence in Cape Breton and will be celebrated and missed for a long time to come.
Gordie kept me laughing through so many caucus meetings. Even sitting in the Gallery while he was speaker was always fun. He was tough, but fair and knew how to crack everyone up when it was needed. Sending love and warm sympathies to all of Gordie’s family, from myself, Nancy Sheppard, my sons Madison and Cody Veinotte, and Bay, who really really liked Gordie and he had lots of time for her. xoxoxox
Dear Sue & Family & the whole Whitney Pier community – extending my deep sympathy as you mourn the loss of Gordie & celebrate his many achievements – Marilyn More
You were a great honorable man liked an loved by many.your work an friendship in the community was far from none.Rest in peace my friend. My deepest condolences to your family.
The legend. An amazing human. To give of himself was tradition. You will always be remembered as a wonderful, kind, helpful man. Rest now my friend.
So sorry to hear of the loss of a lovely man and great gentleman. There was no one like Gordie, there just wasn’t. No one worked harder or had a bigger heart.
A great honor to know such a wonderful person. Rest in peace Gordie you will be missed. Sending prayers to the family.
Sympathy to the family on Gordie”s passing. He contributed greatly to the community & will be missed. May the memories of his well lived life bring you strength in the coming days.
Today we all mourn the loss of Gordie Gosse!! Gordie you will be missed by your son Little Gordie, (my heart goes out to you Lil Gordie who loved his father dearly), Brenda Slattery, my parents Blanch & Vern Lalonde, my son Kyle Slattery-O’Connell and our entire family, not to mention the entire community of the Pier, and all those who knew Gordie Gosse!!! You had an impact on so many people lives and intended a helping hand to so many people! Your kindness was felt by many. Now you rest with all our heavenly angels. So many good memories came flooding back to my thoughts today that we shared. Good times, laughs and tears. You will be missed but never forgotten!! Deepest condolences to Susan, Daniel and the Gosse Family! RIP Gordie
so sorry for your loss, everyone loved Gordie
Sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing.
Dear Sue and family,
We are very sorry for your loss. Gordie will be remembered as a good person, a loving husband, father and grandfather.
He made a lasting contribution to his community and his province. We hope as you try to go forward this is of some comfort to you.
Sending are love,
Paula Simon and Robert Chisholm