In loving memory of
Gordon Arthur Cockell
The family have chosen this music to commemorate their loved one.
Gordon Arthur was born 10 August 1945 at Toronto Grace Hospital, son of John Horace and Cynthia Jean, nee Kimble. He died 11 December 2025 at home in Bayswater, Nova Scotia.
Raised in the Beach during the idyllic 1940s and ’50s, Gord played sports, violin, and Sunday afternoon chess games with his father. Summers were spent with his brothers at Big Bay Point, swimming, golfing and eating hotdogs at the Breeze Bar.
A man of faith, integrity, and wisdom, Gord spoke truth with love.
Devoted to his wife and best friend Michelle, Gord lived out his wedding vows every day for over 32 years. Together, they shared love, joy, sorrow, and hope.
He cherished his daughter Lee and her husband Shane; sons Sean and his wife Lindsay; Andrew and his wife Shary.
Gord was greatly blessed by his grandchildren: Julianne and Eric, Jesse and Mike, Jaimee and Jon; Olivia; Logan, Fox, River, Miriam; and great-grandchildren: Brock, Reign, Alice; Maya, Scarlett, Wynrie.
He treasured his brothers John and Dean and their families; brother-in-law John and his family.
He held a special place in his heart for Susan, co-parent extraordinaire.
And he loved Nicole, Hosanna, Marius and Helen, and baby Jasper as his own.
Gord was the director of operations for CBC TV Marketing and Sales before earning his MDiv and embarking on a second career in Education, teaching youth and adults at Yorkland High School, Redeemer University, and churches in the GTA, southwestern Ontario, and Canterbury New Zealand.
He found joy in photography, music, travel and good food. From Singapore to Europe, French Polynesia to Tangier…he was happy exploring history, culture and cuisine. A life-long athlete, he was the best armchair commentator TV sports has ever had. (Sorry Dean, clerical error. He meant second to you.)
Those who knew him well, knew his love of puns and dad jokes. (Pause for collective groan.)
He is deeply loved and will be sorely missed.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4.7
A funeral liturgy and interment will take place at a later date.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Reza Mehrpooya for his exceptional and compassionate care, VON and Lunenburg Palliative Care team for bringing comfort and joy to his final weeks, and Nurse Practitioner Vicki Guy for helping him lay his burden down. Special thanks to Bishop Sandra Fyfe and the Rev’d Dr. Paul Friesen for walking with us through the darkest valley.
Donations in Gord’s memory may be made to your local food bank or youth program. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Personal Care Cremations & Memorial Services.
Thank you to John Mills-Cockell for “In Stillness” music.
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SERVICES & GATHERINGS
Service Note
A funeral Liturgy and interment will take place in the spring/summer of 2026.FAVOURITE CAUSES
Your Local Food Bank or Youth Program
I’m so very sorry to hear of Gord’s passing. I only just learned of it. Gord was a wonderful and remarkable man. From my years with him as my boss at CBC to the years spent as his daughter-in-law I will carry treasured memories of him – and his wacky sense of humour. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
So very sorry to hear of your loss, Michelle. I didn’t keep track of where recent years had taken you, but I can imagine that Nova Scotia is a wonderful place to be, and it sounds like you and Gord had good support through his final months and days. May God’s grace and peace be your companion as your mourn for Gord and your extraordinary life together.
Dear Michelle,
We are so sad!
It was a pleasure to met you both last year. We immediately took you both to our hearts.
We think about you often.
Warm hugs.
Frances & Hilmar
Michelle and family. I was saddened to hear of your loss. I was looking forward to getting to know Gord better and to share some educational ministry with him. I will keep you all in my heart in the coming days. I know his life has been a blessing that will continue within the church and beyond.
Dear Michelle.
We are very sad, but we are very happy
that we met Gordon last Christmas.
Warm regards.
Hans und Marita
Dear Michelle and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Gord was a wonderful person and will be remembered fondly.
God Bless 🤗💜
Terry Boutilier
Michelle, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember Gordon and all the good times we had in Temuka. Many blessings.