Ronald Ashley Gordon (Gordie) MacNab, K.C.
March 18, 1945 to January 19, 2024
Obituary
It is with profound sadness that the family of Ronald Ashley Gordon (Gordie) MacNab, K.C., announces his death on January 19, 2024. Gordie was predeceased by his parents James and Majorie MacNab and by his brothers – in – law John Buckle and William (Bill) Matthews.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 53 years Eileen (nee Buckle), his daughter Ashley (Rod Walsh) and his sons Vic and Alex (Rodrigo Sala) and by his grandchildren Kate and James Walsh, Claire and Grace MacNab and Elena Sala MacNab.
He is also mourned by his siblings Jackie MacNab, Carol (Bill Matthews deceased) and Suzie (Paul Conway) as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and cherished friends.
Gordie was born in St. John’s on March 18, 1945. He was educated at Bishop Feild College, St. John’s, Trinity College School (TCS), Port Hope Ontario, Colby College, Waterville Maine and received his law degree from the University of New Brunswick in 1972. He was called to the Bar of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1973.
Gordie was a lifelong Cleveland Browns, L.A. Dodgers and Detroit Red Wings fan. He was a wine enthusiast and loved to share a good vintage with his buddies. He loved the peace and tranquility of the Gander River; landing a salmon was a bonus. He loved golf and the ski slopes with family and friends and most of all the time spent at his treasured Hogan’s Pond creating memories with his children and grandchildren.
Gordie will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, generosity and loyalty to his family and friends. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother and most of all he will be remembered as a genuinely good man who was well and truly loved and who will be forever missed.
Special thanks to Dr. Al-Asaaed and the caring staff of the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre. Thank you also to Drs. Fardy and Rogers and the outstanding care provided by the palliative care team at the Miller Centre and the Community Health Program. We would also like to thank Drs. Stephen Lee and Peter Collingwood for their care and support.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road with visitation on Tuesday, January 23rd from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. Funeral from St. Andrews (the Kirk) on Wednesday, January 24th at 2 pm. A private internment will take place at a later date.
Flowers gratefully accepted, or donations in his memory may be made to the CNIB, the Palliative Care Program at the Leonard A. Miller Centre, or the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Centre.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on January 23, 2024
7-9 p.m. on January 23, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
2:00pm, Wednesday January 24th
St. Andrew's Church (The Kirk)
Just read of Gordie’s passing in the Globe and Mail. Although we lost contact after Gordie graduated from Trinity College School in Port Hope, Ontario, I remember him as a kind, generous, and fun loving soul. He was a superb athlete in various sports and I got to know him best when we co-captained the TCS Cricket team. He was a remarkable batsman and wicket keeper, and game strategist. With his presence the cricket team did well even against older adult club teams. My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Dear Buckie, Jackie, Carol, Susie and families, The news has only just reached me of dear Gordie’s passing. Our memories go back a long time with all those wonderful shared times at Hogan’s Pond when we were all so young and carefree! Our love and prayers to you all at this sad time but may happy memories live on. With deepest sympathy, Lynn (Munn) Regan.
Eileen,
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Eleanor McAllister
Sorry to hear about Gordie’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed.
Eileen and Family,
So sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. He and Art shared many laughs during the ” pennies falling from heaven” days. A wonderful man, who will surely be missed. God Bless.
Eileen, may all the wonderful memories you have of Gordie sustain you and your family. He always displayed such happiness. May he rest in peace.with John and the angels. Much love.
It’s hard to overstate the respect and esteem in which Gordie MacNab was held as a student at Trinity College School in Port Hope Ontario in the 60’s.
Not only was Gordie the School’s best athlete, he was wise and street-smart, but it was his ironic humour and sharp wit that I remember him for most.
One day the hockey team captained by Gordie played the famous St. Michaels’s College. I got the job of marking a tall skinny kid on St. Mikes who we found out after the first period was Pete Mahovlich. The only time I touched the puck was on a poke check which bounced on to Gordie’s stick and into their net.
After the game which we lost 9-3 Geordie broke up the downcast locker room with, “Good game, O’B, looks like you held Mahovlich down to 5 goals!”
With fondest memories and deepest condolences to his family and friends,
Yours sincerely,
Peter O’Brian
Toronto
p-obrian@rogers.com
Very sad to hear of Gord’s passing. Deepest condolences to all family and friends. RIP.
Eileen and Family,
We are saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your families. May he rest in peace.
Dear Eileen , Ashley , Vic , Alex and Families, I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of Gordie. What a great guy , friend , family man and trusted legal professional Newfoundland has lost. My family’s sincere condolences. To you all . I pray you all are comforted by the fact of a life well lived with wisdom , kindness and grace. May he Rest In Peace and that happy memories bring you all great comfort. May God bless you all. Sincerely , Ronda Louise Lake Parker and Family .
To Eileen, Suzi and family…
I was profoundly saddened to hear that Gordie has passed. There are some people you meet in life whose personality stays with you because of how they make you feel , the ease and humor in conversation, the integrity of his principles always with substance and logic, Gordie was one of those people.. I feel blessed just to have met him. May your memories comfort you in the difficult days ahead.
To the McNab family
So sorry for your loss please know that you are in our thoughts at this sad time
Condolences to the MacNab family on Gordie’s passing..
To The Entire McNabb Family,
So saddened to hear about the passing of Gordon.
Our family has known Gordon for most of their lives and have been so fortunate to have him as our lawyer for our personal family matters, as well as, for our business. (Max Duffett & Sons Ltd.)
He was always so giving and genuinely interested in what was going on with all our lives. He took the time to chat, give advice and always made us feel “heard”.
His pleasant and positive attitude shone through each time we spoke.
He will be deeply missed..
Nancy and Wade Clarke
I’m so sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. I will always remember him as a kind, caring family man who always seem to have a smile on his face. He was a great friend to my father and I am forever thankful for that. I will never forget his kindness (and patience) in helping me with the legal matters purchasing my first home. Despite my father micromanaging the transaction from Corner Brook! I hope they are having a good laugh together again.
Sending love to the family. May you feel his spirit with you in every step you take.
So sorry for your loss. Our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Sorry to hear the news about Gordie. May you have comfort in knowing that you have family and friends who share your sorrow.
Ten days short of the 51st anniversary of his admission to the Newfoundland and Labrador Bar, Gordie MacNab was required to rest his case.
He was called to the Bar on 29 January 1973 in Courtroom No. 1 of Supreme Court, St. John’s, where he signed the Roll of barristers as number 342 – R. A. Gordon MacNab.
Uniquely, he was later invested Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) by the Governor General of Canada; in addition to being—like such other lawyers who become QCs (KCs)—honored with the distinction by the Province’s Lieutenant Governor.
He left indelible and invaluable footprints defining ethical law practice, during more than a half century as a lawyer, both in his chambers and at the Bar of the Court.
Throughout the same period, I was most fortunate to be among his professional colleagues, and a neighbor beside a tranquil pond in St. Philips, Conception Bay, NL.
Sincerest condolences to his family.
Mrs. MacNab and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Geordie’s passing.. Please accept my sincere condolences. Gordie was a pleasure to work with. He was always understanding and easy to get along with. May all the wonderful memories you have, bring you comfort and peace.
Rest In Peace Gordie
Mike Duffett
Mike Duffett
With sincere sympathy for your loss. Gordie was well loved and will be remembered. Terry and Barb Murphy
Dear Eileen:
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. My sincere condolences to you all.
Ashley and family
Very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing.
Sincere condolences.
To Mrs.MacNab, Alex, Vic, Ashley and extended family members, I will remember your dad fondly and think back to our many chats particularly at Hogan’s Pond over the years. My thoughts are with you all during this time. I do hope you have been able to take great strength from the memories and stories shared over the last few days from those who were lucky to have known him and spent time with him. May he rest easy now, Tina Casey
Dear Eileen my heart is with you and your family. I’m so very sorry I am not in NL right now to express my sorrow to you in person.. Comfort each other these days with all your wonderful memories of your beloved Gordie.
My deepest sympathies during this difficult time. May your cherished memories help you through this. Thinking of all if you. May he Rest in Peace.
Dear Eileen and your family Im so sad to have to say goodbye to Gordie and I know I am far from being alone in this sentiment. Seeing you all today was a pleasure and though the occassion was sad it was truely a celebration of his life.He was fun,kind,descent bad to the bone and an absolute gentleman.I hope to see him on the other side.Love always.
Was very sorry to learn of Mr. MacNab’s passing. Prayers and best wishes to the MacNab family at this difficult time.
Eileen and family , my sincere condolences to you and your family for your loss. Only saw you and Gordie once a year at the Mercer’s Christmas party, but always lovely to chat and share happier times. God bless!
Alice ( Hennessey) Flynn
Sending my sincere condolences Eileen and family
I remember Gordie fondly duriing my years working with the firm and my love and prayers go out to you at this sad time. Remember him always and take comfort in your memories Rest in Peace
Eileen, Ashley, Alex and Vic – I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. MacNab was a very sweet and kindhearted soul and I am so grateful to have had the pleasure of working with him. He will be fondly remembered by so many people whose lives he has touched. Thinking of you all.
Eileen, Ashley, Alex & Vic – I am so sorry to hear of Mr. MacNab’s passing. He was one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of knowing and I will forever cherish my days of working with him.
Thinking of you all during your time of loss.
So sorry for your loss , our condolences to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss Eileen, thinking of you and your family at this difficult time.
Deepest sympathies to the MacNab family.
So sorry to hear about Mr. MacNab’s passing. Sending love xoxox
Eileen and family. We are sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. We remember meeting him at Rhodie’s and Wendy’s parties and often at a coffee shop. He was a gentle person with a great smile. Thinking about you at this sad time. Take care. Bernice and Jack Devereaux
Eileen and Family
I’m so sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. My concern condolences to you all.
I first met Geordie when he returned home from law school and started his law practice.. Geordie was a pleasant personable man and an accomplished layer. He was a straight shooter and even though he and I might be representing opposing parties you could count on Geordie being reasonable and using common sense.
My condolences to his family at this sad time.
My condolences to Gordies family.
Buckle, Ashley, Vic, Alex, and all the family, I am sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. He fought a tough battle. Gordie was a true gentleman and a kind soul and always quick to smile and make a joke. We are richer for knowing him and the world is a sadder place without him. God Rest his soul, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Eileen, Alex, Vic and Ashley, it was a pleasure to have known Mr. MacNab and an absolute privilege to have worked with him for the past year and a half. The office will never be the same without him. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. My thoughts are with you all during this very difficult time.
Alex and family. I knew “Gordie” from 1978 to my retirement from the Courts in 2013. He was a gentleman and a scholar. Always wearing a smile. He was easy to get along with. He will be truly missed by the Legal Profession. Rest in Peace.
Vic and Alex and family,
I’m so sorry for your loss, my condolences to you all.
Maeve
MacNab family, I had the great pleasure to work with Gordie for many years. He was a proud dad whose love of family was most evident. He was also a gentleman in the truest sense and he will be missed. I am truly sorry for your loss. Godspeed
My deepest sympathy to the MacNab family.
Ashley,
So sorry for your loss! You always talked about your Dad with great affection.
Christina Sullivan
Bucky and family,
We are saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was always a Gentleman to talk to and deal with concerning law, politics or Hogan’s Pond.
Dear Alex (Rodrigo, Elena), Eileen, Vic, Ashley and families:
Sending love and sympathies during this time of loss of your Dad, Husband and Grandfather. I met Gordon once in Calgary, and it was clear he was a gem of man, full of life, character and wisdom..
Please find comfort in the many memories, your love for him and his greatest gift: family and unconditional love for all of you during this difficult time.
Love from, Stacy & Gemma
Dear Eileen and family,
I’m sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. I know from my family members that, in addition to the ultimate professional, Gordie was a very kind and caring man. May all your wonderful memories sustain you.
Sincerely,
Edie (Buckle) and Raymond Gingras
Eileen and Family:
I am saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing, I know that you will have many fond memories of Geordie as you Celebrate his wonderful life with Family and Friends !
Blessings,
Doug
I worked with Gordon on a professional basis from 2015. An absolute gentleman always true to his word and wise in his counsel.
Condolences to Eileen and family.
Adrian Meyer
To Carol & Family
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your dear brother and uncle .We’re certainly thinking of you during this difficult time .Our thoughts and prayers are sent your way and to members of your extended family .Take care
Tony & Bernadette Green
Eileen and crew.
So longs are hard to say.A special thanks to Gordie for all his knowledge,patience,and understanding over the years.He was always a good anchor in so many storms.
Eleanor Keeping
Sending my sincere condolences to the. MacNab family.
I will forever cherish my time working for Mr. Macnab. He was truly one of the most caring and considerate people I have ever met. His family meant the world to him and he made that clear to everyone he knew. Hold the memories close, you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Julia Reid
Sorry to learn of your loss. Gordie was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Eileen & family,
I am so sorry to learn of Gordie’s passing. It has certainly been a long, hard fight. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that you are all in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Marianne Baker
Sad to read this this morning.Gordon was a true gentleman.My sincere condolences to his family and friends.Rest in Peace Sir.
Eileen and Family
We were so saddened to hear Gordie had passed. He fought a long and courageous battle and is at last at peace. Bob worked for Gordie and Eileen for over 30 years and in all that time there was never a bad word and nothing but respect, humor and friendship. He will be sadly missed. Keep all the beautiful memories you have of him close to your hearts and he will be with you forever. Take care and God Bless
Bucky, Jackie, Carol, Susie and family’s,
My sincere condolences to you all. Grandmother Furlong will no doubt have the hot chocolate and a lunch waiting. I have such fond childhood memories of the McNab family, and keeping you in my prayers at this difficult time.
Eileen, Ashley, Vic & Alex & families
I was so sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was indeed one of the best. He was a treasure to work for and his advice was always appreciated ! His smile lit up the room and he bought out the best in everyone around him. Treasure your memories. He will truly be missed.
Collette
Eileen
So sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing
Although we did not cross paths since 1957, we all enjoyed our Pee We hockey days, especially with the team that won a few games in Goderage,Ont representing Newfoundland in the Young Canada tournament and our appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show in New York.
May he rest in peace.
Vic and family,
We’re so very sorry to hear about your dad. Keeping you all in our thoughts during this very difficult time.
Ashley & Dave
Eileen – Carol- Dan and extended family of Gordie
We have been colleagues In the Law Society for over 50 years. We had many interactions on various occasions during that period. All had happy endings.
Above our professional involvement I’m happy to say we were friends
. Gordie had an infectious personality- he loved to tell a story and also hear one !
He was highly respected by his peers and those with whom he worked.
In his time – Gordie McNab made a difference – he battled his illness with great fortitude – he never gave up.
He will live on the hearts and minds of his family and friends
He is now at rest and may that rest be in peace.
Sincere condolences to all those who mourn his passing
Gosdspeed Gordie
Bucky Carol and families, We are so sorry to
Hear of Gordie’s passing. We will miss him
Tim and Judy
to all the mcnab family;
please accept our condolences on the death of gordie we are away at this time but our thoughts& prayers are with you. God Bless
bud & sandra duffett
So sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. A true gentleman.
May he RIP.
Jim Byrd, Port Credit, Ontario
Suzie and all your family. All our best wishes and condolences on Gordie’s passing.
Bucky, Carol and family,
I remember fondly such fun times at Hogans Pond and of course Gordie was such a big part of that. He will be missed by many people. My sincere condolences from a long ago friend,
Judy Munn
Alex and Family, so sorry to hear of your Dads passing.. Cherish your memories.
Vic and family, so very sorry for your loss. Deepest condolences. You’re in my thoughts at this most difficult time.
Vic and family, my condolences on the passing of a much loved Husband and Dad, and I’m sure he filled. Many other roles. Vic, i wasn’t fortunate enough to meet your Dad in person but you spoke of him often with obvious love. I’ll be thinking about you and your family.
I’m lucky to be able to say, I knew him, even if it was only a little bit. A short period of time but forever in my mind.
Rest in peace.
Eileen
My sympathies to you and family on Gordie’s passing.. From my early years of Hogans Pond to later visits at his office in St John’s, my memories are of a man who always had a smile on his face and a keen genuine interest in those who he came in contact with. May your wonderful memories comfort you at this time and going forward.
Eileen and family, we are so sorry to learn of Gordie’s passing.
We had the pleasure of knowing and working with Gordie since 1992. He helped this young and inexperience “cable guy” negotiate and close his first ever business acquisition in Garnish and Frenchman’s Cove on the Burin Peninsula. His professionalism, patience, calmness, and human spirit left a life-long impression. The world has quite simply lost one of the good guys.
I am sure Phil Keeping and Gordie are together again and are already planning their next escapade!
With sincerest condolences,
Brendan & Renee Paddick
Eileen and family –
We are so so sorry to hear of your loss. What an amazing life and an amazing fight. You have an incredible family who will be your strength. We are out of the country but our thoughts and love are with each and every one of you.
Don and Pete ❤️
Bucky,
We are saddened to learn that Geordie has passed away. We fondly remember our glorious trip to France many years ago and the never ending laughter we shared. Geordie will always be lovingly remembered, may he rest in peace and May you and your family cherish every memory.
Dear Suzie
My deepest sympathy to you, Paul, and your family on the passing of your brother, Gordie.. I hope time will help you to heal and to hold on to many loving memories of him.
Sincerely
Barb Hoddinott
Eileen, or Buckie as Gordie so affectionately called you,
we are so sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. So many memories and countless road trips throughout Atlantic Canada, Ottawa, Toronto, and Nassau as Gordie helped to guide us through all the corporate start-ups, and acquisitions and dealings with banks and regulators with N1 Cable, Cable 2000 and Cable Bahamas. He will truly missed by us as a business associate and more so as a true friend..
I am sure he and Phil are sharing a bottle of fine wine right now..
Sincere condolences.
Eileen and family, it is with great shock and sadness to read of Gordie passing 😢..I will always remember our chats and laughter. My sincere condolences to you all in this your time of great sorrow, may God’s warm embrace surround you and beautiful memories of Gordie always light your hearts. God bless. ❤️
So sorry to learn of Gordie’s passing. He was legal council to me and my late wife for a good few years. Always a gentleman and always gave good solid advice. Rest in Peace.
Buckie & family, Jackie, Carol and Susie
Sorry to hear of Gordie’s passing. He will be missed by all.
Sincerest condolences.
So sorry for loss, Condolences to the Family.
Eileen & Family,
Sincere Condolences at this very difficult time, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Gordie was a lovely gentleman, we had a chat every time he stopped at Sharpe’s store, I would always inquire how his mother was and all the family. He will be missed by all his family and friends, hold onto your precious memories. Take care, all Gods Blessings. 🙏
Buckie and family……. Gordie was an amazing guy, and a friend of mine for almost 70 years. Although we hadn’t chatted for some years, whenever our paths crossed we enjoyed wonderful updates on all the happenings in our lives. This amazing man was so proud of his family, and he will be missed by many friends and admirers. Rest in peace, Gordie ……………. John Dustan
So sorry to hear this. Mr. MacNab became crown counsel for DFO at a very busy time and he guided us with patience and wisdom. Gordie became a friend thereafter. Sincere condolences to the MacNab family.
Condolences
to Eileen and all the extended family at this sad time.
Annette and Michael Boyle
MT Pearl
Eileen, I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Thinking of you at this time of loss and may Gordie rest in peace.
We would like to extend our condolences to you for the loss of Gordie Mac Nab.
We are so sorry for the loss of Mr. MacNab and are holding you in our hearts during this sad time.
Alex,Vic and family
I am so sorry to hear of your fathers passing.
My thoughts are with you at this sad time
I am away so I will not be able to see you at this time but know you are in my thoughts
I will keep you all in my prayers
Brenda McCarthy
Eileen, Ashley, Vic and Alex, our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. RIP Gordie.
To: Eileen, Ashley, Vic and Alex
Marie and I are so very saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was indeed a real gentleman … soft spoken, kind and respectful to all. We are so sorry for your loss and we extend our most sincere condolences.
To Buckie and the MacNab family.
I am very sorry to here of Gordies passing. I have very fond memories of staying at Rikity Rack sailing on the pond and enjoying Gordies wine and brandy!!
My thoughts are with you all.
by John Allum
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and many friends of Mr. MacNab. We will remember him as an admired friend of our father, always smiling and speaking kindly to all around him. His legacy is secured by his beautiful family and the great memories he left with all who had the pleasure to meet such a fine gentleman. Family, friends and faith will see all through this sad time and bring focus on a life so well lived. God bless Mr. MacNab.
To Eileen & McNab family. So saddened to learn of Gord,s passing RIP
Knew Gordie for a number of years as a client of his. Always a gentleman, always helpful thank you Gordie may you rest in peace.
Barb and I are so saddened to hear of Gordy‘s passing. Although not unexpected, it is always shocking to hear that he’s no longer with us.
I had the pleasure of attending law school with Gord, and, of course, being maintained periodically by the kindness of Buckie with her honey bacon, toasted sandwiches.
Throughout our practice life, we maintain contact and it was always a pleasure to have a chat with Gord and I marvelled at his stoic nature of his illness.
There is no doubt he will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
We are proud to call him a friend.
Unfortunately, Barb and I are in Florida and unable to attend at the funeral home but please note that we are very saddened by this news.
May he rest in peace.
Eileen, Vic, Alex ,Ashley, Suzie and families. So saddened to hear of Gordie’s passing. He was a wise and kind soul. I enjoyed our many chats while working with him. He was always a source of knowlledge and a wonderful sounding board., (not to mention the cheese and raisin bread exchanges). He will be missed immensely. Sorry I am unable extend my condolences in person as I am away. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Lisa Byrne
To Alex, Vic and the entire McNab and Buckle families-sending my heartfelt condolences to you all during this time of bereavement. Hold those dear memories close.
Monique Ryan
Vic, Alex and Ashley,
So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing.
Gordie always had such a great smile and I always loved it when he and your mom would drop by the store for a visit. It was guaranteed to be a laugh!
Hope the memories of your dad will keep you smiling.