It is with profound thanks and gratitude that I announce the end of the journey of my father Gordie Cobb, which occurred on Tuesday, July 14th at his home in Moncton. Since the passing of his wife, my stepmother Jean (nee Murphy) which occurred on June 24th, I have been blessed to have travelled the last 22 days at his side, keeping him in the comfort of his home.
Dad was born in Sydney, Cape Breton, the son of the late Gerald and Doris (nee Mitton) Cobb. My dad was incredible - a trailblazer, organizer, compassionate, and genuine. Gordie left Cape Breton around the age of 17, giving up both the opportunity to follow in his father’s footsteps working for CN and the opportunity of that good pension for the hub city of Moncton.
Gordie drove for the Moncton Bus Company back in the day when two buses would meet on the old Gunningsville bridge, and he never so much as broke a mirror. Later, he studied diesel mechanics and worked pulling wrenches for Lounsbury Truck before taking a management position at Steeves Motors (now Taylor Ford). After a short stint there, he moved along to Detroit Diesel as a mechanic and later as a sales and service rep until his retirement.
Dad had so many interests and never stopped learning; he was always there to organize and give a helping hand. He had a private pilot’s licence and would fly from Labrador to Moncton on the odd occasion. He was one of the founding members of the former Moncton Motorcycle Touring Club and one of the first to sit at the "Liar’s Table" at the Chris Rock Tavern when it opened in 1963.
Dad and Jean spent many years travelling on their Honda Goldwing to various motorcycle rallies and bluegrass festivals throughout the Maritimes. Following their retirement, they traded in the Goldwing for a small motor home and would spend winters in Florida, where many friends and memories were made. I would be remiss not to mention the wonderful friends that Dad and Jean met at 190 Carson Drive, where Dad organized the Friday music nights.
Left with nothing but the very best of fond memories are I, his son, Kurt Cobb (Karen), wonderful grandsons Ryan and Alex Cobb, his cherished great-grandson Tate, and numerous friends and extended family. Aside from his parents and his wife Jean, he was predeceased by his sister Geraldine, nephew Earl Peterson, and niece Wendy Rose-MacNeil.
Gordie’s family will receive friends and relatives at Cobb’s Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 330 Whitepine Rd, Riverview (506-869-2007) for a celebration of his and Jean’s lives on Saturday, July 18th from 2-4pm with a time to share stories and memories at 3:50pm. Donations to Friends of The Moncton Hospital or Albert House Hospice SENB would be appreciated by his family. Condolences and donations can be sent at www.cobbsfuneralhome.ca