Obituary of Gordon Douglas Cobham

The death of Gordon Douglas Cobham, husband of the late Molly Cobham, occurred on May 28, 2007 at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Born in Saint John in 1912, he was the son of the late Charles and Emma Cobham. He was predeceased by his wife, Molly Jean Cobham (nee Cooke), 1981 and his son Gordon Ronald Cobham, 2004, his brothers Ronald, Frederick and Bruce and his sisters Eva White, Helen Cobham and Gladys Rogers. He is survived by his three daughters Sherie Angevine, Calgary, Wendy Miller (Dennis), Saint Albert, Bonnie Cameron (Bill), Halifax, his granddaughters Jill, Lauri and Elizabeth, his grandsons Derek, Greg, John and Brandon his great granddaughters Kennedy, Kate and Ela and his great grandsons Will and Jasper and his brothers Burt and Wilfred. His early career was as a ship chandler in Saint John at a time before radar and modern ship to shore radio, when this was an exciting but very risky business. In his later years he recalled many acts of heroism that took place in Saint John harbour during this period of his life. From his many stories it was clear that these years were clearly the highlight of his business life. After the completion of the DEW Line when shipping declined in Saint John, Gordon changed the focus of his business to industrial chemicals and founded T. Donovan and Son. This business continued to thrive under his leadership and later under the guidance of his son Gordie until 2002 when it was sold. Despite the strong devotion to his commercial activities Gordon always had time to participate with his family as a caring, supportive and loving father. During their marriage, Gordon and Molly traveled extensively and he was always amazed by different ideas he would observe on these travels. One of Gordon’s greatest pleasures was building and living in his home on the Kennebecasis River. The river provided him with a different scene 365 days of the year. He daily recorded the changing seasons of the river as if he were its official recorder. The sunsets over the river were magical to him. As recently as last November, three months before his 95th birthday, he raked leaves in his garden with his daughters Wendy and Bonnie and commented: “Isn’t this a great time!” Gordon was devoted to animals and wildlife. He always had a pet and his cat Jumper surely misses him. With longevity Gordon experienced many inventions that we now take for granted. These include commercial airplanes, radar, television, and the telephone. He had an interest in global warming as early as the 1980’s and was a proponent of alternative energy sources such as wind power and solar energy. Gordon was a man of great intellect, energy and determination. He exercised his intellect by reading extensively on such diverse topics as nutrition, yachting design, power alternatives, alternative healing methods, in particular, reflexology. His determination to complete a task, to reach a goal or for his argument to prevail was recognized by all who knew him. The loss of his son, Gordie, 2 ½ years ago, was a major setback for Gordon. The event zapped his strength and spirit and he never fully recovered from this tragic event. Gordon remained fascinated and fascinating. Gordon's immediate family gives special thanks to his niece, Margaret Cobham Mollins who gave him her unwavering love and support for many years and also to his nephew Peter who kept Gordon’s driveway plowed and was his emergency handyman for many years. The family also has much appreciation for the loving care Gordon received during his final days at the CAM unit of St. Joseph’s hospital Arrangements are under the care of Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visitation Wednesday at 1 P.M. to be followed by a service at 2 P.M. in Brenan’s Chapel. Following this, burial will take place at the Cobham family plot at Fernhill Cemetery. Remembrances can be made to the Leslie E. Bruce Environmental Scholarship or The Animal Rescue League. Alternatively you might give flowers to someone you love.