Funeral Service
Obituary of Gordon Malcolm Keith Dow
G. M. Keith Dow of Long Reach, husband of the late Heather Ann Dow (née Chittick) passed away on Wednesday, September 18th at Kings Way Care Centre after a lengthy illness. Born in Saint John on July 1, 1937, he was the son of the late Major Gordon Y. Dow and Eleanore (Holder) Dow. Keith was a respected teacher and school principal, who retired in 1993 after completing a 35-year career in the public schools of New Brunswick.
He is survived by his son Dr. Gordon Dow (Lynn), and daughters Tara McAfee (Duane) and Shalometh George (Jonathan). He is also survived by nine grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, sister Carol Ferris (John) and several nieces and nephews.
A four-time graduate of the University of New Brunswick, (History and Political Science, Education and Educational Administration), Keith had an avid interest in political and constitutional issues. He twice presented briefs to Select Committees of the Legislative Assembly.
Active in church and community affairs, he served as President of the Saint Andrews Society of Saint John, The New Brunswick Branch – United Empire Loyalist Association, and Peninsula Heritage Inc. He was also a life member of the Saint George’s Society and the N.B. Lodge, No.22 F & A.M. He was a former member of the Canadian College of Teachers.
He served as treasurer of both the Kings Way Life Alliance and the Kingsway Life Care Foundation. He had previously been a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Greater Saint John and Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Saint John. He also had served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013, and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022 in recognition of community service.
Keith was a licensed Lay Reader in the Anglican Church and active in both Parish and Diocesan Council of the Anglican Diocese of Fredericton. He represented Saint John West as MLA from 1982-1987.
Keith’s family would like to acknowledge the wonderful care and love he received at King’s Way Care Centre over the last two years. The doctors, nurses, and care staff are unmatched. We felt like family.
There will be no public visitation. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Rothesay at 10:30am on Friday, September 27, 2024. A reception will follow in the Church Hall. Interment will be at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery.
No flowers by request. Memorials may be given to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Rothesay or to charities designated by donors.
