Obituary of Gordon Percy Riles

Gordon Percy Riles Of Bridgewater, formerly of Armdale, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2012, from complications following a long battle with prostate cancer. He spent his last days at the South Shore Regional Hospital with his wife and son by his side. He is survived by his beloved wife Shelley Zwicker-Riles, his son Kevin W. Riles from his second marriage to the late Rita Riles and son and daughter Max and Donna from his first marriage to Jean. Gordon was a cherished “Papa” to Jayden and Riley Beaumier and step-father to Sheryl (Pat) Beaumier, as well as friend and son-in-law to Charlie Zwicker. Born and raised in LaPoile, Newfoundland, during the Great Depression, he was the son of William and Beatrice (Chant) Riles. He left home at the age of thirteen during World War II, whether working as a fisherman on the trawler boats or other ocean bearing vessels, to explore the first and lifelong love of his life, the sea. In 1957 he began working for Eastern Canada Towing in Halifax, where he earned his marine engineer ticket among other mechanical and maintenance certifications. During this time he was responsible for the maintenance and operations of all their tug boats with their main port being in Halifax. In 1996 he founded his own company, Maritime Diesel Maintenance Limited Inc. (MDML) that provided maintenance to Eastern Canada Towing and other Maritime operations until he retired in 2007. Working for Eastern Canada Towing and MDML allowed Gordon to follow two of his great passions and loves of his life – working with his hands and being at sea. He could always be found fixing anything and everything in his garage from cars, to radios and televisions, to everyday gadgets. Gordon was known for his wonderful sense of humor and witty remarks. His favorite saying was “it doesn't cost anything to be nice”. He lived this saying with the many acts of kindness he bestowed on others and was reflected in the many friendships he built during his lifetime. He adored children of all ages and always made time to have a 'chat' with them during visits and these conversations always ended in laughter and smiles. He also had an absolute love of animals, especially his beloved pets Dash, Mel and Miss Lilly. Gordon was a 'favorite' uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews who will dearly miss him. He is survived by brothers Ken, Frank (Roxanne), Russell (Linda) and sisters Dorothy Billard and Audrey Belair, as well as sisters-in-law Kay O'Donnell, Millie MacDonald, Rita Riles and Gertrude Riles. He was predeceased by brothers, Roy, Cyril and Reginald. Special thanks to nephew Sean Riles, nieces - Lisa Belair and Debbie MacDonald, as well as friends - Colleen O'Brien and Alan & Cathy Cyr for always being there for support and assistance. We would also like to thank Dr. Conter, Dr. MacFarlane, Dr. Ago, Dr. Ratushny, Dr. A. Nestel, Dr. Robertson and the staff at South Shore Regional Hospital. A memorial service will be held at Sweeney's Funeral Chapel in Bridgewater on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 2 p.m. A reception will follow at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, Bridgewater. Cremation has taken place and a private family committal to reunite Gordon's ashes with The Love of His Life - “THE SEA” will take place in the spring of 2013. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the South Shore Regional Hospital or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.