Honourable Gordon Douglas Balser

It is with tremendous sadness we announce the passing of Gordon Douglas Balser — beloved father, grandfather, husband, friend and proud resident of Digby, Nova Scotia. Gordon died at home — a home he built and loved — on April 10, 2024, at the age of 70.

Gordon was born on February 24, 1954 to George Hartley Balser and Seddie Alice Crosby. Gordon grew up on a farm in Digby, a place he called home his entire life.

Gordon had a special relationship with his mother. They both loved reading, became educators and were dedicated to life-long learning and community service. He is predeceased by both his parents, his brothers Robert and John and his sister Kay.

Mourning Gordon’s loss are his wife Wendy, his daughters Erin, Jill and Anne, and cherished grandson Freddie. He is survived by his brothers Roger (Tessa) and Peter (Susan), sister-in-law Frieda and many nieces and nephews.

Family was everything to Gordon. In 1981, he married Wendy Moore from Spryfield. Together, they raised the “Balser girls”. Each of whom had their own unique bond with their father. From reading and books, crafting and creating things, and public service. Growing up he would proudly wear “wild” ties of their choosing to work, which featured cartoons, sport logos and interesting patterns.

He became a proud grandfather in 2021, when Fred Matthew Balser (known as Freddie) was welcomed into the family. Freddie resides in Toronto with his parents, Erin and Matt Elliott. Gordon enjoyed many visits, which included lots of reading, playing and visiting Freddie’s favourite spots, like the local farm and aquarium.

He was also passionate about education. He went to Acadia University, where he received a BBA, BEd and a Masters in Education. From there, he built a rich career in education and politics.

During his education career, he served as teacher and principal at both Barton Consolidated School and Digby Elementary School, as well as superintendent of schools for the Tri-County Area. During the summer months, he worked as a carpenter for over 30 years.

Gordon’s love for Digby and Nova Scotia was beyond compare. He loved his community and was proud to serve it with all his heart. Gordon was elected to provincial politics in 1998 as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Digby-Annapolis. He proudly served as Minister of Economic Development, Transportation and Public Works, Energy and Agriculture and Fisheries. He served Digby-Annapolis as an MLA until 2003.

His legacy for community service continues with his family, as his daughter Jill became the MLA for the same riding in 2021. They became the first father-daughter duo to both serve as MLA in Nova Scotia history. Gordon was very proud of Jill and offered her much guidance and support, serving his community and family until the end.

Gordon was an avid volunteer, working with the Digby area community gardens, the Acacia Valley Trail Society, as board chair of Digby Area Learning Association, and as president of the Digby-Annapolis PC Association. In 2002, he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in recognition of his community and public service.

When at home, Gordon was often found driving his motorcycle and 4-wheeler back on Shelburne Road. He was an avid SCUBA diver, and took many memorable trips with his daughter Anne. In his retirement he enjoyed working with the boys in the lumberyard, tending to the yard, greenhouse and woods, while preserving beets, pickles and making jam each season. His other hobbies included fishing, tying flies, clamming, canoeing and camping at Keji. Gordon was also an avid reader and a lover of history.

A celebration of Gordon’s life and community service will be held on Saturday, May 4 from 1-4pm at the Digby Pines Resort in Digby Hall. A short service will be at 1:30, which will be followed by an open invitation for others to share their own stories and memories. All are welcome. A livestream will be available at: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7eafb92d-10e5-4fcf-9841-f2d660fa0aff

In loving memory of Gordon, please contribute to the Digby Area Learning Association (DALA) or the Smiths Cove Fire Department.