Obituary of Gordon Avery

Avery, Gordon Mayford, 71 of Grafton, Kings Co. passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2013 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville following a brave battle with cancer. Known as \"Farmer Gord\", he is survived by his loving spouse and constant companion, Anne Rowe; step-daughter, Jo-Anne (Noel), Milton, Ont.; two step grandchildren and two step great-grandchildren; daughters, Lisa Patchett, Middleton; Leah (Watson) Gillard, Caladon, Ont.; son, Jeff (Laura), Barrie, Ont.; brothers, Edwin (Sheila) and Dennis (Hendricka), all of Grafton. Gord's family includes five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; special step-son, Robbie Porter, Amherst; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Gordon & Isabelle (Fisher) Avery; step-father, Douglas Avery; granddaughter, Cassie Patchett. During his life, he spent several years in the concrete cutting industry in Ontario, but his passion was for farming. He returned home in 1999 to resume his dream farming. Gord enjoyed people and people were drawn to Gord. He had a certain twinkle in his eyes and a great sense of humour, he loved to hear and tell jokes and often would recite saucy little songs or poems. He owned a farm and sold the fruit and vegetables he grew, meeting people constantly. Buddy and Holly, his two beloved dogs were an important part of the farm and it broke his heart when they past. Gord worked hard his entire life and he enjoyed it. It gave him pleasure to see the fruit of his labor, the crops, sunflowers or the sparkling pool area at the camp grounds in Lakeland, Florida, where he spent a lot of his time to help maintain where he & Anne spent their last winters together. He was proud of his accomplishments. Gord enjoyed having company visit and having his friends surround him. Anyone whoever crossed paths with Gord would have to agree that Gordon Avery was a great guy. Thanks to the nurses and staff at the VG Hospital in Halifax; Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville; and his doctor, Dr. M Targett for such great care, and to all his friends from near and far who showed their love and support during the difficult times. As requested by Gordon, cremation will be under the care & direction of the Annapolis Valley Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, Coldbrook. Private burial will take place in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in his honour to the Palliative Care Fund or to the Wild Life Society. On-line condolences maybe made through www.annapolisvalleyfuneralhome.com