Reginald Eugene Gaskin

August 7. 1931 – February 8, 2024

Reginald Eugene Gaskin passed away quietly on February 8, 2024.  He is predeceased by his son, David(Sheryl); and is survived by his wife, Doreen; his daughter, Cheryl(Dale); his son, Mark(Teri-Lee); grandchildren, Jordan, Brody, Vinton, Ella and Kiara. 

He was born in Upper Coverdale, Albert County on August 7, 1931, the oldest of five children.  He lived on the family farm there until Grade 4 when they moved to the Salisbury Road. He went to Wilson School for grades 4-8.  Graduated from Moncton High School then went to Prairie Bible College, in Alberta. From a very young age, he had chores on the farm and took pride in working hard before and after school, and in the summers. 

Reg was employed by Eaton's in Moncton from 1952-1970 in various progressive positions, the last of which was Regional Manager, Catalogue.  He accepted a transfer to Eaton's Toronto as National Manager, Ladies Fashions, Catalogue.  When Eaton's closed the catalogue in 1976, he moved to InterVarsity Christian Fellowship as National Director of Finance and Admin.  He worked there until 1989 then became Director of Development at Yonge Street Mission.  His final retirement was in 1998.

Reg married Doreen in September of 1954.  Cheryl was born in 1957, David in 1959 and Mark in 1963,  He spent a lot of time driving children to music lessons, and sporting events, as well as activities at church. 

Reg was an active volunteer his whole life.  He was a Sunday School Leader in both Moncton and later in Scarborough.  He was an elder at Steeves Memorial in Moncton and also at Melville Presbyterian Church in Scarborough.  PCC Commissioner to General Assembly on several occasions. He was volunteer Director of Blood Donor Services, Southeastern New Brunswick, and former Board Member and Board Chairman of Fernie House Child & Youth Services.   In retirement, Reg assisted at Mustard Seed Mission Canada Inc.  He made three trips to Indonesia and Taiwan. Previously, he was a volunteer Director of Blood Donor Services, Southeastern New Brunswick, former Board Member and Board Chairman of Fernie House Child & Youth Services.  Reg was published in “These Days” on two separate occasions. 

Reg was also a musician.  He played piano, trumpet and sang tenor.  He always sang in the choir wherever he attended church and joined the Presbyterian Centennial Choir in 1976 to tour Ontario and the Maritimes.

While his activities were numerous, he always had time for his children and later his grandchildren.  He loved their visits.  He was passionate about the outdoors and loved to help during haying season on the farm and later, living in Scarborough, he was a regular hiker in the ravine of Morningside Creek and loved to take his grandchildren with him when they were available. He loved fishing and camping and there were many weekend trips with tent and later a trailer, with the family.  Reg also loved visiting New Brunswick to see his relatives and friends.

Evident in all of Reg's undertakings, was his strong faith in Christ.  Over and over he saw evidence of God's hand in his life.  His unshakeable faith was inspirational and he was a wonderful role model.  Even near the end, his ability to joke to ease the discomfort of others was still strong. 

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 17 at 10 am, followed by a funeral service at 11 am at Melville Presbyterian Church in Scarborough.  There will be a zoom link available.  For those who wish, donations to a charity of the donor’s choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Messages and condolences may be left at www.tricitycremations.com or 517.267.7199.