Obituary of Lt.-Cdr RCN, CAF, CD, Ret'd Sidney Charles Gould

Age 93, Halifax, passed away suddenly at home April 29, 2016. Born in Barking, Essex, England, he was the son of the late Sidney and Jessie (Faulkner) Gould. He served in the Royal Navy during the WWII, on convoy duties in the North and South Atlantic, later in the Far East. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy on March 3, 1954 after being recalled to the RN during the Korean conflict. Sidney served in HMCS Magnificent and Stadacona. Commissioned from the ranks in 1960, he served in Cayuga, Terra Nova, Settler, Sussexvale, Beacon Hill and most ships on the West Coast during and appointment with Sea Training Unit (Pacific), in which he was Senior Staff Officer and Staff Officer (Operations). His final appointment was Canadian Armed Forces Headquarters, Ottawa from where he retired in December 1972. Sidney was extremely proud of being the last captain of the last operational Prestonian Class Frigate, HMCS Beacon Hill, his love of the Navy never failed. In civilian life before and after the RCN, he was employed in the Shipping and Forwarding business; and as a London "Bobby" in 1947. He held a Master Home Trade Steamship Certificate of Service Master Foreign-Going Steamship and was employed by The Bedford Institute of Oceanography and the Naval Shipyard small vessels, also worked with his late wife Esther for the Missions to Seamen, Halifax. Sidney’s hobby was magic and conjuring and was a semi-pro magician before, during and after CAF service. He was a member of the Company of Master Mariners of Canada and the Naval Officer’s Association. He loved spending time on his computer exploring his extensive interests, particularly historical events. Sidney’s beloved wife predeceased him in December 2005 after 59 years of marriage. Three years after Esther’s death and until his accident in 2013, when he broke his shoulder, the owner, staff and clients of Ready To Rumba, Herring Cove Rd, became a major part of Sidney’s life where he participated enthusiastically in fitness classes and ballroom dancing. He was always ready to show off his dance moves! He will be greatly missed by many. Arrangements are under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd. 149 Herring Cove Rd, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held Friday May 6 at 11 a.m. Interment to take place following the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the QEII Health Sciences Center Foundation or a charity of choice.