Alfred "Alfie" Gideon Gaskin

Alfred Gideon Gaskin, known to friends and family as "Alfie" and to hockey fans and his on-ice teammates and opponents as "Big Train", passed away quietly in his Moncton home.

 

A native of the Moncton area, having grown up on Salisbury Road, Alfie had a storied hockey career that included playing for the Dalhousie Rangers, Saint John Mooseheads, Moncton Bears, Moncton Hawks, Moncton Alpines, and Richibucto Bears. Known for his finesse on the ice, he was an imposing figure at 6’2" before he even laced up. His adaptability to whatever position his team needed him to play (centre, forward, defence) led to many accolades in local and regional press during his athletic career.

 

It was during his days as a hockey player that Alfie was awarded the Royal Canadian Humane Association Bronze Medal for Bravery after his 1976 rescue of a child from the second storey of a burning home in Richibucto.

 

Often described by his peers as "the best dressed man in Moncton", in his prime years, Alfie was a snappy dresser with a notorious charm and "gift of the gab" which led to many yarns told around Gaskin-family Sunday dinners.

 

In his later years, Alfie enjoyed meeting people at local Tim Horton’s or the St. George Street drop-in centre and never lost his ability to spin an engaging tale.

 

Alfie is survived by his son Michael (Mike) Blackmore, daughter Kylie Ouellette, granddaughters, Danica and Jelena, brothers Reginald "Reg" (Doreen), Dale, and Wayne (Donna), nieces Cheryl (Dale) Amy, Kerri (Gordon Fowler) Gaskin, nephews David Gaskin, Mark Gaskin, and Gregory "Greg" (Colleen Zajac) Gaskin as well as 3 great nephews and 4 great nieces.

 

He was predeceased by his parents Harold "Bing" and Ida May (Steeves) Gaskin and by his sister Carol (Frank Ogden) Gaskin.

 

As per his wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial will be held at a later date.

 

To celebrate his life and memory, donations may be made to ProKids Riverview, Harvest House Atlantic, Food Depot Alimentaire, or a charity of your choice.

 

Donations can be made through Albert County Funeral Home or online condolences can be made through the funeral home website.

4130 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB E4H-3K2  (506) 734-2780

albertcountyfh.com