Balser remembered for his steadfast commitment
An educator with a passion for helping others and a love for his family and his hometown has died.
Gordon Balser, the former MLA for Digby-Annapolis, died on April 10. He was 70.
“As my family mourns his loss we have been comforted by the unwavering support and love shared from family, friends, colleagues of mine and Dad’s – both new and old, former students and those who knew and loved him,” his daughter Jill Balser posted on Facebook.
“Dad showed me the meaning of public service long before I ever considered a life in politics myself. Dad’s love for Digby was felt in everything he did, from teaching school to his time as MLA for DigbyAnnapolis, with every project he ever worked on, and with any organization he was ever a part of.”
Jill was elected in 2021, marking the first fatherdaughter MLAs to represent the same riding in Nova Scotia history.
Born in February 1954, Balser grew up on a farm in Digby. He had a special relationship with his mother, his obituary reads: “They both loved reading, became educators and were dedicated to lifelong learning and community service.”
He studied at Acadia University and during his education career 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.
Balser was elected in 1998 and served until 2003. In John Hamm’s cabinet, he was the minister of Economic Development, Transportation and Public Works, Energy and Agriculture, and Fisheries.
Premier Tim Houston said in a statement that Gordon Balser will be missed by many.
“No matter what portfolio he held, Gordon was steadfast in his commitment to making Nova Scotia stronger,” Houston said. “On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Gordon’s wife Wendy, his daughters Jill, Erin and Anne, and everyone who loved and respected him.”
Balser was also an avid volunteer, working with the Digby area community gardens, the Acacia Valley Trail Society, as board chair of the Digby Area Learning Association, and as president of the Digby-Annapolis PC Association.
Other interests included his motorcycle, scuba diving, working in the lumberyard or greenhouse, fishing, clamming, canoeing, and camping. He was also an avid reader and a lover of history.
His obituary stated that a celebration of life and community service will be announced at a later date.