Lieutenant-Commander D.K. Gamblin C.D., R.C.N.
23 September, 1963 to 11 October, 1963

 

Lieutenant-Commander D.K. Gamblin. (Photo courtesy HMCS HAIDA archives).

Donald Gamblin crossed the bar on December 12, 2007. Here is a copy of his obituary:

GAMBLIN, Lt.-Cmdr. Donald Kempton Sr., CD, RCN GAMBLIN, Lt.-Cmdr. Donald Kempton Sr., CD, RCN - Spencer's Island, Cumberland Co., passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2007, in Cumberland Regional Health Centre, Upper Nappan. Born in Spencer's Island, he was a son of the late Lt. Col. George A. and W. Jean (Spicer) Gamblin. Don graduated from Saint John High School in 1942 where he was active in sports and with the Cadet Corps. He was also a member of the Saint John-St. Stephen Boy Scout troop.

Coming from a well-known military family in New Brunswick and also a descendent of the Spicer sea captains of Spencer's Island, Don chose to follow the sea. In the fall of 1942 at the age of 17, he was one of two young graduates from the Maritimes selected to enter the first regular training course at the Royal Roads Naval College, Esquimalt, B.C., as a midshipman. Upon graduating from the Royal Roads, Don joined H.M.C.S. Uganda serving in the South Pacific, followed by H.M.S. Hogue and H.M.S. Reaper as part of the British fleet. Other assignments included H.M.C.S. Warrior, H.M.C.S. Magnificent, Navigator of the Weather Ship at St. Stephen, H.M.C.S. Stadacona at the T.A.S. School, H.M.C.S. Brunswicker, Executive Officer H.M.C.S. Prestonian, Naval Liaison Officer at Naval Research, Dartmouth, Staff Officer Underwater Weapons, Ottawa, Executive Officer and Commanding Officer, H.M.C.S. Haida, Commanding Officer H.M.C.S.Swansea, Maritime Warfare School as Director of Surface Tactics, and his last appointment prior to retirement was Senior Staff Officer, Naval Intelligence, Maritime Command.

Upon retiring to Spencer's Island, Don took an active role in all community affairs, especially the Spencer's Island Union Church where he served as Trustee for 27 years and treasurer of both the Union Church and the Advocate United Church Pastoral Charge. He was former president of the Spencer's Island Community Association, a member of the Bayview Memorial Hospital Board, Chairman of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for Shulie, President of the Parrsboro Golf Club and President of the Advocate and District Development Association. Don was a member of the community who were largely instrumental in establishing a branch of the Cumberland Regional Library in Advocate. He was also Town Clerk of Parrsboro for seven years. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, the former Betty Styles, originally of Saint John, N.B.; daughter, Kathy Bugden (Gary), Bedford; son, Donald K. Jr. (Cathy), Amherst; grandchildren, Chris Bugden (Faith), Australia; Andrew Bugden, Halifax; Sarah Bugden, Lake Echo; Matthew Gamblin, attending Dalhousie University, Halifax; James and Rachel Gamblin, Amherst; great-granddaughter, Claire Katherine Bugden, Australia; niece, Susan Gamblin, Parrsboro and Florida; nephews, David Gamblin, Florida; Sandy Gamblin, Idaho, and sister-in-law, Dorin Gamblin, Florida. He was predeceased by his brother, Capt. George A. Gamblin and nephew, Peter Gamblin (both of Cocoa Beach, Fla.).

Dec 14/07