Augustine « Gus » Hilary Connell
September 11, 1947 – September 04, 2020
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Augustine « Gus » Hilary Connell passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 4th, 2020 at the age of 72 after a courageous battle with cancer. His strength and positive attitude of « It is what it is, just gotta keep going » has amazed us all over the past 3 years. Born on September 11, 1947 in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Augustine « Gus » and Elizabeth « Blit » (Boudreau) Connell.
Gussie was a loving husband, an amazing father, an inspiring grandfather and a beloved friend.
Gus was Donna’s everything. He took care of her, loved her and was her best friend. There was nothing he would not do for her. He was her idol. He will be missed always and forever. He leaves her his 4 children and 4 grandchildren that he was so proud of. All my love, Donna (Stanley).
Gus was a sheet metal worker with Local 56 for 47 years, and foreman for many of those years. His motto was, “You respect me, I will respect you” – he treated everyone equal. He knew his work very well, and taught the tricks of the trade, whenever help was needed. He had an amazing work ethic and loved what he did so much, he retired at 68 and went back for 2 more years. Gus was an active and dedicated member of the Legion; running fundraisers, New Year’s suppers, dances, dart leagues and tournaments.
In his pass time, Gus enjoyed taking his pal Skip to the woods for a run, or for a drive going for his morning coffee with Roy, fishing with Jody, or all three of them out on the boat telling stories and sharing lots of laughs. Some of those stories included his childhood buddy, Hugger or sharing the pranks he and Mikey pulled on everyone, especially Sanko. In his younger years, Gus had a passion and love for drag racing his 1968 Camero, it’s been said he could shift through the gears like no other.
Gus loved hosting a good ole Cape Breton kitchen party, playing cards « Bump » (especially with Evelyn) Tarbish and Bingo, with family and friends. Gus loved having laughs, « Hey buddy, did you hear this one? », entertaining guests, and telling stories. He never had a bigger smile than when his kids and families came home to visit and enjoying his grandchildren. Poppie taught each of his grandchildren how to fish with the upmost patience.
Gus taught his children to be respectful, caring, appreciative, helpful and to have character, integrity and great work ethic!! He also taught them his fun, prank-like ways and motto of « I don’t get mad I get even. » Da, we will be sure to carry on your legacy. They would not be who they are today without his influence guidance and love. He will be in their hearts forever.
Many kind comments have been pouring in such as « Gus was the type of man that if you needed anything he would give his shirt off his own back. If you mentioned anything, he fixed it, made it, or delivered it to you. »
Gus is survived by his wife Donna DeCoste and his four kids, Karyn (David MacDonald) Connell, Vicky (David) Locke, Raylene (Wayne) MacNamara and Cally (Stephanie) Connell; his beautiful grandchildren Gavyn, Mikayla, Beau, Marlee; his grand fur babies Winston and Norman; brother Ray “Sanko” (Joan) Connell and sister Evelyn Muise. He is also survived by brothers and sisters in law, Kevin (Bonnie) DeCoste, Reggie (Lisa) DeCoste, Sharon DeCoste, Brenda (Dominic Tate) DeCoste, Lisa (Eric) Proudfoot, Shane (Patricia) DeCoste as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his father in law Harold DeCoste, brother in laws, David Muise and Harry DeCoste and nephews Ricky Connell and Glen DeCoste.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the staff of the Strait Richmond Hospital for their love and care for Gus; going above and beyond and helping create special memories from organizing a wedding, an evening of guitars to hearing the amazing sound of You are my Sunshine. You will never be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 3pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm on Wednesday, September 9th with an outdoor prayer at Green’s Funeral Home, 507 Bernard Street, Port Hawkesbury. Non-medical masks / face coverings, as well as physical distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Strait Richmond Hospital Palliative Care Society or Canadian Cancer Society.
Life is so precious. Smile, laugh and love as much as you can and know that he is TICKETY BOO! Until we meet again.
September 11 1947 September 04 2020
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Augustine Gus Hilary Connell September 11 1947 September 04 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Port-Hawkesbury, Province: Nova Scotia