Gerald Lemont West
1925-2018
Gerald Lemont West – age 93, of Lockhartville, passed away on
Monday, October 8, 2018 at Camp Hill Veterans Hospital, Halifax.
Gerald was born on June 19, 1925 to parents Horace and Cora (Burger)
West in Wolfville, NS. He married Mildred (Crewe) West on November 18,
1950 in Halifax, NS. After attending high school in Hantsport, NS,
Gerald joined the RCAF in 1944 at age 19, where he served as a
Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. His service included submarine
patrol over the North Atlantic. After the war, Gerald went on to get a
science degree at Mount Allison University, NB, a degree in Chemical
Engineering at Dalhousie University, Halifax and was a certified
Marine Chemist. After university, Gerald did naval research work, was
a partner in Wyman and West Limited Consulting and Analytical Chemists
and Nova Scotia Department of Environment. With much kicking and
screaming, Gerald retired from his company, Gerald L. West and
Associates in 2001. Gerald was a member of many organizations
including, The Chemical Institute of Canada, The Nova Scotia Safety
Council, The American Society of Lubrication Engineers, The American
Society for Testing Materials, The Association of Official Racing
Chemists and The Chemical Society of Great Britain. A devoted man,
Gerald loved the companionship of his large family and was always
eager to host gatherings with lots of good food and laughter. He had a
passion for the skies, often flying family, friends and neighbours
around the Maritimes in his private plane. Mildred and Gerald did
their fair share of travel to England, Germany, New York and went on
several cruise ships. They wintered in Largo, Florida for 24 seasons
where they formed incredible bonds of friendship with again much good
food and laughter. A busy life didn’t stop Gerald from being
an active member of the Lockhartville Church, where he served on the
Board of Deacons, was a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Young
People’s Leader. Gerald took his civic duties seriously. He
joined the Rotary Club as a young man and it was very common in later
years to see him diligently selling tickets for Food For Thought and
other fundraisers. Gerald was a Shriner and was awarded his 50th year
Freemason pin in 2015 at Poyntz Lodge with his sons Stephen and Kevin
in attendance. In 2010, Gerald was the only Canadian to be included in
an American Tribute to WWII Veterans in Washington. He was treated to
the same honours as the American Citizens at the memorial service.
Gerald was an accomplished carpenter who built two family homes. As
son Kevin says, “He kept nail factories in business.” As a
result of his love of picking up a hammer, Gerald and
Mildred’s second home grew into a 13 room giant.
Gerald’s motto: Always be kind. Surviving are wife, Mildred;
sons, Stephen (Joann Ghaney), Kevin (Jeanne Pothier); grandchildren,
Nathan (Suzanne MacKenzie), Aidan (Kate Devine), Keir and Rowan; great
grandchildren, Vivienne and Henry; sister, Myrna Conrad (Ronald). He
was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Michael West; a brother,
Ashael West; sisters, Eva Samarra, Madeline Doig, Evangeline Tracey
and Della Thompson. There will be no visitation, by request. A funeral
service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, 2018 in the
White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Reverend Ellen Hunt officiating.
Burial will take place in the Lower Horton Cemetery. Donations in lieu
of flowers can be made to the Rotary Club of New Minas Food For
Thought program. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White
Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
Kentville.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Lemont West 19252018..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia