Gerald Lloyd “Gerry” Hoare
1929-2020
Gerald Lloyd “Gerry” Hoare, 90,
passed away on June 28 at Valley Regional Hospital in Kentville after
a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Truro and raised in Mulgrave,
he was a son of the late Frederick Freemont Sears and Daphne (Bent)
Hoare. He leaves behind his wife of 68 years, Marcia (Morse) Hoare,
sons Michael, Peter, and Mark (Susan) and daughters Glenna Prime (Jim)
and Heather Millett (Jim). He also leaves behind 8 grandchildren and 5
great grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his brother Karl and his
sister Jean (Middlebrooks). After graduating from Mulgrave High School
at the age of 17 Gerry began a 32-year career with MT&T as a
surveyor, lineman, installation and repair man, test man, and
dispatcher. He retired as a “Pioneer,” and immediately
embarked on a second career as manager of medical and surgical
supplies at Digby Regional Hospital, where he remained for another ten
years. While working for MT&T in Middleton in 1952, Gerry met
a pretty young operator named Marcia Morse at a Sadie Hawkins dance.
He soon showed that he was a pretty good operator himself, sweeping
the young lady off her feet and making her his wife. Gerry
didn’t just install phones, he created permanent lines of
communication with customers throughout Digby County. As a result of
these relationships, he frequently returned home with quantities of
lobster, fresh fish, cherries, and an abundance of other
delicacies. More importantly, he returned with stories,
enough to regale friends and family for a lifetime. The original Mr.
Fix-it, Gerry often claimed that the only things he couldn’t
fix were “a broken heart and the crack of dawn.” His
volunteerism in the town of Digby knew no bounds and included the Boy
Scouts, where he spent 20 years as a scout leader and 5 as a field
master. He was instrumental in establishing and maintaining the Digby
Museum and was an original member of its board. Gerry served three
years on the town council where his practicality and wisdom were
valued. A regular church goer, he served on numerous boards and even
took over the pulpit on several occasions. Aside from his official
volunteerism, he was usually the first person that neighbours called
in emergencies, large and small. He repaired everything from clocks to
furniture to lawn mowers to small engines to appliances to high school
band instruments – and there are few Digby landmarks that
haven’t benefitted from his profound sense of community. His
humour was legendary and his interests infinite. He created model
ships and planes, and was an avid curler and bowler. While the world
is poorer for his passing, Heaven has gotten a versatile asset. If a
squeaky hinge on the Pearly Gates requires some oil or an
angel’s harp is in need of restringing, Gerry will be there
to lend a hand. Who knows, with God’s help, he might finally
be able to solve the “crack of dawn” conundrum. And when the
odd jobs are finished for the day, he’ll no doubt be found
lounging on a cloud entertaining the angels with his endless supply of
well-practiced jokes and anecdotes. Gerry will be remembered
for his kindness, his gentle humour, and his uncanny ability to turn
complete strangers into long lost friends. He’ll
also be remembered for the bluest eyes and quickest smile in all
creation. The family wishes to thank Dr. McClure and Dr. Morgan as
well as Tracy, Denise and the staff of Medical B Extension for their
compassionate care of Gerry and their efforts to establish family
access during COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations in
his memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. A funeral
service will be held at a later date. 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 Lloyd Gerry Hoare 19292020..
Death notice for the town of: Kentville, Province: Nova Scotia