Gerald Stafford Elliott
1930-2020
Gerald Stafford
Elliott – 90, Economy.
It is with broken hearts that our family announces the sudden passing
of Gerald Stafford Elliott on Thursday evening, July 16, 2020, at
Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Sadly, he was unable to
celebrate his 90th birthday at home in his
sunporch, drink in hand, surrounded by the people who adored
him.
Born “over the swamp” in Economy, he was
one of ten children born to the late Raymond and Alice (Linkletter)
Elliott; he idolized his mother. Dad was blessed with the natural gift
of music at a very young age. He was often woken up at night to play
the fiddle and was accompanied by his proud mother on the organ.
Believe it or not, he was a very shy boy and disliked being around an
audience; my how he changed over the years!
Dad was a people person who had quite a sense of humour.
Never purposefully trying to be funny, he had an amazing memory and
unique way of telling a story and using so many funny sayings while
telling it which made people laugh. There was certainly “no
filter” on the “Kingpin’s” mouth!
So many people loved Dad which was evident in the way his community,
friends or family looked out for him; whether it was delivering a
meal, doing odd jobs, looking out for him, visiting with him or always
taking the time to check in, he was well loved.
He was quite a character and although Dad only had a grade
six education, he was a very smart man. He read the “Comical
Herald” from cover to cover, always keeping on top of current
events. He had a great mind for numbers, never forgetting dates, phone
numbers, etc. He enjoyed figuring out how to save a penny by shutting
off his car while coasting down a hill, figuring out how many cents
his Cheez Whiz cost per day, how long his pepper from The Bulk Barn
lasted per month and taking bottles to the bottle exchange even though
it probably cost him more in gas taking them there. A frugal guy, Dad
kept his cupboards well stocked with kidney beans and
V8.
Dad lived on very little money and yet he still managed to
save a few dollars; he was fascinated by people who were very
successful in life. Dad worked at various jobs throughout his
lifetime, the last being a truck driver for Dennison. His music
continued to be a major part of his life, entertaining people from far
and wide with his amazing talent; Dad used to say “I used to
get paid for playing and now I pay people to listen.” He was
a steadfast provider for his family.
Our family has been very fortunate that Dad had an amazing
memory and quick wit right up until the end. He loved to talk on the
phone and we’ll miss his numerous calls every day. We are so
thankful he was able to live the way he wanted, in his own
“pad”, doing and saying what he wanted. The
“Mayor of Economy” has left us all with wonderful
memories of a life well lived. He will be forever loved and missed.
For now, as he would say, “Goodnight, Irene, and Jimmy as
well.”
Left to mourn are his children, Terry (Donna), Linda (Warren
Foster), Bruce (Gloria); grandchildren, Christi (Craig Ryan), Michelle
(Anthony Spagnoli), Heather (Mark Jacula), Patrick, Mathew, Daniel;
great grandchildren, Audrey, Erin, Ethan, Sydney, Ben; sisters, Olive
Lorette, Audrey Fitzpatrick, Gloria Aitkin, Stella Forbes; brother,
Carl Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Joyce
(Turner); sisters, Irene (Webb), Doris (Chisholm); brothers, Merle,
Percy.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held in
Economy at a later date. If so desired, donations in his memory to
Economy Recreation Centre are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner
Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence
may be sent to the family by viewing Gerald’s obituary
on-line and selecting “Send A Condolence” at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gerald Stafford Elliott 19302020..
Death notice for the town of: Truro, Province: Nova Scotia