Obituary of George Gay

66, of New Minas, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, on April 29, 2008, after a courageous battle with cancer. He endured his illness with a positive demeanor. We are indebted to his spirit and unique force of character that has been an inspiration to us all. Born in Halifax on May 7, 1941, he was the son of the late Maie DeWitt and George Richard Gay. Educated at McGill, Acadia University and McDonald Teacher's College, he was known for his dedication to students at the schools in which he worked. For much of his teaching career, he taught math at Laurentian Regional High School where he was department head. He also taught at his alma mater, John Rennie High School, Hudson High School, as well as Van Kleek Hill Collegiate Institute. He retired from a 36 yr career in 1998, and moved to the Annapolis Valley in 2001, where he later became a partner in a new business venture, the Apple Valley Driving School. With a great love of travel, George took the opportunity to explore many corners of the world. Sailing, especially with his cousin Peter, was another great passion. He will be fondly remembered by his wife, Yvette LeBlanc; sons, Patrick (Dani) and Geordan, Montreal; daughter Danielle (Gavin) Downing, Guelph, Ont.; step children, Marc, Calgary and Christina Roland, Bedford; grand daughter, Emmy Downing; sisters, Judy Gay, P.E.I., Shirley (Art) Van Winckle, Pembroke, Ont. His family would like to thank the caring staff in the Oncology Unit of the Valley Regional Hospital, as well as Dr. Adam Filipowicz, Dr. Catherine McNally, Palliative Care, and the team of VON nurses and personal care workers for their constant attention to his needs. Friends and family are invited to a visitation which will be held from 7-9 p.m. Thursday May 1, 2008 in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home 5 Leverett Ave., Kentville, N.S. B4N 2K5 (902-678-2151) from where a memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday May 2, 2008, followed by a reception. Chaplain Jim Norton officiating. Interment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery. As George was a grandson of the late Avery DeWitt of Wolfville, in lieu of flowers donations in memory may be made to the Dr. Avery DeWitt Bursary, Acadia University, Wolfville, N.S. Private condolences to the family may be sent by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca