Gerard McGean

Gerard Patrick McGean — Boularderie

With broken hearts, we announce the passing of Gerard at home on Thursday, November 11, 2021. Born in Sydney Mines on March 8, 1951, he was the son of the late Howard and Frances (Hoskins) McGean.At a very early age, Gerard left home to get work on the lake boats. He sailed for many years, and then headed out west to work in the mines. He worked in the fishing industry and was well known for his carpentry skills, always there to help in any project. He once again travelled out west to work and made so many friends along the way. He was among the people who needed to be evacuated during the 2016 fire in Fort MacMurray. He retired after a health issue in 2017.He was a member of Branch 008 Legion, Sydney Mines for 49 years and he recently received his Lifetime Membership during the annual award ceremony. He was a member of the colour party and enjoyed being involved with any activity surrounding the veterans. In his younger years, he played darts and baseball with the legion.  Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He enjoyed drives around the Island to find fishing holes and his annual visit to the Mother of Sorrows Pioneer Shrine in Mabou with Leona. He enjoyed summer days at Frankie’s Beach, going on boat rides or simply sitting on his deck with a full house and enjoying a good meal. Gerard will be sadly missed by his son Gerard (Ellie) and his stepdaughters, Kathy (Michael) and Margie; grandchildren Isabella, Adam, April (Francis) and Amy (Jimmy); great-grandchildren Logan, Abigail, Emilee and Kallan. Gerard is also survived by his loving siblings, Estelle, Heather, Rachel (Dave), Sharon and Jackie; sisters-in-law, Rayeanne and Maureen as well as many nieces and nephews and cherished friends, including the MacIntyre family: Anne, Lennie, Wendy, Cliffy, Barbie, Cathy and Heather, who he always considered to be his family, and his best buddies, Robert and Georgie MacIntosh, Shelly and Diane Ferneyhough and all his legion comrades.  Besides his mom and dad, Gerard was predeceased by his life partner and soul mate Leona Bennett; his son’s mother, Bernetta MacIntyre, step-son-in-law, Wayne; by his siblings, Kevin (died in infancy), Basil, Colleen and Brian; nephew, Kevin, as well as his brothers and sister-in-law, Norman, Billy and Neila. Special thanks to Dr. Michelle McKeough and Louise, who treated Gerard like their family, and to Sandra Toner, NP of the Heart Function Clinic, for the exceptional care she provided to Gerard over the last 5 years. He really thought the world of you.       

Visitation for Gerard McGean will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 7-9 pm in J. M. Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines. A celebration of his life will take place on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 11am, in Holy Family Church, with Fr. Fabian officiating. A reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 8, Main Street, Sydney Mines, following the service.  Donations in memory of Gerard may be made to the Remembrance Day Poppy Fund or a charity of your choice.  Words of comfort may be forwarded to his family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com