Kentville, NS
February 2, 2024
Gary James Melanson, 76, of Kentville, NS, passed away peacefully in Valley Regional Hospital on February 2, 2024, with his beloved wife and family by his side. Listening to his favourite music station, "Willie's Roadhouse".
Born in Berwick, NS, Gary was a son of the late Joseph John Melanson and Dorothy (Avery) Melanson.
Gary was a joyful, happy person who always had a joke to crack, had a quick remark to make, or take a real-life situation and relate it to a Seinfeld episode. He just loved to get a laugh out of people. He loved to watch sports, hockey (Toronto Maple Leafs), football (New York Giants) and especially baseball (Toronto Blue Jays). This hobby often dominated TV time in his household. Gary was a big baseball fan, he liked to support the local Valley Wildcats. He was an avid golfer, and he enjoyed playing whenever and wherever he had a chance. He loved crosswords, whether it be in the paper, a crossword book, or a scratch ticket (his ultimate favourite).
Gary spent the majority of his life working in furniture and appliance sales, working with many retailers during this time, most recently including Leons and Jordans Home Furnishings.
Gary loved to spend time with his wife Sharon, they often enjoyed going for drives together through the country or over to the harbour; stopping to eat at diners they would discover along the way. For those who knew Gary well, you know food was always top of mind. A few favourites were, The Family Diner in Aylesford, NS, Angie's in Middleton, NS, and Johnny's, Berwick, NS. The staff at these spots, whether they knew it or not left a special mark in his life.
Gary is survived by his wife, Sharon Melanson of Kentville, NS; these beautiful people have been together for 36+years. Celebrating 25 years of marriage, February 13th, 2024.
Stepdaughter, Michele Ritchie (Ken Ward) of Coldbrook, NS; sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Saunders of Kentville, NS, Yvonne Herbert of Edmonton, AB, and Marguerite Fredericks of Amherst, NS; grandchildren, Ashley (Bryan) McNamara, Elizabeth (Jason) Slade, Ryan Bigelow (Jerica Taylor) and Evangeline Farris; great- granddaughter Shannon Bigelow, sister-in- law Hazel Melanson, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Gary was predeceased by stepdaughter, Shawna (née Ritchie) Bain and brother, Dennis "Sonny" Melanson.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Klippenstein, Dr Ahmed, Stephanie and all the other nurses in the emergency department of Valley Regional Hospital, for the amazing care they showed to Gary and to the family. Also, special thanks to the EHS staff who were called on over the years, the staff of the Guardian- Centennial pharmacy for always going above and beyond, to Jaqueline Green NP for everything she has done, to Jason from VON, for the quality time he spent with Gary, to Dr. Harrigan, Dr. Merryweather and the oncology team at Valley Regional Hospital, as well as Dr Mulroy - radiology, Dr. McNeil and the oncology team at the Dickson Building in the QEII. The care everyone showed for Gary did not go unnoticed and will not be forgotten.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life service for Gary will be held at 2 pm, Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 from the White Family Funeral Home, with a reception immediately following.
Donations in memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville.
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