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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GILBERT, Edward C. (Eddie) - With heavy hearts, the family of Edward Gilbert, known to many as The Storyteller of Parrsboro, announce his peaceful passing on Monday, February 3rd, 2025.
Eddie was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Navy for 5 years, before his service ended and he settled in his hometown of Parrsboro. Here he spent most of his life as a family man, dedicated to running a small family farm, a TV repair shop, and later starting his own construction business. Even after retirement he remained active and committed to his community. He was a prolific author, a gifted speaker, and a talented folk artist, but he enjoyed sharing stories most of all. You would often find him volunteering at the Ottawa House Museum, where he was a “jack of all trades” offering tours, stories, minor repairs and often buried in historic documents and genealogical papers. Eddie enjoyed meeting new people, traveling, hunting, fishing, and all sorts of outdoor activities. He especially loved watching the horses in the fields of the family farm. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his extensive family and friends.
Eddie’s humility, strength, integrity and generosity are qualities that people admired and were drawn to. He engaged people in conversation wherever he went, and became a cherished friend to any who had the privilege of knowing him. We will never forget the sparkle in his eyes while he captivated an audience with a story or a tall tale, or shamelessly bragged about his dear family. He was an inspiration for his children, grandchildren and his great grandson – all of whom gratefully possess many of his best attributes. Eddie’s heart was always fully devoted to the well-being of his dear wife of 68 years, whom he cherished and cared for throughout their lifetime together. The Gilbert family deeply appreciate your condolences and we thank everyone for their kind messages of support during this difficult time. Ed’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, a gentle giant whose stories, love, and legacy will endure.
Edward was predeceased by his parents, Edward “Ned” and Amy Gilbert (née Morris), and his siblings Josephine (Robert Milne), Henrietta (Bill Best), Elizabeth, Muriel, James “Jimmy” (Vola Goodwin), John (Michelle Welsh) and his sister-in-law Inez Fulton (Charles Fulton) and brother-in-law John “Jack” Gesner (Pearl Fulton). He is survived by siblings Marjorie (Arnold Smith), Barbara (John Wallington), David (Margaret Hatcher), Lloyd (Katherine Melanson), Donna (Michael Young), Anna (Donald Hackney), and Eileen (Brant Vanderkooi), and his beloved wife Thelma Gilbert (née Gesner), his children, William (Karen Yorke) and Lori (Robert Montague), numerous foster children, nieces and nephews, and his dear grandchildren, Justin (Katie Glover), Courtney, and Sarah (Blair Lucas), and his adored great-grandson Silas.
Visitation will be held from 1-2 pm on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Grace United Church, Port Greville, where funeral service will follow at 2 pm, minister Jamie McLellan officiating. Reception to follow at FPW Community Hall, Port Greville. All are welcome to attend!
Donations in memoriam ought to be given to the Ottawa House by-the-Sea Museum & Archives, or the Canadian Cancer Society. (Smith's Funeral Home)
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