Obituary of Gerald Philip Delorey

Gerald Philip Delorey, 74, Chance Harbour, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in the Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit, New Glasgow. 

Born in New Glasgow he was a son of the late James Philip and Theresa (MacGillivray) Delorey.

Surviving are his wife, Kathie (Bryan); daughters, Noelle (Adam) Cummings, Melanie (Troy) Peters and Bobbie Lee (Garrett) Grant; son, David (Tara) Cummings; grandchildren, Kaden, Madison, Emma, Hunter, Hadley, Hannah, Annie and Nora; sisters, Peggy (Richard) DeCoste; Marie Chisholm; brothers, David Delorey; Richard (Gosha) Delorey; Darrell Delorey; mother-in-law, Kay Bryan; sisters-in-law, Karen Adamson (Harry Richardson), Debbie Clark, Terry (John) Lynn; brother-in-law, Jimmy; many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his father-in-law, Aubrey Bryan; sister-in-law, Peggy Delorey; brother-in-law, Dr. Clark Kent.

Gerald's life was enriched by his many friends and his deep love for his family.  He would make a point to show that he loved and appreciated them as often as possible, sometimes with a hug but most frequently with a quick joke and a sparkle in his eye. He maintained close childhood friendships to the end of his life and was never too busy to visit over a meal or a hand of cards. Even though he was able to disarm anyone with his quick wit, he was a principled man of integrity who was a fierce defender of his family and friends.

Gerald’s love for adventure led him into a career that took him all over the world as a skilled crane operator where he made many friends until he retired in 2016.  He didn’t just have friends; he kept them close, no matter the distance or time apart. He never let time erode the bonds he formed—whether they'd met yesterday or decades ago, his commitment to his friends remained unwavering.

Gerald was a volunteer member of the Little Harbour Fire Department, and the Red Knights International Firefighters Motorcycle Club, Nova Scotia Chapter VI until his health prevented him from continuing.  He was also a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers.

Before his illness, Gerald had planned to ride across Canada on his Indian motorcycle, anxious for the freedom of the open road and the wind at his face.  We know that he is riding his motorcycle now through the heavenly gates, unburdened by the pain of his final months, with the sun in his eyes and the family and friends who have gone before him waiting to meet him for a hand of crib.

Gerald believed in the importance of giving, especially to those less fortunate, often handing the last of the money in his pocket to those in need. Donations in his memory can be made to Pictou County Roots for Youth Society or Pictou County Palliative Care Society.

The family sincerely thanks the Pictou County Palliative Care team for their support during Gerald's illness, with special gratitude to Rachel MacDonald and Drs. Kwasnik and Horton.

A celebration of life will be held from 2-4 p.m., Sunday February 2, 2025, in the Little Harbour Community Centre.