- WEST, Gerald Lemont
Age 93, of Lockhartville, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018 in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, QEII, Halifax. Gerald was born on June 19, 1925 to parents Horace and Cora (Burger) West in Wolfville. He married Mildred (Crewe) West on November 18, 1950 in Halifax. After attending high school in Hantsport, Gerald joined the RCAF in 1944 at age 19, where he served as a Wireless Operator and Air Gunner. His service included submarine patrol over the North Atlantic. After the war, Gerald went on to get a science degree at Mount Allison University, N.B., a degree in Chemical Engineering at Dalhousie University, Halifax and was a certified Marine Chemist. After university, Gerald did naval research work, was a partner in Wyman and West Limited Consulting and Analytical Chemists and Nova Scotia Department of Environment. With much kicking and screaming, Gerald retired from his company, Gerald L. West and Associates in 2001. Gerald was a member of many organizations, including The Chemical Institute of Canada, The Nova Scotia Safety Council, The American Society of Lubrication Engineers, The American Society for Testing Materials, The Association of Official Racing Chemists and The Chemical Society of Great Britain. A devoted man, Gerald loved the companionship of his large family and was always eager to host gatherings with lots of good food and laughter. He had a passion for the skies, often flying family, friends and neighbours around the Maritimes in his private plane. Mildred and Gerald did their fair share of travel to England, Germany, New York and went on several cruise ships. They wintered in Largo, Fla. for 24 seasons where they formed incredible bonds of friendship with again much good food and laughter. A busy life didn’t stop Gerald from being an active member of the Lockhartville Church, where he served on the Board of Deacons, was a Trustee, Sunday school teacher and Young People’s Leader. Gerald took his civic duties seriously. He joined the Rotary Club as a young man and it was very common in later years to see him diligently selling tickets for Food For Thought and other fundraisers. Gerald was a Shriner and was awarded his 50th year Freemason pin in 2015 at Poyntz Lodge with his sons Stephen and Kevin in attendance. In 2010, Gerald was the only Canadian to be included in an American Tribute to the Second World War Veterans in Washington. He was treated to the same honours as the American Citizens at the memorial service. Gerald was an accomplished carpenter who built two family homes. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael West; brother, Ashael West; sisters, Eva Samarra, Madeline Doig, Evangeline Tracey and Della Thompson. There will be no visitation, by request. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, October 15th, in White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, Rev. Ellen Hunt officiating. Burial will take place in Lower Horton Cemetery.
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1925 - 2018 (93 years)
