Obituary of Gerald Arthur Pemberton

Gerald Pemberton Glace Bay, N.S. Surrounded by the love of the most important people in his life, Gerald Arthur Pemberton of Glace Bay passed away peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital on May 11 at the age of 79. He was supported by many family members and friends in his final hours, and his daughter, Lynnette, grandson, Dylan, and sister, Helen were with him at the end. The son of Charlie and Isabel (Blue) Pemberton, he was born on March 30, 1945 in Glace Bay. Gerald was raised in a home known for its love, laughter, and hospitality, and he and his siblings remained close all of their lives. He’s survived by his loving daughter and best friend, Lynnette (Kyle Shepherd); son, Loren (Tiffany Andrews); grandchildren, Dylan, Claire, and Sidney; brother, Robert; sister, Helen (Donald MacVicar); nephews and nieces, Robbie, Greg, Scott, Kathleen, Kyle, Adam, Alanna, Traci Lynn, Lori Dawn, and Keith Craig; and great-nephews and great-nieces, Jack, Lachlan, Isla, Declan, and Vallie. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Jessie Pemberton. Gerald worked for MT&T for more than 30 years before retiring in his early 50s, and enjoyed many happy, active years of retirement. A beach bum at heart, he loved heading to Florida every winter for the sun and sand. Helen, Donald, Lynnette, and Papa’s sidekick Dylan, especially, have many wonderful memories of time spent in Florida with Gerald. He loved spending time with Lynnette, taking Dylan to his games and activities, and caring for the family’s fur baby, Maverick. He also enjoyed time spent at the bungalow in Round Island, bowling in his younger years, attending car shows and festivals, and talking cars with Robert. He joined a wood carving group in Florida, had fun getting together with the guys, and became an accomplished carver, giving several beautiful pieces to family members. He took pleasure in the simple things, from yard work to competing with Robert on who had the cleanest truck to reading the newspaper to cooking and enjoying a good meal. Gerald had strong opinions and could be stubborn and blunt, but he was really an old softie at his core, a loving Dad, Papa, brother, and uncle. He was active, independent, and spending quality time with his family up until two days before his death. And for that, we can be thankful. Cremation has taken place. There will be no wake as per Gerald’s wishes. A celebration of life will be held in T.J. Tracey’s Cremation and Burial Specialists,370 Reserve Street in Glace Bay on May 31 at 1 p.m. A reception will follow in the lower level. No flowers, please. They made Gerald think of funerals! Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the charity of one’s choice.