It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Dad, Jerome “Jerry” Wayne Tufts (86), who left this world peacefully on November 19th, 2025, at the Victoria General Hospital, surrounded by tremendous love.

Born in Hay Cove, Cape Breton, on May 8th, 1939, to the late George Tufts, Myrtle Bailey and his “Angel” Mom, Jessie Tufts. Dad grew up with the values that shaped the man we were so blessed to know: kindness, humility, a strong work ethic, and an unwavering devotion to family.

From the moment Dad caught Mom’s eye, their story became one of true partnership. They built 61 beautiful years together, decades filled with love, laughter, and the incredible journey of raising nine children. Their home in Lakeside was more than an address; it was a place full of warmth, memories, and the steady presence of two people who cared deeply for one another.

Every morning, Dad left the house with a smile and a purpose: to provide for his family. A hard worker from a young age, he began at just 15 as a water boy at Standard Paving before learning to operate the spreader, a job he kept for many years. He later drove taxi for Yellow Cab and eventually made his way to Quality Concrete, where he worked until his well-earned retirement.

Anyone who knew Dad knew how much he cared for the little things, especially when it came to cars. Even long after we were grown, no vehicle ever left Mom and Dad’s driveway without an oil check, washer fluid topped up, and perfectly inflated tires. Mom often found herself wandering parking lots wondering which car was theirs, because more often than not, Dad had made another trade and surprised her with a “new-to-them” vehicle. It was just one of the many quirks we loved so much about him.

To know Dad was to know that family was at the center of his heart. His love for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable, and the memories he created with all of us will stay close forever. We will never forget Dad’s warm smile, his laughter, his witty one-liners, or the songs he loved to sing. His voice brought warmth into every room and left us with memories we’ll hold close forever.

Dad is survived by his eight children: John (Jackie), Richard (Ricky)(Tammy Fulmore), Darlene (John Bennett), Daniel (Danny) (Wanda), Douglas (Doug)(Natasha Lane), Kelly (Stuart Maze), Jerry (Jay) (Jennifer), and Angela (Ryan Quigley). He leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is reunited in heaven with his loving wife, Rosalie, and their son, Christopher.

Our family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff of 5B and 7B for the exceptional care and compassion shown to our Dad, as well as a special thank-you to Dad’s caregivers: Nancy Sampson, Aunt Judy and Aunt Jocelyn, Shawna, Melissa, Katie, Nicholas, Kelly, and Michael. We are also deeply grateful to those who supported Jerry and his children throughout this time, and to the friends and loved ones who stopped in to visit him during his stay at the VG. Your kindness brought comfort on even the hardest days.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 5th at Timberlea Baptist Church, 31 Greenwood Avenue, from 12:00 pm–3:00 pm.

In honour of both Mom and Dad’s love for children and Christmas, we kindly ask that an unwrapped gift for a child be brought to the celebration of life. All gifts will be donated to a local children’s charity for Christmas. Alternatively, a donation may be made to a charity of your choice.