It is with broken hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Gerald at the family homestead in Boisdale, on February 27th at the age of 70.

Born September 21, 1955, as the 10th of 11 children, to parents Marion (MacDonald) and Duncan O’Handley of Boisdale. A beloved husband, father, papa, brother and friend.

Gerald retired from work as a bridge tender of the Canso Causeway Canal. He started working on the railroad at a young age all around the province and spent many years as bridge tender of the Grand Narrows train bridge while the trains were still running before heading up the line to the Causeway.

A longtime member of the Boisdale Volunteer Fire Department, he spent many years volunteering for the hall in different aspects over the years, even putting that barreling voice to use as the Friday night bingo caller years ago. He was often seen running his blue tractor around the 223 after any snowfall. Known for his humour, quick wit and his want to give a helping hand, he could surely make anybody laugh or smile.

Survived by his loving wife, Sandra (Steele) of 47 years; their children, Sheila, Ricky, and Liam (Angela); his grandchildren and great grandchildren who he couldn’t have loved more, Sirena (Donald), Emma, and Sophie and the great grandchildren, Isla and Isaac.

Also survived by sisters, Renee Rudolph, Marguerite (Jimmy) Goode, Anne (Earl) MacPherson, Mary C. (Ed) Naugle, brother-in-law, Norman MacNeil, and sisters-in-law, Margy O’Handley and Francine Steele; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James, just nine days prior, sister, Sylvia MacNeil in January; sisters, Charlotte O’Handley, Bernadette MacDougall, Kay MacKinnon, and Linda Aikens; nieces, Lisa Aikens and Debi MacDonald, and nephew, Jamie Malcolm O’Handley; brothers-in-law, Gerard MacDougall, Al Rudolph, Jimmy MacKinnon, Charlie Aikens, Donald MacKay, and John Peter Steele; sisters-in-law, Murdina Currie and Kay MacNeil, father and mother-in-law, Murdock and Martha Steele; sons-in-laws, Kevin Donovan and Wally MacLennan.

We give special, heartfelt thanks to the VON, Dr. Giorno and the amazing RN Viraji of the palliative care team for providing us with the care, resources and support to follow through with his wishes, especially in this past week.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, 6 Churchill Drive, Sydney, NS, 902-539-7175. Visitation will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, Boisdale, on Thursday, March 5 from 4-8 pm with funeral mass on Friday, March 6 at 11 am., a reception to follow at the Fire Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to the Boisdale Fire Department or the Hills of Boisdale Community Association.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting www.tjtracey.com.