Obituary of Gary Rideout

Gary “Giffy” Rideout

67, Glace Bay (Hub)

With broken hearts, we, the family, of Gary “Giffy” Rideout, age 67, of 85 Third Street, HUB, Glace Bay, regret to announce his sudden passing on Thursday, August 22, 2019, at home, with his loving family by his side.

Born in Glace Bay, Giffy was the son of the late Garfield “Giffy” and Loreen “Weenie” Rideout.

He will be sadly missed by his devoted wife, Linda (Dean); his precious daughters (Daddy’s girls), Linda (Buddy Cole); Courtney (Ross Wiseman); and Jillian (Matt MacNeil).  His loving brother Donnie (Linda); his cherished grandchildren – Nathan and Brandon (Poppa’s boys) and Scarlett (Poppa’s princess) and his little furry sidekick Kolby; also, his special nieces Tana and Sharon MacDonald and nephew Tommy MacDonald, many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

He was a member of Saint John The Baptist Church, Glace Bay.  Giffy was an avid camper of Ben Eoin Beach Campground for over 30 years.  He will be deeply missed by his summer family.

Giffy worked as a coal miner for DEVCO until his retirement.  Prior to DEVCO, he hauled coal and worked at Iggie’s Tavern.  He was also a former member of the Hub Amateur Athletic Club.  He loved to play poker and tarabish, place bets on horse racing and darts.  His favorite music idol was Lady Gaga and he travelled to Montreal to watch her perform and play his favorite tune – Poker Face.  He was teased by his family and friends who called him Giffy Gaga.  Giffy loved to make witty remarks and gestures.  Another nickname he had was “Bunker” aka “Archie”.  He was a dedicated Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays fan.

In his younger years, he was very active in baseball.  He was awarded Most Valuable Pitcher of the Maritimes in his early teen years.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Dougie and Bobby, sister Donna; brother- in- law Bo MacDonald and in-laws Clarice (Pud) and Bob Dean.

Cremation has been entrusted to T.J. Tracey Cremation and Burial Specialists, Reserve St., Glace Bay.  A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 at The Hub Amateur Athletic Club, 79 East Avenue, Hub, Glace Bay, from 6pm-8pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Your Wings Were Ready but Our Hearts Were Not.

Rest in Peace  - Giffy – Dad – Poppa – Special Friend

We will always cherish our many memories, fly high, we love you.