Gerald Raymond Hart - 69, Boylston, Nova Scotia - It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved brother, father, uncle and friend on Sunday, November 9, 2014, at his home in Boylston. Born April 18, 1945 to parents Earl and Jean Hart, Gerald was one of ten children, and grew up in the hamlet of Boylston, Guysborough County. This country boy did it all, laughter and fun with his siblings and friends as a child, which later turned to shenanigans and fast cars in his youth. Some stories we cannot tell, but will share together in many nights of reminiscing. At the age of 18 Gerald moved to Halifax and began his career in electric motor repair at the Halifax Armature Works. City life was not for him, and soon the small town beckoned him home where he took over his father’s local convenience store and made a life for himself. Years later, he returned to electric motor repair and started his own business in Boylston, and over the years has served businesses and residents all around the province. Several years ago his son Jody joined him in developing this enterprise, which continues to thrive under his direction. A great student is only the product of a great teacher. Outside of work, over the years Gerald found great pleasure in many things; golf, curling, softball, music and his fondness for animals of all description (monkeys, raccoons, crows and of course the more domestic cats and dogs). In the last number of years Gerald spent his Wednesday evenings at The Crow's Nest entertaining with his fellow crows and many weekends doing the same in other small communities. He was a country and western crooner who could melt your heart with his soothing tone. Gerald will be remembered for many things: his voice, his love for, and contribution to, the community, a local businessman who was not just about business but about what was needed. A man who loved his four legged and some two legged friends, loved his Dodges, NASCAR and more than anything, his family and friends. He fought many battles in life, most recently cancer, which he had conquered, and always with a spirit that defied the odds. That spirit will live on in his children and grandchildren, and all those who loved and cherished him. We will all honour his strength in how we carry on his memory and live our lives. Gerald leaves behind his son Jody, Boylston; daughter, Terri (Jacob), Halifax; grandchildren Isaac and CJ, his pride and joy; sister Audrey (Sidney) MacPherson, Manchester; brother, Jack (Jeannie) Hart, Guysborough; sister, Diane (Shawn) Hadley, Guysborough; brother, Kevin (Brenda) Hart, Edmonton; numerous nieces and nephews, namely his 'right hand' (and sometimes his left) Diane, who brought him out of his shell, as some have said, and made his joy of singing a weekly event; and many loving friends, especially those at The Crow's Nest, his voice will live on in you. As well, Bill the crow, his beloved Ginger, the cat who only warmed to him, and Dakota, the 'Littlest Hobo' of Boylston who made the daily trek to enjoy his company everyday (and of course the treats). He was predeceased by his parents Earl and Jean (Whidden) Hart; brothers, Hazen, Robert 'Bobby', David; sister, Donna Pile-Lumsden; brother, Eric. Our deepest gratitude to Dr. Anita Foley for her ongoing commitment and dedication to not only our family but so many others, and her unbelievable support through all of this. To Karen Hoben for her support during Gerald's treatment. Funeral service will be held at the Boylston United Church Saturday, November 22 at 2 pm. with Rev. Heather Manuel officiating. Burial to follow in the church cemetery. A reception will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion, Guysborough. Family flowers only. Donations in Gerald's memory may be made to the Boylston Community Centre. Arrangements are under the care of Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Guysborough. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com Visitation Information Visitation Location There will be no Visitation Service Information Service Date Saturday, November 22, 2014 Service Time 2 p.m. Service Location Boylston United Church Burial Information Burial Date At a later date Burial Location Boylston United Church Cemetery