Elmore Phillip John Gabriel
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Elmore Phillip John Gabriel, age 80, of Joggins, announce his passing on December 6th, 2017 at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre, Upper Nappan.
Born in Springhill on May 1st, 1937, he was the son of the late William Alexander Gabriel and Edith Geraldine (Legget) Gabriel.
Elmore was a devoted husband and loving father who always put his family first. He enjoyed visits from his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always managed to bring a smile to his face. He was a hard worker, providing for his family and teaching them many life lessons. He enjoyed music and if you were lucky, you might hear him humming a country song and tapping his toes to the beat. He had a special way of relaxing and if you watched closely, you could see him twiddling his thumbs; a habit that some of his family members have inherited. As a young boy, he moved to Joggins and lived with his sister, Eleanor, and brother-in-law, Don Reid, where he worked as a coal miner until he became employed by Amherst Woodworking. He then decided he would rather work for himself and started his own carpentry business. From that time forward, he worked for people within the community and surrounding area, receiving several contracts from Irving and Cobequid Housing until his retirement. Once retired, he never gave up his love of carpentry. He always found a new project to work on and took great pride in everything he did, especially the many special gifts he constructed for his family that will be treasured forever.
He is survived by his children Laurie Reid (Pasty) of Parrsboro, Sherry Gabriel of Joggins, Catherine (Kenneth) Walsh of Maccan, Heather Gabriel (Kevin) and Kevin (Cheryl), both of Summerside, PEI, and Nicole (Anthony) Treadwell of Amherst, 18 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren, sisters Prema, Wyonetta, and Louise, and brother, Richard.
Besides his parents, Elmore was predeceased by his wife Stella (Reid); sisters Bessie, Geraldine, Eleanor, Kathleen, Norma, Roxanna, and Donna; brothers William (in infancy) and Lawson; and two great-grandsons, Blake and Rider.
A special thank you to Dr. Bobadillo and the caring staff at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre as well as the staff of the VON.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Campbell’s Funeral Home. A private celebration of Elmore’s life will be held for the immediate family. Interment will follow in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, IWK, or a charity of your choice.