Alex Petrie
Born In: New Waterford
Passed in: New Waterford
Passed on: May 31st, 2013
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Alex ‘Gents’ Petrie on Friday, May 31, peacefully at home.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Alex was born in New Waterford to George and Mary Ann (Ellsworth) Petrie.
Alex worked as a hoist operator at No. 12 Colliery and later at Lingan mine.
A true gentleman, he will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.
Alex served overseas in the Second World War with the Army Service Corps.
A sports enthusiast all of his life, he pitched for the New Waterford Giants when they won the Maritime title in 1953, and participated in many baseball tournaments throughout the Maritimes. He was fondly called “Gents” by his baseball pals.
An avid golfer, an honorary member of Lingan Golf Club, he attained two “hole-in-one” scores, one at Lingan and one in Sussex N.B.
Alex has been a “foster parent” to many Third World children for over 30 years. He also spent 18 years working with the Joy Program teaching children life skills.
Alex is the last surviving member of his immediate family. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Genevieve (MacAulay) Petrie; six children, Frank (Florrie), Carol Vokey, Billy (Shelly), Glen, Jennifer Baker (Russell), and Paula MacDonald (Ken); grandchildren, Paul, Karen, David, Stephen, Mark, Andrew, Michelle and Ryan; five great-grandchildren, Adison, Jackson, Max, Abby and Bria. He is also survived by half-brothers and sisters, Cyril, Donnie, Lonnie MacLean and Dorothy Gilroy.
He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, John, James, William, Robbie, Billy, sisters Julia, Charlotte, Mildred, Annie and Frazie.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Monday, June 3 from 6-9 p.m. at V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith St., New Waterford. A funeral mass of celebration will take place Tuesday, June 4 at 10 a.m. in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Fr, Ray Huntley officiating. A luncheon will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, immediately following the funeral mass. Burial will be held in Loch End Cemetery, Catalone, at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.
