Gerald Ross Bent, 83, of Margaretville and Dartmouth died suddenly on July 10. Born in Forest Glade, Annapolis County, on October 13, 1934, he was the son of the late Parker and Lily (Schofield) Bent. Gerald retired to the Margaretville family home in 1990 after working for Texaco Canada in various capacities over a 32 year career. His work was based primarily in Halifax and Dartmouth, and ultimately he finished up in the Operations Department covering Newfoundland and PEI. He was an active member of Margaretville United Church, serving on a variety of committees and in the Kingston Pastoral Charge Choir. Music was an integral part of Gerald’s life and he was part of many choirs over the years including church, barbershop, and community. In more recent years, he belonged to the Middleton Choral Society and the Lawrencetown Male Choir. His family brought him his greatest joy. He followed and supported his children’s pursuits with pride. He said he couldn’t have chosen more fitting spouses for them if he was in charge. And everything stopped when his grandchildren visited by phone or in person. A proud Valley farm boy and the youngest of ‘the 15’, Dad was a man of tradition and conviction. He preferred his cars Swedish, his boots Aussie, and his tractors blue. He liked his tea served hot and his desserts served “side by side”. He played a mean game of crokinole and especially enjoyed it when his grandchildren sat across the table. With Mom in tow (or perhaps the other way around), he travelled the world, but he was happiest in the cool Bay of Fundy breezes watching yet another perfect sunset over the back forty. His was a life well lived. He was a good man, and a great Dad and Grampie. He will be missed. Gerald is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth (Baxter, originally of Addington Forks); 4 children, Stephen (Carolyn), Miramichi, NB; Stewart, Hong Kong; Kevin (Paula), Halifax; and Dawn (Norman Brooks), Brooklyn; 4 grandchildren, Julia, Megan, Alex, and Natalie. By siblings Kath Osbourne and Marion Lundgren, Portland, Maine; Alden, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine; Muriel, Middleton; and Forrest, Wolfville. By sisters-in-law Donna Bent, Bridgetown; Anna (Allan) Adams, Cape George; Alice Baxter, Addington Forks; and Clare (Johnny) Savoie, Dalhousie, NB; and brother-in-law George (Anne) Baxter, Addington Forks. And by many, many nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by siblings Doris, Murray, Roy, Enid, Evelyn, Jean, Anna, George and Phyllis. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., (902) 825-3448, where visitation is planned for Friday, July 20 at 7-9 pm. A memorial service will be held at the Margaretville United Church on Saturday, July 21 at 2 pm, followed by a community reception in the Margaretville Fire Hall. Donations may be made to the Margaretville United Church, Margaretsville Fire Department or charity of one’s choice. The family extends its sincere thanks to first responders as well as to the concerned motorists who stopped to assist when tragedy struck. An online guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com