Gilbert Oravecz
Gilbert’s second journey has begun… Ride high!
He is survived by his wife and best friend, Carol (Rizzetto); his mother, Heather; his two children, Ashley (Steve Ivey) and Stephen and four step children, Maria, Tony, Gianni and Sophia; brother, Alvin (Carolyn) and nieces, Michaela and Hanna; in-laws, John and Sondra Kennedy; Uncle Larry and Aunt Pearl. Gilbert is predeceased by his father, Stephen (Sonny) Oravecz.
Gilbert was a strong man and was loved by all who knew him. He grew up in Mira drifting cars on the MacDonald Road, Rock Elm. It was there where he met his first love: the woods.
Gilbert always had a great love for nature and anything to do with the outdoors. He and his brother were always pulling pranks with the Marion Bridge crew. He was also a founding member of ‘The Mud Run’, held in May, which started on the family property.
Gilbert got involved in forestry while working with his father and eventually took over the family business. He completed his Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Red Seal which saw him work on various projects with many people over the years and move abroad to work on the 3rd phase of Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Then, after returning to Cape Breton, Gilbert started Oravecz Industrial Services Inc.
In recent years, Gilbert found himself on a new career adventure acquiring his real estate license which led to starting another successful business alongside his wife. His expertise in the building trade and his love of the land coupled with his easy going personality made this a perfect fit to lead him into retirement.
Gilbert loved life and his infectious smile and sense of humor allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life. You could always find him tinkering amongst his many hobbies: building cabins on the mountain property, fixing trucks, restoring jeeps, cutting trees and milling lumber.
Everyone teased him about being stubborn as a mule, smelling like trees, sawdust or grease, but really he was just a big ol' softy. Gilbert and Carol shared a special type of love, he physically built a bridge to her heart, their love and commitment went deeper than most will know in a lifetime.
This father, son, husband, brother, uncle, friend and protector will be forever remembered, celebrated and eternally loved through the memories and those he impacted in his short but fulfilled life.
We would like to thank all the very special doctors (you know who you are), nursing and hospital staff as well as the Cape Breton Cancer Centre for your wonderful care and compassion for our families.
We are requesting family flowers only. Donations can be made in Gilbert's name to the Cape Breton Cancer Patient Care Fund through the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation.
Gilbert’s wish was to have family and friends come together to celebrate his life. His party will take place on Saturday, March 18th at the Joan Harris Cruise Pavilion at 2 p.m.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.chantfuneralhome.ca.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of...
