James 'Ick' Gale
Born In: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed in: North Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: July 31st, 2011
The daughters of James Elmer ‘Ick’ Gale regret to announce the passing of their beloved father on Sunday, July 31, 2011.
Ick was born in North Sydney to the late Charles and Elizabeth (Fricker) Gale on Dec. 30, 1930.
As a young man he enjoyed athletics and could run like the wind. Under the guidance of his father, he became an avid angler and hunter, enjoying many trips with his family and friends.
In his early years, Ick established himself as the Northside’s most reliable milkman while employed with the British Canadian Co-operative. Regardless of the weather conditions he made sure all of his customers were well cared for. Ick changed careers in the mid-1960s working as a steward with the CN Marine until his retirement in 1990.
He was an active member of the Middle River Seniors Club and spent numerous hours volunteering at the Alderwood Guest Home in Baddeck. Another of Ick’s favourite pastimes was playing cards and like his father before him, he became a consummate pro at playing the game of crib. Whether you were his partner or his opponent, you would always be in for an interesting game.
Ick was predeceased by his loving wife of 36 years, Arthena (Tean) Lorraine Amey, his sister, Greta Moore, brothers, John, George ‘Jigger’ and Eric ‘Turk.’
He is survived by daughters, Heather (Glen) Quirk, Oromocto, N.B., Nancy (Myers) Boutilier, Millville, Brenda (Donald) McCarthy, Georges River, Amy Lynn (Peter) Gouthro, North Sydney; and very special friend and partner, Greta Gardiner. Also surviving are sisters, Marie Marinelli, Sydney Mines, Goldie Carter, Halifax; and brother, Dennis, North Sydney.
The loss of Elmer, lovingly known as Bicky, will leave a large void in the hearts of his nine grandchildren, Shannon, Brandy, Jaime, Sienna, Ryan, Kristina, Timothy, Mark and Adam, great-granddaughter, Sophia, and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2011, in the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney. A celebration of Elmer’s life will be held 10 a.m., Monday at St. John the Baptist Anglican Church with Rev. Glen Kent officiating.
In lieu of flowers the family request donation to St. John the Baptist Anglican Church Fund or a charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
