Casting off the final mooring, Hubert Kearley, of English Harbour East, Fortune Bay, NL has now set sail on his final voyage. Let the log book show the date of departure as July 2, 2016. Although he left this time with a crew of only one, he carried in his sea bag the love, memories, heartaches and prayers for a peaceful trip from a huge crowd of well-wishers. Seeing him safely and peacefully off after an eighteen month battle with lung cancer was his current wife of four years, Pauline (nee Matchett). Thankful for the years of unconditional love, laughter and support are daughters Lori Ann Kearley–Johnston (George), Glenda Goguen (Peter) and precious grandchildren Brandon, Caitlin, Courtney, Cody and Bradley as well as their mother/grandmother Susan Kearley, all living in Nova Scotia. In addition, he will be dearly missed by stepdaughters Katherine McGrath, Kandice Dwyer (Lawrence) and step-grandchildren Riley, Devin, Rebecca and Saoirse all living in NL. Heavy hearts were felt once again by the loss of another sibling by sisters Jane Elms (Albert), Melinda Thornhill (Thomas), Leverna Lambert (Richard), brother Robert (Phyllis). Hubert will also be greatly missed by sister -in -law Marie Kearley, brother-in -law Jim Snook, as well as numerous other brothers and sisters in law from both marriages, especially his card-partners Frances and Tom Howe. His life was especially blessed by the continued presence, love and support of Uncle Wilson Kearley and Aunt Mary Augot, as well as a multitude of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.
The boat has been spotted and welcoming Hubert home with open arms to his final port of call is his father William, mother Hannah (Anne), sister Violet, brother Charles, infant brother Francis, as well as numerous family members and old fishing buddies!
Raising a drink of white rum to his memory and wishing him a soft landing are many of Hubert’s buddies who helped him prepare for this final voyage. They kept him company with phone calls, visits, cold beer, countless cups of coffee and the telling/sharing of years of fishing exploits, resulting in hours of laughter. Throughout his illness, he learned that laughter truly is the best medicine. While too many to mention individually, of notable mention is the first skipper he ever sailed with, Skipper Tom Kearley, buddies Guy Hackett, Jim Hackett, Wilson Kearley, Michael Hackett, Dereck Kearley, Calvin Byrd, Phil Kearley, Frankie Reyno, Steve Carren, Banfield Skinner and the last skipper he sailed with, Skipper George Hudson, crewmembers Bob Bennett, Eugene Bromley, Phillip (Big Flip) Manuel, Brian Newman and the management staff of Arctic Fishery Alliance.
Special heartfelt thanks to Bonnie, Vicki, Charmaine and Dr. Alchalabi of Burin Peninsula chemo lab for their wonderful care during treatments and to Dr. C. Ahmad, Dr. S. McDonald, Dr. B. Eaton, Dr. Hurley and the palliative care team at the Leonard A. Miller Centre. You all helped to calm the waters during many stormy days.
Hubert celebrated his 16th birthday on the Grand Banks and spent the next 46 years of his life making a living from the sea. Therefore, in accordance with his wishes, direct cremation has taken place. Some of his ashes will be inurned with his mother and father and the remaining ashes will be scattered at sea in a private ceremony at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Peninsula Funeral Home.
A service offering thanks for his life, led by Rev. Jim Beaton was held at St. Peter’s Church in English Harbour East on Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at 2 pm. Inurnment followed. Condolences may be shared at Peninsula Funeral home website or by addressing Kearley Family, P. O. Box 58, English Harbour East, NL A0E 1M0. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the family or to a charity of choice.
“Standing in the storm, he adjusted his sails”



Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Peninsula Funeral Home – Creston South.
“Serving Families with Dignity and Compassion”
www.peninsulafh.ca