Rockwell, Gerald Thomas — 79, of Newport Corner, Hants County, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born on December 3, 1932, in Doctor’s Cove, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late George and Sarah (Hopkins) Rockwell, and was raised by his grandmother, Martha Rockwell, Ellershouse. For many years, Gerald and his family owned and operated Beechbrook Camp Grounds and Sleigh Rides, Ardoise. Prior to owning the campground, he had Gerald T. Rockwell Contracting. Gerald was well known for his knowledge and love of horses and during his retirement he showed draft horses throughout the Maritimes. Gerald was active in the community and instrumental in the building of the Ardoise Community Hall. He was a former board member of the Windsor Agricultural Society, member of the USTA, and a member of the Belgian, Clydesdale and Western Draft Horse Associations. Gerald was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather who always was there for his family, both immediate and extended. Gerald is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Freda Alice Mitchell; Gerald and Freda’s children, Barb Rockwell (Paul Coffill), Three Mile Plains; George Rockwell (Yvonne Hogan), Calgary, Alberta; Kathy (Hal) Smith, Newport Corner; grandson, Mark (Kim) Rockwell, Lakelands; step grandchildren, Elizabeth Coffill (Troy Walker); Trevor Coffill (Melissa Fitzpatrick); great grandchildren, Zak Rockwell and Jami Rockwell; step great granddaughter, Delaney Fitzpatrick; sisters, Faye Canning, Gays River; Rita Rockwell, Newport Corner. Gerald was predeceased by his parents, George and Sarah (Hopkins) Rockwell; an infant daughter, Susan Lorraine Rockwell. Visitation was 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, January 19, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home, 194 King Street, Windsor. The funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2012, in Lindsay’s Windsor Funeral Home Chapel. Rev. Jay Ettinger officiated, followed by a reception in the Three Mile Plains Community Hall. Cremation following and interment will be held at a later date in the Oakhill Cemetery, Ellershouse, Hants County. The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff of the surgical unit at the Valley Regional Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gerald may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, or to a charity of one’s choice. To add your condolence, click on “Sign Guest Book” at: www.lindsaysfuneralhome.com.