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Gerald Wilson "Jerry" Avis

1934-2021

Gerald Wilson "Jerry" Avis

Gerald Wilson "Jerry" Avis, – age 87, of Kentville, passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021 in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born in Hamilton, ON he was the eldest child of the late Frank and Lillian (Rosser) Avis.

Gerald is survived by his children, Daniel Avis (Leslie Hazel-Avis), Sherrie Howatt, Lisa (Cyril) Pothier, Heather Avis (Barry Tymchuk) and Evan Avis; brother, Rollie Avis; grandchildren, Jordan and Hannah Avis, Emily, Tommy and Patrick Howatt, Nichole and Michelle Pothier, Katie-Anne and Adam (Shannon) Colosimo, Joelle Tymchuk, and Annie-Jade Creamer-Ethier; great-granddaughter Christina; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Eddie Avis and sister Valerie Southern.

Cremation has taken place, entrusted to White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. In keeping with Jerry’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral service. Donations in memory may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.  On-line condolences may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

It is difficult to fit all of Dad’s many attributes and contributions into one description. His adventures began as a young man serving in the Navy. Afterwards, he settled down to start a family and begin a long and gratifying career in Education. Dad had a love of the arts and was instrumental in the founding of the Y’Arc Theatre in Yarmouth, NS where he had many starring musical theatre roles. He also had a love of handcrafts, and his masterpieces grace the homes of his family across the country.

On his Goldwing’s he explored more of this world than most will ever see, always proudly displaying his Canadian Flag and forging friendships around the world. He lived for a time in a Ugandan village helping to build a school, ensure access to clean water with a purification system developed in Canada, and teach sustainable agriculture. He was granted the name Ndawula by the people of the village.

Throughout his life, Dad was a passionate gardener, having caught the bug as a child planting Victory Gardens during the Second World War. From then on, he had a "need to seed" and created the most wonderous gardens everywhere he lived. The garden at his campsite in Peggy’s Cove was his greatest botanical accomplishment; he created a peaceful oasis to be shared with family, friends, and his precious goldfish. 

Of his many passions in life, dad’s greatest devotion was to his family. His genuine and unconditional love were always there and will be greatly missed.

While we mourn the loss of a truly special person, we celebrate his life and accomplishments knowing that he lived life to the fullest, with love and adventure, spreading his kindness and generosity to all corners of the world. The impact he has had on our family and beyond is truly great, and we all hope to carry forward his sense of fun, adventure, and beauty. 

Dad, Grampie, Jerry Avis- we love you.

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Service Location
There will be no visitation or funeral service

Requested Charity
Charity of the donor's choice