Mr. Francis Gaul

Francis John Gaul … 80, of North Alton, Kings County, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2007 in the Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Born on December 6, 1927 in Dalhousie Road, Kings County, he was a son of the late Thaddeus and Norine (DeAdder) Gaul. He spent many of his working years as a finish carpenter. Previously, Francis worked at many wood-related jobs, including the Billy Gaul and Wayne Morse mills, woods-work for Pearly Barkhouse and Ray Hiltz, the stave mills in Queens County and at Franey Corner, as well as driving the stave truck route to Mahone Bay. During his early years, he managed his woodlot, harvesting Christmas trees and for a time, also worked as a road foreman. Francis was well liked by all who knew him. He was always a hard-working man and ever ready to lend a helping hand. He was a former chairman of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Building Committee. He loved to spend time with his family and spent many hours working on projects around the house. He loved country music and enjoyed traveling throughout the province to attend music events. He also loved to snowmobile. He will be missed and fondly remembered by his family and many friends. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, the former Bertha Benjamin; three sons, Michael (Carolyn), Amherst; Christopher, Kentville; Kevin (Cheryl), Centreville; two sisters, Lavene Meister, New Ross; Phyllis Lonergan, Dartmouth; one brother, Carroll, Bridgewater; a sister-in-law, Frances Tracey, New Minas; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and grand nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers and their wives, Curtis (Mabel), Joseph (Louie) and Phil (Phyllis); a sister, Luitzard; an infant daughter, Kathy; two beloved pets, Tiger and Blackie. There will be no visitation by family request. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 29, 2007 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, Father Craig Christenson officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Bridget’s Cemetery, East Dalhousie. Family flowers only, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or to the charity of your choice. On-line inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville.