Gerald Big G,Stretch,Sasquatch Hilbert Knol

Gerald Hilbert , Shubenacadie, November 2, 1955 – July 31, 2013.

Our hearts are broken. Our beloved husband and father passed in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro, after a strong fight with cancer. Born in Oxford, to Dutch Immigrant parents, the late Hilbert and Eppie Knol. In 1980 he married the love of his life Marilla (Jewers). They raised two beautiful children Darcy, Olds, AB; and Ryan, Chilliwack, BC. He was so proud of “his boys”. He leaves to mourn, his siblings Margaret (Robert Miller), Enfield; Greta (Perry Richardson), Dover; John (Valerie), Lantz; in-laws Doug and Frances Jewers, Moser River/Truro; sister in-laws Rhonda (Tony George),Brookfield, Aletha (Jason Williams), Sylvan Lake,AB; brother in-law Lauchlan Jewers, Brentwood/ Moser River; nieces Monica Miller, Jeanette (Craig Christensen), Kelsey Richardson, Olivia, Leah and Heather Williams; nephews Kyle Richardson, Scott , Brad and Darren George; grand niece Paige Christensen; grand nephews Austin and Troy Christensen. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his nephew Constable Robert Bruce Miller. Growing up on a dairy farm, Gerald learned the value of hard work. Leaving home at an early age, he joined the military and served his country for two years at CFB Calgary, AB. With an honorable discharge he returned to Nova Scotia and worked in the family business. He moved back to Calgary with Marilla and worked in various jobs in the late 70’s. Married and ready to start a family they returned to Nova Scotia in 1980. He again resumed his work in the family business. In 1987, he started his career with the Department of Transportation as a tractor trailer driver/crane operator. Having just received his 25 year service award last fall. It was a job he loved and was proud of his achievements. He hauled machinery from one end of our province to the other. He transported generators to Quebec during the ice storm in 1998, snow blowers to Newfoundland during the “big” winter storm of 2000/01. He was involved with the Swiss Air disaster. Moved locomotives for the Museum of Industry in Stellarton, an airplane for the NSCC and many other unique jobs. Having fun while earning a living. His proudest moment was transporting Nova Scotia’s gift to Boston, the Christmas Tree for 2012. He received letters of thanks and appreciation from the Minister of Transportation and Deputy Minister of Transportation over the years for a job well done. Gerald volunteered for many years as a fire fighter with the Shubenacadie and Milford Fire Departments. He had a passion for “hot rods”-especially Mopars. It was a great day when he bought his first “Harley”. He drove it everywhere rain or shine. He made it to bike week in Laconia, NH twice, but was to sick to make the trip this year. His dream was to ride to Sturgis, SD next year. Where ever he is, I am sure he is driving trucks and riding Harleys. He had a great work ethic and loved a challenge. He was patient, kind, understanding, determined and loving with a great zest for life. He was well respected and loved by his peers. He was such a big strong man but a teddy bear at heart. I will miss his bear hugs. I know he is watching over his family. I love you forever baby…Kisses. In keeping with his wishes he has been cremated under the care of Ettinger Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held on Monday August 5, 2013 from 2-6pm at the Penn Hills Golf Course Pavillion. Be prepared to share your special memories at Gerald’s Celebration of Life. Condolences and special memories may be sent to the family by signing the guest book at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com