Gary Lionel Crummey

He was born in “The Pier Dear” on July 11, 1952 to John and Florence (Janes) Crummey of Dominion Street. Went to Whitney School, attended St. Albans Anglican, before going to Sydney Academy. In Grade 10 (1968) he transferred to new program at NSCC Vocational Training in Industrial Trades (Cape Breton Regional Vocational School). He specialized in Electrical program graduating in 1971. Began his Apprenticeship with Andrews Electric before shifting from residential to commercial and industrial. He was member of IBEW-1852 in Cape Breton for 50 Years. He worked his way up to Supervision then Project Managing. Received Canadian Construction Association Gold Seal in Management, 1995. He worked on early construction of Syncrude Tar Sands in Fort Mac in 1970s and again in 2000’s. He worked in all fields, Petro-Chemical, Mining, Power Generation, Pulp and Paper and worked in every province of Canada from Hydroelectric, LNG, Mine Rehab, Tar Sands, Potash Mines, Gold Mines, hard rock mines, Power Plants, Build and Rebuild Pulp and Paper Mills, Nuclear Power, Bridge to PEI, Sydney Steel Refit, Muskrat Falls Maritime Link and Woodbine converter Station. Worked internationally in Tanzania, Africa and Pascua Lama Gold on the Argentina/Chile Border in the Andes, 5250m above sea level. Finishing his working career back home in Cape Breton with Woodbine and finally Donkin Mine.

Despite working all over Canada and the World he did call Cape Breton home building 2 houses himself. First in MacAdams Lake then Chapel Road North Side East Bay where he raised his family with wife Rita Wojtyniak. He was always proud of his three children Kendra (Elliot Pick) from Valley; Aaron (Tessa Dicks) of Prime Brook; and Brendan (Sacha MacSween Hall) of Gagetown, Army Regular Force Infantry. Gary loved to ride-on mow his 5 acre lawn and enjoyed the bounty of the garden and tinkering in the garage, whether carpentry, cabinet making or mechanical, working on vehicles. He could turn his hand at anything. He got into collecting electric trains, remembered from his childhood Lionel train set. Eventually building quite a layout, including a steel plant. etc,

He enjoyed Celtic music concerts and Variety comedy shows. Going to shows at the Savoy and Celtic Colours and many of Kendra’s dance competitions; Aaron’s Biathalon and Brendan’s Air Cadets and Reserves. He enjoyed 4-wheeling with the boys, boating and water sports on Bras D’Or with family.

Cars were part of his life beginning with his father John who raced stockcar (Hudson Hornet) at Island Speedway. His first wheels were a Honda 90cc motorbike, then Datsun 1200 to his Red Knight Duster which he drag raced in CB, PEI, south of Montreal, and unofficially on the Gabarus Hwy strip. He eventually purchased a 72 Barracuda to restore and had plans to race, a lifelong project which he fit in on turnarounds home. He was a Dodge-man from way back driving his big blue Ram-Charger and many others.

When Gary was contemplating retirement he faced his biggest challenge with Alzheimer’s which lasted over 7 years. He was able to stay home until August 2024 when he moved into Harbourstone, Miners Lane. Unfortunately, the Alzheimer’s took away some walking strength, memories affecting his sight and ability to speak although he recognized us to the end. On Friday he was placed on palliative care and peacefully slipped away Tuesday with Rita and children by his side.

Gary was predeceased by mother Florence and father John. Survived by sister Cheryl (Gary) Huett of the Valley. Wife Rita Wojtyniak and children Kendra, Aaron and Brendan.

Sincere thanks to staff of Miners Lane for care and challenge of Gary. He recognized your voices and would flash his baby blues and smile when he recognized you.

Donations can be made to Hospice/Palliative care, Alzheimer’s society or charity of choice.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 7th at 10:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church, East Bay. Inurnment to take place in the parish cemetery at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com.