Jerrold Searl Blumenthal

It is with deep sorrow and love that the family of Jerry Blumenthal (Mr. B.) announce his passing on Feb. 3, 2022 after a lengthy illness and surrounded by family.

Born on February 2, 1940, he was the son of Phillip and Ida (Smith) Blumenthal. He was predeceased by his parents and older brother Stuart. He is survived by his wife and best friend Nancy, brother Bob (Beverly), Halifax, beloved daughters Sheryl Harrison (Doug), Halifax, Andrea (Ed Lazear), Whitby, Ontario, son Darren (Becky), Halifax, and step-daughter Jennifer Giffin along with ten much loved grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Jerry graduated from Dalhousie with degrees in science and education. He thoroughly enjoyed his students and being in the classroom and retired from St. Stephen’s School in 1994 after 32 years of teaching and administration. Later that year he was elected as Alderman for Ward 5 in the city of Halifax. When HRM was amalgamated in 1995 he was re-elected and served until 2004 as Councillor in District 11, Halifax North End. Although he retired at that time, he felt that he had more that he wanted to

give and was re-elected in 2008 for another four year term. After his “final” retirement in 2012 he was appointed to and served a term on the Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Throughout his years as Alderman and Councillor, Jerry served on many Boards and Commissions including the Trade Board, Board of Police Commissioners, Halifax-Dartmouth Bridge Commission and others too numerous to mention. He also served a one year term as Deputy Mayor and was elected to serve a term as President of the Nova Scotia Union of Mayors and Municipalities.

Jerry and Nancy loved to travel when time permitted. During their earlier years they travelled throughout Canada and the US taking in baseball games in more than a dozen Major League ballparks in various cities. Later in life they enjoyed cruising and explored places in five continents. Daughter Sheryl often accompanied them. Jerry loved seeing new places and meeting people everywhere. He had special memories of Northern Europe, South America, China and numerous points in between.

Jerry was always larger than life. He was all about people. He was readily available and always an advocate for families, seniors, those with disabilities and anyone he felt needed a voice. Some of his smaller but most treasured accomplishments were free transit for seniors on Tuesdays, an award he received from CNIB for being the first Councillor in the Atlantic provinces to issue his newsletters and calling cards in Braille and his ongoing efforts to preserve and improve playgrounds, parks and green

spaces in north end Halifax.

Once met, Jerry was rarely forgotten. He created a lasting legacy, whether it was in the classroom, in Council chambers or later in life as he walked the streets with his nordic poles, chatting with everyone along the way. He will be missed by family and friends and all of those he served in his beloved north end Halifax.

Special thanks for the excellent and compassionate care he received from the nurses and staff at Willow Hall and especially Dr. Liana Aries and Alana Aisthorpe. A private family service will be held and a celebration of his life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the greatest tribute to Jerry would be for anyone whose life he has touched to pass along an act of kindness.