Ernest Francois Gaudet

Ernest Francois Gaudet, 83, of Digby, Nova Scotia, passed away on June 5, 2023, at Yarmouth General Hospital. Born on December 15, 1939, in Concession, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Joseph Roger Gaudet and Marie Rose Comeau. Ernest, known as Ernest à Roger à George à Pierre in the Acadian tradition, was a beloved member of his community.

Ernest's educational journey took him to schools in Concession, Church Point, and Collège Saint-Anne during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1958, he moved to Halifax where he pursued Pharmacy at college while working at the Halifax Infirmary. He successfully completed the Pharmacy program at the Maritime College of Pharmacy in May 1960. After graduating he bought his first car, a dark grey ‘55 Chevy.

While working at the Halifax Infirmary, he met Joye Mattie in October of 1960 who was completing a nursing program at the Infirmary. Ernest and Joye then married on September 5, 1964, in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Later in 1964 they began working at the Digby General Hospital. After 30 years at DGH, Ernest retired in 1994 but continued part-time work at local pharmacies in Digby.

Music was a passion that resonated throughout Ernest's life. As a selftaught rhythm guitar player, he delighted others with melodies from artists like The Eagles, Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, CCR and many more. He played in several local bands including Motion 5. Ernest also mentored his sons in music, passing on his love for the craft. In his retirement years, he spent several years recording and mixing and producing his own music. He especially cherished playing guitar at family and friend gatherings, where he was often joined by other musicians including his brother André on violin.

Ernest had a strong connection to his Acadian heritage and cherished memories of his upbringing. He liked the simple pleasures of his childhood, including molasses cookies, Flash Gordon comic books, train rides to Weymouth and playing hockey on a small outdoor pond.

His trips to Boston had lasting memories, including watching baseball games at Fenway Park seeing legendary players like Mickey Mantle and Joe DiMaggio. Many times, he joined his brother Donald to catch hockey games at the Boston Garden to watch the Bruins play the Maple Leafs or the Canadiens. Ernest and Joye celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2014, surrounded by family and friends, dancing to live music at the Little Brook Club in Clare. A lifelong dream, they travelled across Canada to Vancouver by train and sailed north to the Alaskan coastline.

Ernest was predeceased by his parents, Roger and Marie Comeau, sister Jeanette Topping, brothers Robert, Donald, André, Gerald and sister-in-laws Pauline and Anne Marie. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joye; sons Nevin (Vicky) and Neal (Anne), brother Ralph (Rita), sister-in-laws May and Micheline, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A service will be held at Jayne's Funeral Home in Digby, NS on Saturday June 17th, 2023, at 11:00am Father Raymond Odumuko officiating.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the medical staff at Yarmouth General Hospital, particularly Dr. Jim Chandler, for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society Nova Scotia or another medical association of choice.

His music will play in our hearts forever

Sa musique jouera dans nos coeurs pour toujours