Wayne David Gay

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Wayne David Gay, who died peacefully on February 2, 2022, at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

He was good-natured, gracious and very well-liked by everyone who met him. Wayne touched the lives of all his family and friends with happiness and laughter as proven by the tremendous outpouring of love and well-wishes from so many.

With immense pride, he watched with his wife Judy, their beloved family grow to include a son Tim, daughter Tina, daughter-in-law Tanya, four grandchildren; Courtney (Carlie), Jessica (Thomas), Olivia and Evan and a great-grandchild, Mara. He was and still is the thread that keeps the connection through his grace for others and boundless joy of music.

He was born in Tuft’s Cove, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia on 10 July 1944, the son of Frederick and Margaret (Hubley) Gay. Wayne had 14 brothers and sisters.

Surviving are sisters Sharon, Bonny, and Debbie. He was predeceased by brothers Jackie, David, Clarence and Frederick and sisters Judith Mae, Margaret, Juliette, Marlene, Pammie, Dolly and Patsy. He married Mary Judith Brownrigg in Dartmouth in 1965.

He managed the Sackville Arena for years and then worked for the Halifax County Water Department, from which he retired. Among his lifetime of accomplishments were the building of a house in Lower Sackville (while on leave from work with a full leg cast) and then another on Cook’s Lake, Middle Musquodoboit. Years later, he further retired to life on the Bay of Fundy in Economy, Nova Scotia.

Very notably, he was victorious over his early battle with alcoholism, boasting sobriety since 1980 - 42 years! His courage and willpower were deeply admired by his family.

He loved country living and spent many retirement years with his wife, Judy (Mary). In Economy, he was surrounded by the ocean and his bountiful flower and vegetable gardens. He shared their 20 acres of land with whatever animals lived nearby, whether it was horses who would graze in the fields, deer that would eat his apples, birds that feasted on the grapes or foxes who just came by for a visit. He found fulfillment in discovering new hikes and waterfalls, daily coffee drives to Parrsboro waterfront, and taking his companion and best friend, Shadow, to the rivers and beach.

He loved sharing his beautiful piece of the world with visitors. When he saw you, he had a way of smiling that immediately made you feel welcomed and showed how happy he was to see you. He chose to lead a simple life and in that, he struck it rich. He was not worried about fancy jewelry and cars - just fancy sunsets and beautiful rivers. He was a giver, not a taker.

He left a sparkling winter forest of crystal wonder to announce his exit. He did it his way.

A very special thank you to his care givers at Saint Vincent’s Nursing Home. They made a real difference in the last few months.

Donations may be made to Hope for Wildlife. (www.hopeforwildlife.net)