Gerald Joseph Doucet

Gerald "Gerry" Joseph Doucet, B.A., LL.B, Q.C. It is with deep sadness that the family of Gerald Doucet announce his death at age 80. Gerry died peacefully in Halifax on Thursday, November 23, 2017, surrounded by his beloved family and precious caregiver.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Vida; his five children, Michelle, Dana (John Donovan), Gerry (Cyndy), Paul (Lisa), and Denise (Ken Wilson) and his two stepsons, Brian Hatfield (Cherie) and Brad Hatfield (Hanya); his grandchildren, Emma, Jensen, Breton, Katherine, Alexandre, Camryn, Jack, Gabrielle, Lauren, Erin, Aidan, Sophie, Brooke, Delaney and Ella; his brothers, Alfred (Alina), Raymond (Carol), Philippe (Leona), and Maurice (Marie); and 12 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his infant brother, Charles, and first wife, Nancy.

Born on May 4, 1937 to Marie Antoinette (Aucoin) and Joseph Doucet, Gerry was the eldest of six sons. A trailblazer in the Acadian community, he attended St. Francis Xavier University and Dalhousie University, receiving degrees from both and making many lifelong friends in the process.

Gerry led a big, busy life. He was first elected to the Nova Scotia Legislature at age 26 and nine months later became a member of the Premier Robert L. Stanfield Cabinet; he was its last surviving member. He was successively elected in the ensuing elections of 1967 and 1970 with increasing majorities. He served as Minister of Education, Minister of Youth, Provincial Secretary, and Minister of Emergency Measures.

Gerry practiced law during the 60s, 70s and 80s. His professional affiliations and advisory functions, both in business and community, were numerous. He founded CIGO radio station in Port Hawkesbury in 1975. In the 80s and 90s, he was a leading pioneer in the field of government-business relations consulting for corporate clients with great expertise of all levels of government. Gerry was a renowned workaholic and had a reputation for getting things done. He provided sage advice and counsel to many senior decision-makers during his lifetime.

As much as Gerry loved his work, it was his family that was his true passion. He was blessed with marvelous brothers and sisters-in-law, all of whom were united in their adoration of their parents. As for his children and wife Vida, we were his world and we knew it.

Gerry's latter years were influenced by his struggle with Parkinson's Disease, but he did not let that stop him. Vigorous until the end, Dad did not go gently into the night, but he is now with Our Lord Jesus Christ.

We give special thanks to his wonderful caregivers - the Falcis family, Anelfa, Amy, Annabelle and Albert, Winnie Fiesta and Somaya El Bakali. We extend gratitude to the staff of Parkland at the Garden and the incredible staff of the Palliative Care Unit at the VG Site, QEII.

Donations can be given in his name to the Marquerite Centre in Timberlea or the Coady International Institute in Antigonish.

A wake will be held in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., on Tuesday, November 28th, from 5-9 p.m., with the Funeral Service on Wednesday morning in St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica November 29th, at 9:30 a.m., with a reception to follow . A memorial service will also be held in St. Joseph's Church in St. Joseph du Moine, Cape Breton on Friday, December 1st, at 10:30 a.m. An interment will occur in St. Joseph Cemetery, followed by an open reception in the Centre Mi-Careme.