It is with heavy hearts that the family of Gerald ‘Jerry’ Edward Cross, 83 of Wileville, Lunenburg County, NS, announces his passing on Nov. 3, 2023 at the Halifax Infirmary. Jerry was born Sept. 13, 1940 in Bridgewater to the late Archie and Elva (Joudrey) Cross.
Jerry’s working years began as a bellhop at Bridgewater’s beloved former Fairview Hotel. He had some interesting stories from there! His employment years continued with working with the public and developing his carpentry skills. He and friend, Russ were known as ‘George’s Boys’ at the former Fina Service station in the 1960s. From there, he became Centennial Mobile Home’s Service Manager servicing customers as far away as Shelburne.
For some reason, the worst thunderstorms hit when he was away! Jerry’s skilled labour and eye for precision was appreciated at Brady’s Woodworking and finally, at Robar Countertops. In between these jobs, he did lots of ‘handyman’ jobs; inside and outside for many people. He also worked with brother, Dougie building a house.
Speaking of houses, the very house he and Marguerite lived in for 55 years was mainly built with his skilled hands, sharp eye and pride! As a side hustle during the 1970s, Jerry and father-in-law, Henry set up Bridgewater’s first Christmas tree lot selling at Dufferin Street’s Fina Gas station location and from his home. Oh, the excitement when the first load of Christmas trees arrived in the backyard! Repeat customers left happy every year with the ‘perfect tree’ from Jerry, Marguerite and Henry!
Thousands of hours in his lifetime would have been spent driving ‘down the river’ and around Crescent, Rissers and Green Bay beaches; especially Rissers! We were one of the first families to christen Little Rissers in its early years. They still exchange Christmas cards with one of the Rissers families from Ontario!
Much joy was had in his retirement walking their woodlands in Midville Branch. Seeing any form of wildlife made it all worthwhile. Dad’s heart was most content when family filled the house like it was this past Thanksgiving.
He will be missed from all family events. He was one of the last surviving ‘neighbourhood dads’ who took great pride in how his property looked. Winston, the cat will miss his presence, as well.
He is survived by his wife, Marguerite of 61 years, daughter Kathleen Canning, sons Stephen (Kathy) and Robert (Linda). Granddaughter Samantha Mogensen (Stefan). Grandsons Jordan (Katherine) and Adam Canning. Great-Granddaughter Alexis Mogensen. Brother Douglas Cross (Donna) and 11 nieces and nephews. Jerry was predeceased by sister, Marjorie (Zwicker).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgewater or S.H.A.I.D. animal shelter, Whynotts Settlement. Much gratitude is extended to the staff of the outpatients department at South Shore Regional Hospital and the staff of the 6.1 and 6.4 units at the Infirmary. Visitation will be held Wednesday Nov. 8 from 7 -9pm at R.A. Corkum Funeral Home in Wileville. Graveside Service will be 11:00am Thursday in St. James Lutheran Cemetery, Branch LaHave, followed by a reception at the Branch Lahave Community Hall.
Jerry went for coffee every morning with his brother, Dougie. Please enjoy and/or pay for a coffee for someone else and think of Jerry. Take a few minutes of your day to chat with someone, as they create long lasting memories; as well.
On-line condolences may be made by visiting www.corkumfuneralhome.ca