Gerald Edwards

Sydney Mines, We are deeply saddened at the death of Gerald Edwards, Sydney Mines, at the age of 94, following a brief illness. Born in Florence, NS in February 1929 to Maurice Edwards and Florence (Jessome) Edwards, he was the second oldest in his large family and the last surviving member.  He was very often the “go to” person for tasks and advice.  

Gerald was predeceased by his son Curtis in 1993, his parents, and his siblings and in-laws Mildred (Albert) MacPhee, Muriel (Leo) Skinner, Jenny (Colin) MacDonald, Elizabeth (Jack) White, Marguerite Edwards, Gordon Edwards, Raymond Edwards, Frederick Edwards, Joseph Edwards, Cyril (Patsy) Edwards, and Carolyn (Frank) White.

Gerald is survived by his wife of 68 years, Georgie, son Fr Conrad and daughter-in-law Ellen Ritchey (Roger), several nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law Shirley Edwards.

Beginning in the late 1940’s Gerald worked for A.M.  MacKinnon Contracting and in 1974 began work as an inspector for various architectural firms on many major capital projects such as Memorial High School and Northside General Hospital and various other large projects.  He retired in 1993.

A man of solid and deep faith, Gerald was a member of Holy Family Parish.  For many years he sang and played in the choir.  Every day of his life began with him on his knees in prayer and  finished every day in the same way. 

A craftsman, and creative to his core, he built his own house, finished furniture and learned upholstery. He crafted a tabernacle for the church, built his own tools such as callipers and bending machines, for various projects.  With a knack for figuring out how things worked or how they could be repaired, his hands enabled these projects to come to life.  He could “turn his hand” to anything.  His workshop and garage always had multiple projects on the go.  Every project was done “right”!

After an illness in 1982 Gerald began art classes, immersing himself in oil painting.  Upon retirement he began three decades of instrument making including Irish Harp, violins, mandolins, guitars and banjo. He completed his last guitar at age 92. 

Gerald loved making music and enjoyed many house gatherings and sessions with his best buddies Hammie MacInnis, Pat Pertus, Colin MacDonald, Mike McNeil, and Alex MacLeod and Meaghan MacDonald. He also enjoyed the Monday night sessions at the Arm of Gold Campground during the summer months.  Gerald was filled with joy and had a zest for life.  This was most evident when the tunes were rolling.

With his even-keeled temperament, and unrelenting generosity of deed and spirit, he was well-respected for his “eagle eye” and fairness on the job sites and deeply loved by his friends and family.

The family are most appreciate of the kind and compassionate care Gerald received at the An Cala Palliative Care Unit of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. 

Memorial donations may be made out to Holy Family Parish, 9 MacKay Street, Sydney Mines    B1V 1R5

Visitation for Gerald Edwards will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, from 1:30-3:30 pm and 6:30-8:30 pm at JM Jobes Funeral Home, Sydney Mines.  The evening session will begin with prayer at 6:30pm.  The funeral is Wednesday, April 5 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Church, Sydney Mines, with Fr. Conrad Edwards presiding. A reception will follow at the John J Nugent Firemen’s Hall.  Burial to take place in the spring at St. Joseph Cemetery, Sydney Mines.  Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at www.jmjobesfuneralhome.com