Gerald Joseph MacGillivray, age 92, of Beaver Bank and formerly of Antigonish. 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our much-loved father and grandfather, Gerald "Gerry" MacGillivray, who passed peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Born in New Glasgow, he was the son of the late Joseph A. and Mary "Molly" (Ryan) MacGillivray.

Gerry had a deep devotion to his family, and with his gentle loving nature, he cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren - always teaching, encouraging, and comforting. 

He went to high school in Moncton and joined the Air Cadets Squadron. In 1944, Gerry enrolled at St. Joseph's School in Memramcook, (now the University of Moncton) and graduated with a BA in 1949. It was at university where his love for painting blossomed, and he became fluent in French. He earned his B.ED in 1951 at St.F.X. Part of Gerry's early education was spent in Yarmouth, where he met his childhood sweetheart and future wife, Marie Hurlburt. They married in 1952 and the first couple months of marriage was spent in London, Ontario, where Gerry was on staff at the NATO school.

In the fall of 1951, he was commissioned as a flying officer in the Reserves after receiving training in the University Reserve Training Plan.

In 1952, Gerry accepted the position of Supervising Principal of Schools in the Acadian village of West Pubinco.  In 1956, he accepted a teaching position in Antigonish, where he raised his family. He returned to St.F.X. for post graduate studies in Education and received his MA in 1958.

Gerry taught at St. Andrew Rural High for 15 years and went on to become principal of Pomquet Acadian School for 7 years. He completed his teaching career teaching art in Antigonish County schools for 10 years.  He continued teaching art for both young and old at St. FX in the Continuing Education Program.

Gerry had a great love of sailing and being in the outdoors. Many former students remember his nature walks, ski trips, and art excursions.  An artist himself, he enjoyed teaching an evening oil painting class for many years.

Gerry had a keen interest in his Scottish heritage and was very community minded, serving in many organizations.  He was past president of Clan MacGillivray Canada as well as regional director for Clan MacGillivray here in Nova Scotia. He was a member of VANS (Visual Arts Nova Scotia), AHS (Antigonish Highland Society), AHYC (Antigonish Harbour Yacht Club), GAPC (Guysborough Antigonish Pictou Arts Council), and he was a parishioner at St. Ninian's Cathedral and served as a lector. 

After enjoying an active retirement Gerry spent his final years living with his daughter Sheila and family in Beaverbank.

Gerald is survived by his daughters Margaret, Antigonish; Kathy, Halifax; Maura, East Bay; Barbara (Philip Dugandzic), Halifax; Sheila (Philip Wright), Beaver Bank; eight grandchildren, Adam Whalen; Mairi, Anton, Julia, and Anna Dugandzic; Isaac, Liam, and Christian Wright; and brother, Donald MacGillivray, Calgary.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marie; daughter, Joanne, brothers, Fr. Jack MacGillivray, RCAF, and Fr. Hugh MacGillivray, CSC; and sister, Marie Neima.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College St. Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Ninian's Cathedral, Rev. Donald MacGillivray presiding.

In Memoriam donations to Chalice Canada (101-26 Union Street, Bedford NS, B4A 2B5) appreciated.

Online condolences:  www.clcurry.com