It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Kenneth Gavel - our father, husband, brother, and friend - on May 2nd, 2024, where he passed peacefully at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
James (who many know as Ken) was born in Antigonish and was the sixth child of Arthur and Mildred Gavel of South River Road in Antigonish Nova Scotia.
Ken attended St. Andrews Rural High school and in his spare time, worked at the IGA as a grocery clerk. He later went onto St. Francis Xavier University and received his diploma in Engineering and continued to complete his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia in 1970.
Following graduation from University, Ken married the love of his life, Donna, and moved to Labrador City where he worked for the Iron Ore Company for 9 years then later moved to Bathurst New Brunswick where he worked at Brunswick Mines until his retirement in 2003. Ken was an active member of the Lion’s Club in Labrador City where he began as Treasurer and then President.
Ken absolutely loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting. His camp was his source of joy and the yearly fishing weekend with his brothers was an event that he looked forward to all year long (and they have the stories to prove it!). Ken was always willing to lend a hand or provide advice and help people whatever way he could. Following retirement, Ken enjoyed working in his garden (his prized gladiolas) and enjoyed the tranquility of ‘his valley’
Ken is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Mildred; siblings, Edward (Tootsie), Arnold (Helen), John (Carolyn), and Carroll; aunts, Helena Brow and Althena Brow of Cape Jack N,S.; uncles, Edward, Emmanuel, Hubert, Raymond and Cyril of Havre Boucher NS.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; Michelle (Kevin), Halifax, and Kristofer, Dartmouth; grandson, Owen, Halifax; as well as his siblings, Budd (Mae), Lower Sackville; Allister (Renate), British Columbia; Jane, Alberta; Cathy (Bernie), Alberta; Charles (Eileen), Antigonish; Brenda (Laurel), Manitoba; Leo (Cindy), Halifax; and Mary Helene (Dave) Saskatchewan; aunts, Martha (Bernard) DeCoste and Leona Brow; along with his many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Many thanks to the wonderful staff in the Stroke Unit at St. Martha’s Hospital and a special thank you to Dr. Lauren Fogarty, who was amazing every step of the way and a special thanks to Willard Pettipas (Diane) for his invaluable assistance to Ken on many occasions. Lastly, rest easy Ken…we all love you so much!!
Cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or service scheduled. Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to a charity of choice.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com