Obituary of Gerard Gregoire LeFort

J. Gerard Gregoire LeFort, age 78, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2023, in Tideview Terrace, Digby. He was the second of four sons born to the late William à Baptiste and Elizabeth à Moise (Aucoin) LeFort of Cheticamp.

Gerard began his life in Cheticamp then relocated to Weymouth, where he attended school and then was further educated at receiving a B.A. at Université Sainté-Anne. He went on to receive a B. Ed. from Université de Moncton. He then studied for two years toward a B.B.A. at Acadia University but decided earning some money was more to his liking than studying about it.

Gerard began his teaching career in Lawrencetown with the Annapolis Regional School Board. He then moved to the Yarmouth area and worked at several jobs including real estate, Aberdeen Paving, Tri-Star Industries, Dominion Textiles, Viking Cable T.V. Ltd, United Investment Services Ltd., and (his favorite) lobster fishing. Upon relocating to Annapolis Royal, he was offered a bilingual position as a Federal Fisheries Officer (Conservation & Enforcement) which included vessel operation and navigation. He really loved that job, and remained there until retirement. During that time, he was asked to supervise courses for new recruits at the Coast Guard College in Sydney and at the RCMP Depot in Regina.

Gerard had many interests such as reading, music (particularly Cape Breton fiddle), playing the spoons, campfires at The Fundy Spray, puzzles of any kind, and travel. He and Heather visited several areas of Canada, U.S.A., Europe, and the Caribbean. He started every day reading the Chronicle Herald and doing the Cryptoquote and Sudoku. In his younger years, he also enjoyed curling and coaching hockey. However, his real passion was golf. There was little he could not tell you about every professional golfer, and many discussions were held around the men’s table at the Fort Anne Cafe.

Gerard was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church in Annapolis Royal, as well as a 3rd Degree Knight of Conseil 6348 Knights of Columbus in Comeauville. He was Past President of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21, Annapolis Royal, and a former Lieutenant of the 84th Independent Field Battery of the Yarmouth Militia Reserve. He was a reliable and frequent volunteer of the Church, the Legion, and the Annapolis Royal Food Bank.

Gerard was a quiet, soft-spoken man with beautiful blue eyes, a keen mind, a gentle smile and a patient, loving heart. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who knew him.

Along with numerous family members and good friends, Gerard is survived by his wife, Heather Williamson-LeFort; his two children, Eric (Michelle) and Alexa (Michael); his grandchildren, Jackson and Maddie Sutherland, and Lucas and Heidi Johnston; his brothers, Rodrigue (Suzanne) and René; brothers-in-law, Philip (Sheree) and Rick; sister-in-law, Laurel; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Gerard was predeceased by his brother, Adrien; nephew, Luc; and other extended family.

With sincere gratitude the family would like to thank Royal Canadian Legion Br. 21, the wonderful community of Tideview Terrace, Father Raymond Odumuko, and staff at Serenity Funeral Home, for their support during this difficult time. 

“Fair winds, Babe.”

A Funeral Service for Gerard will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 2:00 pm in the St. Louis Catholic Church, followed by a reception in the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21, both in Annapolis Royal. Family flowers only. Burial will be at a later date. Donations in Gerard’s memory may be made to the Annapolis Food Bank, St. Louis Church Cemetery, or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 21. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Digby, NS B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).