Obituary of Gerry Chute
Gerald “Gerry” Arnold Chute, 74, of Bear River, passed away surrounded by loved ones, on June 16, 2024, at Valley Regional Hospital.
At a young age Gerry excelled in sports, mainly hockey and baseball. He played hockey in Bear River with all the local boys, then went with the Cornwallis Cougars, was a player/president of the Mersey Hockey League, Coleford Baseball team (Liverpool), and coached minor leagues for many years.
He started his banking career in 1970 with Trans Canada Credit who was later bought out by Central Trust and ended his career as Senior Vice-President of the Maritimes at Wells Fargo in 2006. Upon “retirement” he decided he would become a farmer and the Ditch Pig Vineyard was born. From there he produced 22 acres of grapes until his health forced him to retire in 2021. He served as President of the Nova Scotia Grape Growers Association for many years and was one of Jost Winery’s biggest producers and won many awards for his Katelyn grapes. He was a strong advocate pushing the governments to allow the vineyard owners to purchase crop insurance and was a member of many more local committees and organizations – too many to mention.
Gerry is survived by his wife Charlene (Comeau), sisters Darlene Potter, Janice Chute (Bob Andrews), Deanna Chute, and brother Tony (Leanne) Chute; stepdaughters Alexandrea and Emily Peck; nieces Brenda Potter, Brandy & Melissa Parker, Annie Chute; nephews Chris Chute, Christopher, Andrew & Josef Chute; Spencer Wright; and numerous cousins, as well as in-laws Guy & Phyllis Comeau; Nancy Comeau, Cindy (Robbie) Theriault, and Jason Comeau; nieces/nephews Danica & John Comeau, Jacob (Mackenzie)Theriault.
Gerry was predeceased by parents Gerald “Jay” & Phyllis (Lantz) Chute; first wife Kristine (Hopper); and brother-in-law Danny Potter.
Funeral service will take place on June 23, 2024, at 3pm, Bear River Baptist Church, 37 Pleasant Street. Private internment will take place in Mount Hope Cemetery following the service (immediate family only). The family hopes that you will join us at a reception at Bear River Fire Hall immediately following. Family flowers only. Gerry’s final request is that a random act of kindness be done in his memory. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Conway, NS B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).
