Sydney
Grateful for the life he shared, we announce the death of Gerald F. Gallant ‘Bucky’ on April 27, 2024, at Hospice Cape Breton, weeks prior to his 90th birthday.
Bucky was the son of the late Joseph Gallant and Ellen (Minnie) Gallant. Raised in the North End of Sydney, one of 11 children, he was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survived and dearly loved by his wife and partner of nearly 65 years, Helen (MacDonald), along with his three children and their spouses: Michelle Lane (Halifax) (recently lost her husband, David Lane), Denise Gallant (North Sydney) and her husband, John Anderson, and Bradley Gallant (Cocoa Beach) and his wife, Faye Gallant. Also survived and remembered fondly by his grandchildren: Kyle Neville (Sydney), Brennan Neville (Edmonton) and his wife, Landice Neville, Rhys Gallant and Eva Gallant (Cocoa Beach), as well as his grandchildren by marriage: Johnna Johnston (Matthew) (Sydney) and Jennifer Anderson (Halifax); and by his great-granddaughters: Maggie Neville (Sydney) and Quinn Neville (Edmonton). Bucky is also survived by his brothers-in-law, John ‘Dicker’ MacDonald (Englishtown) and his wife, Joanne Mac Donald, and Graham MacLeod (Sydney) and sister-in-law, Eileen MacDonald (Toronto).
Predeceased by his siblings: Donald, James ‘Doc’, Russell B ‘Duke’, Alice Hoch, Jessie Kubiseski, Isabelle Hofheinz, Gertrude Skinner, Helen MacEachern, Joan Leahy and Dorothy Gallant, and all of their spouses.
His career began with a brief stint as a meteorologist in the Air Force, but through and through he was a dedicated telephone man retiring from MT&T after 39 years. Beyond his work he was a proud telephone pioneer and treasured lifelong friendships with his co-workers. Then he combined work and travel contracting out his telephone skills in the US. When he finally “officially” retired there were always things to build or renovate and he loved that work.
Bucky was a quiet thoughtful man, an ideal match for his more gregarious brother and best friend, Duke. He was also a man of his word.
Bucky believed in serving his communities, and every task he stepped up for involved friendship and commitment to doing a respectable job. When travel was involved, so much the better. Of note he served on the Sydney School Board, the Conservative Party of Canada, the Board and Credit Committee of Sydney Credit Union, and the Board of Lingan Golf and Country Club. He was committed to his Catholic Faith, he prayed daily, and he served his parish in many roles. Bucky could always be counted on.
A fierce competitor all his life, he loved sports especially hockey, baseball, and golf both as a participant and a spectator. Along with Helen, he maintained an active lifestyle and travel was a constant thread throughout their married life.
He was curious by nature, needed to have things organized and working, but that never stopped him from tearing something apart to fix it. His family was blessed with his talent for carpentry. His children were first enlisted as helpers but were ultimately the beneficiaries of multiple house construction projects. If his family could dream it and afford it, Bucky would build it.
As his children’s lives expanded to include their own partners, so too did Bucky and Helen’s. They embarked on cruises to see the world while spending time with Brad and Faye; embraced a love of sailing when John entered Denise’s life; and shared a keen interest in energy conservation with Michelle’s husband, Dave and a fascination with his pursuit of astronomy.
In the past four years Bucky and Helen joined the community of Parkland Cape Breton and happily embraced new friends and all the activities they found there.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Marquerite Bourgeoys Parish, Cabot St., Sydney on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow in the church foyer.
Bucky was grateful to spend his final weeks in the care of Hospice Cape Breton. If you wish to make a donation in his memory, please direct it to this wonderful organization.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
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Online Condolences
Helen sending condolence to you and family
From: Fred and Mary Broussard Moules
Dear Denise and Family
Condolences on the passing of your dear father. May all your cherished memories be a comfort to you all at this difficult time. Take Care
Margaret Ann &Clifford Morrison
Fond memories of Uncle Bucky. Our condolences.
Dear Aunt Helen, Michelle, Denise, Brad, and families.
Uncle Bucky was always a big part of visits out East. Always so warm and welcoming. I really enjoyed our chats, and seeing the comraderie between him and Dad. So many good memories. He will be forever in your hearts. Our sincere condolences on his passing.
Derek, Jodi, Sem, and Robyn
Uncle Bucky you were always part of my family life growing up and such a good friend of Dad’s. Many memories created to be cherished for the rest of my life. Sending much love to Aunt Helen, Michelle, Denise and Brad. Rest in peace. 🙏❤️
Denise, we are so sorry to hear of your dads passing. Sending condolences to you and your family during this sad time.
Helen and family. Sorry to hear of Bucky’s passing. He was such a kind person. Sending Condolences to his family.
Helen & Family:
So sorry for your loss. Treasure all your fond memories .
Sincere Condolences
Anne Marie MacAskill
Denise & John
We are saddened to hear of the passing of your father (& father in law). You have many happy memories to cherish
Know we are thinking of you during this difficult time
Denise so sorry to hear of your fathers passing n know that I’m thinking of you n your family.
Sincere condolences Helen, Denise and family! Bucky was a perfect gentleman when he was on the Credit Union Board of Directors and Credit Committee …always a pleasure to speak to!
May he rest in peace and may you all find comfort in your memories!
Barb, Glenn and Diane Miller
Helen and family,
My sincerest condolances to you,Helen,and your family on the recent passing of Bucky. I have so many fond memories of Bucky “on the dock”. He was always so kind, thoughtful ….a true gentleman.
I remember how proud he was when he spoke of his family and grandchildren. He has left you each a wonderful legacy.
May knowing that so many friends will be thinking of you at this time bring some comfort.
With sincerest sympathy and a warm hug, Helen.
Audree Coyle.
Helen and Family:
My deepest sympathy on the death of dear Bucky. The Brocklehurst Family considered you Helen and Bucky Good Friends I will pray for Peace on his life in Eternity. May our Loving God Bless you with Courage, Peace and Strength in this your time of sorrow and loss.
Blessings, Audrey M. Brocklehurst
Dear Helen,
Sorry to hear this news.
Condolence to the family.
I shall light a candle for him on this side of the pond.
Robert MacDonald & Georges Dimotsantos
Helen and Family: We were saddened to read about Bucky’s passing. We have many fond memories of our credit union days and the time we spent travelling. Bucky was a true gentleman, always so friendly and a genuine people person. He will be missed but I’m sure the Family have many instances to remember him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time . May He Rest in Peace. God Bless. Roddie and Judy.
Dear Denise, Kyle and Brennan – We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. May he rest in peace.
Audrey and Mary (Biddie) Jessome
Dear Aunt Helen & cousins Michelle, Denise and Bradley,
We are so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Uncle Bucky – such a warm man and always ready with a smile .
Sincere condolences
Tracy MacDonald & Brian Barton
Dear Denise, I am sorry to hear of your Dads passing, certainly a great loss for you and your family. May he rest in peace.
Helen and Family
Sorry to hear of Bucky’s passing. I have so many good memories of your clan and ours in Ingonish in the summers. He worked at MT&T long enough to counsel me on a few things in my early years in the Bell family. Condolences to you all
We are so sorry for your loss. We wish you the blessing of the many sweet memories that will keep Bucky ever close in your hearts and always as near as your next thought. He was a memorable and wonderful man.
God Bless you all.
Helen & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss..
Condolences to all..
Evelyn (Currie) Ferguson (Orangeville,Ont.)
Helen,Denise,Michelle,Brad and family.
Sorry for your loss.We have many great memories of Bucky and the times spent with our family.He will be missed.
Helen, Denise & Family we were so sorry to read of Bucky passing. I actually inherited his desk when he retired from MTT and also was not at all surprised that he continued on in the States. Such a nice man. You will be in our thoughts and prayers
Michelle, Denise and families,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
Denise and family. Sincere condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Dear Helen and Family,
It was so good to know Bucky both at the condo and at Parkland. He was a “good man” whose friendship I cherish. I am so sorry I am unable to be with you at his funeral. But I will see you at Parkland to express my sentiments more personally.
May Bucky be at peace with his Lord.
Fraternally
Fr. Bedford
Helen and Family,
Our sincere condolences go out to you on Bucky’s passing, Always the gentlemen, whenever we met he had time to stop and chat and inquire about what was going on in our lives. May time and your fond memories bring you comfort.
John and Jane
Helen , Denise and family , very sorry to hear of Bucky’s passing. He was a very nice man , and a pleasure to work with . Sincere condolences to you all .
So sorry to hear of Bucky’s passing. He was such a gentlemen. I will miss seeing him. Always greater me at Mass. RIP Bucky.
My sincerst condolences Denise to you and your family and especially your mom. I am sure that there is a great golf game going on up there in heaven with his golf travelling buddies Nelson,Roddie and Emerson!
Take care.
Dear Aunt Helen and family, deepest condolences to you all…So sorry for your loss….Uncle Bucky left us with many great memories of visits over the years…He will be missed and held in our hearts,
Linda, Paul, Bianca, and Nicolas
Dear Helen and family, So sorry to learn of Bucky’s passing. Father Bedford announced it at mass, there was a heavy sign from everyone at Parkland. He was well liked and enjoyed people. Many fond memories help you at this time. Sincere Sympathy Dianne Colford MacAskill
Helen and family,very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing.my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Bucky, you were always part of our lives. I have such great memories of you and the entire family. You will be remembered….
Buchy was always a great friend during my career with the telephone company.He was also one of the first people to represent Cape Breton on the A Gordon Archibald Golf executive committee and over the years he contibuted greatly, I will miss him.