Big Baddeck
It is with great sadness we, the family, announce the sudden passing of Gary Arthur Pierrard of Big Baddeck.
Born in New Waterford in October 1957, Gary was the son of the late Hilda Mae (Leadbeater) and Sonny (Amie F.C.) Pierrard. Besides parents, he was predeceased by mother and father-in-law, Aubrey and Peggy (Price) Lewis; sisters-in-law, Pam, and Lucie; grandparents, Lily and Amos Pierrard, and Irene and Leonard Leadbeater; uncle, Everett, as well as many dear family and friends.
Gary leaves behind his wife and best friend, Trish (Lewis); three sons, Kyle (Shekina), Matthew (Katelyn), and Jordan; precious grandchildren, Khloe, and Carter; siblings, Leonard (Doris), Kenny (Ruth), and Wendy (Eddie); in-laws, Ira (Brenda), and Heather (John); nieces and nephews, Jacob, Amie, Taylor, Shelley, James, Ira, Jake, Zack, Josh, Jason, Sarah, Shelby, and Jared; aunt and uncle, Marcelle, Margie Pierrard, and extended family and friends.
Gary often recalled many happy memories from over the years. He made friends wherever he went, beginning in New Waterford, then Hunters Mtn., Baddeck and lastly Big Baddeck.
At a young age, Gary enjoyed seeking out jobs and offering a helping hand. This was evident in his incredible work ethic, which led to his favourite job at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. His workplace and coworkers were his second home and family.
A born athlete, Gary excelled in many sports; track and field, volleyball, hockey and curling, to name a few. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and coaching volleyball, where his reach went far beyond the court. He was a loyal fan of the Blue Jays, Raptors and Maple Leafs.
The simple things in life meant the world to Gary; coffee, card games, meals with family and friends, chaperoning Baddeck Academy school trips, his dogs, enjoying the garden, and barbecues with beer. He was skilled at problem solving and remembering the finest of details.
Against his wishes and in return for leaving us too soon, we will be celebrating Gary Pierrard’s well lived and loved life. A casual gathering will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Big Baddeck Community Hall, 87 Big Baddeck Road Ext, Baddeck. Hoodies, T-shirts, jeans and work boots are welcome. Please share his jokes and stories, and pay it forward with kindness, generosity and community spirit.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
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Trish and all the Pierrard Family,
We are so very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Gary. He was a great friend and we had a lot of good times together. RIP friend…
Dear Trish and all the Pierrard Family, my heart aches with you all for the tragic, untimely passing of Gary. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with him and his beautiful family at his home for the annual get togethers. Lots of laughs, stories and great food sure made you shine. Soar with the angels…you will be missed by many. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Trish & Family
I am so sorry for your loss 💔
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Patsy MacKenzie
We extend our sincere condolences to you, Trish, and to all your family. You are all in our thoughts as you grieve the loss of Gary. Take care of each other with love and hugs!
I was deeply saddened to hear of Gary’s sudden passing. I had the privilege of working with Gary for 18 years in Asset Management with the Cape Breton Field Unit at Parks Canada. He was truly an asset to Alexander Graham Bell and a wonderful coworker who brought dedication, knowledge, and kindness to his work every day.
Although I didn’t know his family personally, Gary always spoke with great pride and love about his wife, his three sons, and his grandchildren. It was clear how much they meant to him, especially as he looked forward to enjoying retirement after November 2025.
It feels especially unfair that his retirement was so short. Gary’s presence will be missed by all of us who had the opportunity to work alongside him.
My heartfelt condolences to his wife, sons, grandchildren, and all who loved him. Thinking of you during this very difficult time.
Such a great loss for you and your family, Trish. Gary will be remembered as a kind and generous soul. Always giving of his time and energy to his friends and family. Much love and hugs as you grieve his passing.
To Trish,Kyle,Matthew,Jordan and your families.
I am so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I was a carpenter with Parks Canada for 20 years. During that time l was dispatched to the Bell museum on several occasions. It was during that time l had the pleasure of getting to know Gary. Being a leafs and Blue Jays fan we hit it off immediately. Gary introduced me to fiddle heads and on occasion treated me to some of his amazing homemade salsa. I miss our bacon cheeseburgers from Three doors down. A real gentleman he often spoke proudly of all of you. Unfortunately l will be out of town and unable to attend the celebration of life. May you find comfort in your fond memories of Gary. Take care.
Sincerely,
Clarence Currie
Wendy and family,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Bert and Maurina Lewis
To Trish and family we extend our deepest condolences to you in this most difficult time. As your cousin,David, my wife and I attended a couple of family reunions at Fundy park. On one occasion I remember having a very enjoyable conversation with Gary.
Gary’s obituary recounts the memories of his enjoyment and commitment to his family, friends and community which was so beautifully shared.
Our thoughts remain with you at this time.
My deepest condolences on Garry’s passing. He was one of a kind
Trish and family, We are so sorry to hear hear of Gary’s sudden passing. So unfair at such a young age and just retired. Our thoughts are with all of you. Cousin Maureen, Wayne & family.
Deepest Sympathy Trish & family in your great loss.
Cherish your precious memories.
Sincerely,
Shirley & Carl
Trish and family
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.
Sending my sincere condolences to Trish and all the family. As I remember he liked his dome dawgs from the Yellow Cello too😌
Deepest condolences to Wendy and the Pierrard family .
Trish & Family
I am so sorry for your loss 💔
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
Patsy MacKenzie
My Condolences to the families of Gary . RIP Gary . He is going to be miss by all who was so lucky to get to know him.I worked at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in the Cafe where he would come get his coffee and have a laugh. 💔🕊️🪽
A great soul we will miss him immensely. And yet, he is not quite gone, and I can prove it using the fundamental laws of the universe, the Bible, and a line from a song. Firstly, energy cannot be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Then Einstein brings in light using E=mc2 . The Bible states “Let there be light”. The line “every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end”. So no beginning and no end, as long as there is light. Definitely felt the light from Gary.
I remember fondly the time we went fishing on the Baddeck river and he “accidentally” flipped me from the canoe into the river. My first time hunting, mostly lucky rabbits. He was also the only one willing to camp under the stars (with the slugs) at Wreck Cove. Winter camping where we learned how cold it can be without the proper equipment. He generously offered the gun case to insulate me from the ground. We ended up bailing, retreating back to the house and watching movies. We had great times on our many summer trip together.
He was always helpful and a pleasure to be around. We are fortunate to have had Gary as an uncle. Love you all, Jacob and family.
Dear Trish, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Gary was the most dependable man I ever met, a truly great guy.
Trish and family,
Our sincere condolences to each of you at this most difficult time.
Sending my sincere condolences to Gary’s family during this difficult time. I had the privilege of working with him for several years at the museum and will never forget his kindness, generosity, and wicked sense of humour.
Trish and family, we are so saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. We will keep you in our thoughts as you navigate these difficult days. We hope your many happy memories will give you comfort always.
My thoughts goes out to Trish, Jordan, Matthew, Kyle and the rest of the Pierrard family.
I am greatful for you all including me in your lives over the years.
Gary will be greatly missed.