Obituary of Gilbert Anthony MacNutt

It is with great sadness that the family of Gilbert Anthony MacNutt announces his peaceful passing on August 30, 2021, at the Veterans Heath Unit. Born in Truro, Nova Scotia, to Frederick Philip MacNutt and Erema Arlington (Hyson) on July 20, 1924. Married to Virginia Clara (Elderkin) for 54 years and who preceded him in 2002. Gil’s dream was to be pilot but, as luck would have it, he was colour blind so he took a different avenue in World War II and served as an Instrument Technician reaching the rank of Sergeant. Gil was extremely proud to serve with the 420th Snowy Owl Squadron at the bomber base in Tholthorpe, England. After being honourably discharged from the war and a short stint in the hospital, Gil set his sight on his next venture, university. One of his proudest moments was graduating with honours from the University of Toronto as an Aeronautical Engineer. Gil continued his love of planes by working at Canadair in Montreal and his love for children became clear as Gil and Ginny adopted 5 children before moving to Seattle,Washington, and working for Boeing. This is where Gil was on a team of engineers that designed the famous Boeing 747. Dad always said this was one of his favourite experiences. Gil’s busy life continued with opening up a nursing home back in Riverside - Albert, New Brunswick, in the early 70’s and then taking a job in Fredericton with the Department of Health and Medicare where he continued until his retirement in 1989. Not ready to let him go Gil continued on for a few more years to ease the transition. Dad loved fishing, golfing, chess, curing, cards, car rallies, and reading. He had a passion for reading and always had at least two books on the go. One of his greatest loves was cards. He could be found at the Legion, Air Force Wing, the family house or at his children’s places playing cards. Always a competitor and you had to earn your win or why play? Staying still was not his style. Gil spent many years as the President of the local Air Force Wing, Fredericton Direct Charge Co-op and many committees. Gil stayed involved with for many years with the 403 Squadron at Base Gagetown and the local Legion Branch 4. Remembrance Day was always a special time for Gil. He spent many years being involved in the local parade and leading the way carrying one of the flags. Gil made sure the young ages never forgot. Gil spent numerous years attending the FHS Remembrance Day Ceremonies. Gil was always ready to pass on his wisdom and willing to help anyone in need, especially his children. Gil had a calm, natural way to get his point across. Never passing judgement but always making sure you understood all actions have consequences. It would be one of his greatest gifts that he passed on to all that grew to know him well. We were so very lucky that our father was able to carry on in his way of challenging you or asking questions till the end. Current events were important to him and had the will to always want to know what was going on and why. His way of humour and sarcasm would always come out. Gil had the gift to talk so when Covid struck us all in different ways the isolation was not what he needed. We are all grateful and blessed to have had dad in our lives for 97 years. Gilbert is survived by his daughter, Terry-Ann Brawn (George); sons, Alan MacNutt (Helen) of Ottawa, Michael MacNutt (Marie- France), and David MacNutt. His beloved grandchildren, Shelley Brawn-Clements (Jim), Ashley Brawn (Adam McKinley) of Red Deer, Melanie Brawn (Richard Stark) of Red Deer, Oliver MacNutt of Ottawa, Adam (Gil) MacNutt (Melanie) of Hamilton, Alynn Legere-MacNutt (Dylan), Danielle MacNutt and, last but not least, his great grandson, Landen McKinley. Gil was predeceased by his wife, Ginny; daughter, Katherine Halder; grandson, Chandler; brother, Howard; sisters, Arlene, Freda, and Ruby. Gilbert was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Gil’s children and extended family would like to thank all of the staff of the Veterans Health Unit for the wonderful, kind, and compassionate care dad received while being there for 5 years. He loved joking and teaching you Gil’s way. He talked about all of you many, many, many times. You meant a lot to him. We will never forget There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held from the J.A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 1:00 pm. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4 will hold a tribute prior to the service beginning at 12:45 pm. A live stream will be available to view at the following link for those unable to attend in person: https://vimeo.com/600272673. For those who wish, donations in Gilbert’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice.