Obituary of Gerald "Shrimp" Finlayson, Reserve Mines

Gerald “Shrimp” Finlayson

Reserve Mines

It is with sadness that we the family announce the passing of Gerald (Shrimp) Finlayson of Reserve Mines on Friday, May 10, 2019, at Harbourstone Enhanced Care, Sydney, NS.

Born in Reserve Mines, he was the son of Daniel and Margaret (MacLeod) Finlayson.

Shrimp worked as a fireman at the Point Edward Naval Base and finished his career with the Cape Breton Development Corporation.  He was an avid sportsman playing baseball with his brothers in organized leagues in Reserve Mines and surrounding areas and hockey for ‘Little X’.  A lifelong Montreal Canadians fan, Shrimp enjoyed numerous trips to Montreal with his sons-in-law to see his beloved Habs play.  Shrimp was fortunate to retire at age 55 and enjoyed two decades of summers playing golf with his buddies at Lingan Golf Club (he will now be reunited with Toomey, Neily, and Stevie B. who have been shining their clubs waiting for him), and winters playing hockey several times a week, as well as attending many Eagles games with his wife. 

Later in life he kept active with daily walks to the post office and walking his dog, Chloe, on the old airport road.  Shrimp was always known as a thoughtful and patient man, and these traits were put to the test in his retirement, driving his wife, Mary Lou, from store, to store, to store.  His greatest joy was being surrounded by his family, particularly his girls and four grandchildren, at holiday and family events.  Shrimp was also involved with St. Joseph’s church as an altar boy in his youth and doing readings in mass and acting as a Eucharistic minister in later years.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou (Livingstone), daughters Pam (Kenny) MacLeod, and Mikki (Joe) Armishaw; grandchildren Harris and Connor MacLeod, and Emma and Ben Armishaw.

He will be dearly missed by his surviving sisters Helen MacNeil, Jane Chiasson, and Marie Finlayson.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by six brothers. 

Special thanks to Dr. Bob O’Brien and the staff of the Glace Bay General Hospital and Harbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, in particular, the staff of the Fisherman’s Cove wing.  Also, our sincerest gratitude to wonderful neighbours Johnny and Muriel Fortune.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel and Reception Centre, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.

 A funeral mass celebrating his life will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Parish church, Reserve Mines, with Father Dan Boudreau officiating.  There will be a reception to follow in the Parish Hall.

Donations in his memory may be made to the St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery Fund, Reserve Mines.

Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.vjmcgillivray.ca