Obituary of Garry Tighe, New Waterford

Our hearts are broken as we announce the passing of Joseph Garry Tighe, age 71, on April 14, 2020. Garry was born in New Waterford to the late Dempsey and Lila (Doyle) Tighe. Garry was a Pipefitter by trade and a member of UA of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 682 for 53 years. He worked on many construction sites across Canada. He took pride in his work and was a master of his trade. Garry was a member of the Anavets Unit 217 and Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 15 and will be sadly missed by his many friends. After a long battle with cancer, Garry fought hard to overcome his illness. He had the strongest will to live to the very end. Garry was a thoughtful and generous man to everyone, always willing to help anyone in a time of need. He would give the shirt off his back. An example was one year while vacationing in Cuba, a gentleman commented on Garry’s shirt which had an old Chev on it. In true Garry fashion, he gave the gentleman the shirt off his back. He left Cuba with only the clothes he was wearing; he had decided to give them all away to people he felt needed them more than he did. This speaks volumes of his generous nature. There have been countless stories that have been shared throughout the years of different ways that he has displayed his kindness towards others. Garry is survived by the love of his life, Carol Anne (Samuel); sons, Gary (Cathy), Sydney, Shane (Robin), Ottawa, Kelly (Charlene), New Waterford, and loving daughter, Lila (Nolan), Sylvan Lake and his grandchildren whom he loved dearly, Nathan, Adam, Bridget, Madeleine, Jack Dempsey, Gabe, Sam and Max. Garry is also survived by his siblings, Mary (Jim) England, Frankie (Elaine), Patricia (Richard), Marion (Victor), Billy (Tishy), Evelyn (the late Dan), Lila (Jackie), all of New Waterford and Joanne of Connecticut. Additionally, he was loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who meant the world to him, and his in-laws, the Samuel Family. Besides his parents, Garry was predeceased by his sister, Brenda (Gerald) and brother, John “Diz”. Garry loved his family dearly and was always so protective of his siblings; he was truly the family patriarch. The family would like to extend a very sincere thank you for the wonderful care provided by Palliative Care Doctors and Nurses. To VON for their dedication and exceptional care. Special thanks to Dr. Khodadad, Oncologist and Dr. Bridget Lowry. Also, for the wonderful care provided by nurses of the New Waterford Consolidated Hospital and Cape Breton Regional Hospital. As per Garry’s request, cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith Street, New Waterford. A family service will be held at a later date. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca. In the words of Garry’s grandson Sam he was, “A man’s man and a true gentleman.” To celebrate his life, raise your glass and think of all the wonderful memories we share of Garry. He was loved and will be missed by all!