Gary MacDonald Fownes

With sad but grateful hearts, we the family of Gary MacDonald Fownes announce his peaceful passing in the Victoria County Memorial Hospital on Monday, May 19, 2025.

Gary was born July 8, 1945, the eldest child of the late Charles Alexander (Dick) and Jessie Rose (MacDonald) Fownes.

Despite the early passing of his father, Gary had a wonderful childhood, exploring all around Big Baddeck with his cousins and friends. In 1958 his mother took a teaching position in the close knit, vibrant community of Port Hood Island. There he spent his free time with the island fishermen learning their trade, building lobster traps, mending nets and was very proud of his 25¢ lobster license. During the winters he played cards in elaborate snow forts and was part of the Port Hood Island Hockey Team! He looked forward to spending his summers back in Big Baddeck on the Nicholson Farm.

Gary obtained his inter-provincial certification for Auto Body Repair from Nova Scotia Community College, Leeds Street, Halifax. He then began his career as an apprentice at Midway Motors, Middle River and continued to work in the industry for over 50 years, officially retiring from GM MacDonald Welding in 2020. Since 'no' was not a common word in Gary's vocabulary, you could find him patching and painting anything from coal scuttles to golf carts to freight liners and everything in between.

He met his future wife Marnie while in Middle River, they married in 1968 and then returned to Big Baddeck to raise their family.

Not one to sit still, he could always be found puttering around his property, working on his old Ford truck, tending his weedless garden and bug-less potato patch. Gary was never one to complain. He was a hardworking, kind and gentle soul, with a ready smile... those who knew him were fortunate.

Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Margaret (Marnie) Brett and their children Richard, Steven (Jennifer), Janet and Curtis; brother, Eric (Carol Ann) River Bourgeois; sister, Elspeth Kinney (Jim) Halifax and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Inlaws: Rev. Cameron (Margie) Brett, Walter (Beth) Brett and Ruth Brett. Gary's absence will also be deeply felt by long time friends, the Nicholson boys, Roderick (Maria) and Angus (Janie) and their families.

Cremation has taken place. A service of thanksgiving will be held in the Vicar's View Venue, 1450 West Side Big Baddeck Road, on Saturday, May 24 at 11 am followed by a burial in St. Andrews Cemetery. Reception immediately to follow at Baddeck Valley Community Hall, Baddeck Forks.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to make a charitable donation in Gary's memory is asked to consider Victoria County Memorial Hospital Charitable Foundation or the Hospice Society of Victoria County.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you for the kindness and special care provided by the Palliative Care Team, doctors and nurses at the Victoria County Memorial Hospital.