Alex Gilchrist

Alex Gilchrist

North Sydney

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alex Gilchrist age 87, on Friday January 8, 2021 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Alex was a family man, devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, his friends and the community.

Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, December 17, 1933, Alex moved to Pictou, NS with his parents Donald and Burnice (Atkinson) Gilchrist in 1934.  He graduated from Pictou Academy in 1952 and joined the University Naval Training Division of Mount Allison University in 1953 where he served on various ships and then graduated in 1957 with both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Education degrees. 

In 1956 he and Marilyn were married and then moved to North Sydney where he started his long rewarding career in education as both a teacher and principal of Thompson High School until 1976.  He finished his career in 1993 as Guidance Counsellor and Registrar at Memorial High School.

Alex was also very active in many volunteer organizations including Kinsmen/K40 in his early years, then the Rotary Club of North Sydney, Ross Ferry Stewardship Society, Northern Yacht Club, Tourism Cape Breton and Sydney Harbour Ports Board, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #19 and North Sydney Historical Society. He was a member and elder of St Matthew Wesley United Church and served on many church committees.

Alex was happiest on the water and after he and Marilyn spent many summers cruising the Bras d’Or Lakes they came ashore at Ross Ferry where they welcomed family and friends to their cabin and short cruises on the lake.

Alex was predeceased by Marilyn (Vacheresse) his beloved wife of 62 years and his daughter-in-law Judy (MacDonald) Gilchrist.

Alex is survived by his children; Scott (Anne Boucher) Gilchrist and Cathy (Stephen) McGee, his grandchildren; Sandy McGee, Matthew Gilchrist, Carly Gilchrist and Stephanie McGee, his brother; Hugh Gilchrist, River John, as well as his extended family and cousins across Canada.

A funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at St. Matthew Wesley United Church with Rev. Stephen Mills officiating. Due to Covid-19 restrictions when attending the church service, social distancing must be followed, masks are mandatory, limited seating will be available, please contact the church office 902-794-3651 to book an available seat. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St, North Sydney. Memorial donations may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton, St. Matthew Wesley United Church or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com .

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