It is with heavy hearts and love that we announce the passing of Gerald “Jerry” Sharpe on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the age of 91.

Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, to Arthur and Elizabeth (Poirier) Sharpe, he was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Ray, Bernie, Clifford, and Wayne; and sisters Beatty, Francis, and Donna.  Jerry left Glace Bay in 1952 to join the Canadian Armed Forces and was later stationed in Soest, Germany as part of Canada’s commitment to NATO.

In 1961 Jerry married Patricia McDonald, beginning a partnership that would span nearly 65 years. He began working as a machinist at Nova Scotia Pulp and Paper in 1961 and through his dedication to work became machine shop supervisor; a position he held until his retirement in 1992.

Jerry was a man of extraordinary intelligence and endless curiosity. An avid reader and problem solver with a lifelong appetite for learning, an interest in the world around him and an equally strong desire to share what he knew. He was a man of thoughtful conversation, and like a true Sharpe, his thoughts were seldom difficult to read on his face. With Jerry, you always knew where you stood.

An early riser who believed in making good use of the day, Jerry found happiness in his garden, a place of purpose, generosity, and care. He enjoyed the satisfaction of putting his hands in the earth, and much like the life he lived, he enjoyed nurturing what grew, and what his efforts returned. There was garlic to plant, raspberries to pick for Patricia’s homemade jam. He took as much pleasure in sharing the fruits of his labour as he did in growing them. His garden was a place of purpose, generosity and care, much like the life he lived.

Jerry was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 60 years, having recently received the Canadian Special Service Medal, and was involved with the Lions Club and the Evergreen Seniors Club. Kindness was perhaps Jerry’s most natural quality. He made friends easily, treating everyone he met with genuine interest, dignity, and respect. He had a gift for putting people at ease, for making them feel welcome and cared for, without ever making much of it.

As a father and grandfather, Jerry was firm, generous with his knowledge, and steady in his guidance. The lessons he passed along were countless, some taught deliberately, and others absorbed through a lifetime of watching him. He showed us by his own example, what it meant to be a good man.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (McDonald) Sharpe; his brother, David Sharpe (Glenda), his children, Chris (Charlene), Beth (Tim), and Glen; his grandchildren, Simon Smith, Morgan Smith (Tyler), and Lauren Sharpe.

Ninety-one years is a long life, but for those who loved Jerry, it could never have been quite long enough. He leaves behind so much of himself in the people he loved, the lessons he taught, and in the kindness he offered so freely. Like the garden he tended, the good he put into the world will continue to grow long after his work here finished.

Cremation has taken place. A gathering to celebrate Jerry’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Homes, 724 Granville Street, Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, B9A 2N8.

To honour Jerry, his family asks that you learn something new, put your phone down for a while, and sit down for a good game of Scrabble with someone you love.

Jerry’s family would like to extend a very special thank you to his niece, Laura Lee, whose kindness, support, and steady presence during his final weeks in hospital meant so much. Having both her professional knowledge and the comfort of family close at hand was a gift.