Gilroy, Carl Withrow – Age 96 of Middle Musquodoboit, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2018, in Braeside Home for Special Care. Born in Leamington, Cumberland Co., he was a son of the late John Ernest Coleman and Cynthia Carrie (Douglas) Gilroy. He had an idyllic childhood on the family farm with his identical twin, Cleve, surrounded by their large extended family.
Carl made a living directly from the land; farming and making maple syrup in his youth, lumbering with his brothers, Aubrey and Leonard in a family enterprise called Gilroy Bros. until 1967, then founding his own business as a contractor in the pulp and paper industry. He was well respected and known for his patience, compassion and loyalty. He mentored and financed many employees in beginning their own businesses as a way of “paying it forward,” decades before this notion was given a name. Carl was a very devoted family man and husband, as well as a great friend, and was well liked in business and social circles. In his retirement, he spent time with his wife, children, and grandchildren or working on his woodlands. Carl’s family always felt his loving support and he could be counted upon to run errands, ferry grandchildren here and there, or do anything the family needed doing.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Iona Gwendolyn (Arnold); children, Gregory (Deanna), Carrie (John) Wilson, Bradley; and six grandchildren. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Violet Elwell, Jeanette Hopper, Hughena Forcey, Helen Smiley and Edith Mitchell; and by brothers, Arnold, Aubrey, Ivan, Leonard and Cleve.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Arimathea Funeral Cooperative, Upper Musquodoboit. Family service and interment will take place at a later date. Donations in Carl’s memory may be made to a charity of choice.
The family would like to express sincere thanks to the personal care staff of Braeside Home for Special Care, as well as to the medical staff, for their exceptional kindnesses and care over the years.
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