Obituary of Donald Harry Gaunce

Gaunce, Donald Harry … It is with great sadness and sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Harry Gaunce of Saint John West, NB, husband of Pearl (Saunders) Gaunce, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by family he passed away at home on February 10, 2008, peacefully with great strength and dignity. Born in Bath, NB on May 28, 1952, he was a son of Harry and Audrey (Speakman) Gaunce. Donald moved to Saint John in 1956 where he spent the rest of his life, graduating from Saint John Vocational School in 1972. He was a leader with the Scout Troup at Lancaster Baptist Church, also an active member of the Saint John Y's Men since 1986 and up to the present; a member of the Ostomy Support Group and found great pleasure in helping others. He worked for thirty-five years with Irving Pulp and Paper until his retirement in 2007. He enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends at the family summer camp and hosting lobster parties every spring and fall in the "East Coast Diner". Donnie loved the out-of-doors and enjoyed many long walks through the west-side, accompanying his beloved dog, Oreo. Throughout his battle with cancer Donnie displayed great strength and undying spirit. He was a great inspiration to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all. Besides his parents and wife he is survived by a son, Kevin (Katrina Gray) of Calgary, AB and a daughter, Katrina Gaunce of Ajax, ON; three brothers: David (Brenda), Carl (Suzanne), both of Saint John, and Greg of Toronto; one sister, Sandra Gaunce (Keith Estabrooks) of Hampton, NB; one nephew, Ethan and several other nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his paternal grandparents, William & Jewell (Salmon) Gaunce; his maternal grandparents, John and Helen (Lockhart) Speakman; a brother, Ross and his brother-in-law, David Saunders. Resting at Brenan's Bay View Select Community Funeral Home, 1461 Manawagonish Road, Saint John (506) 634-7425 with visiting on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Funeral Service will be held from First Wesleyan Church, Boars Head Road on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 1 pm. Interment will be at a later date. Remembrances may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Open Door Club.