YORSTON, Gary Wilson

Age 75 years, of New Glasgow, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, in Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care, having lived recent years with serious illnesses. Gary was born in Sydney, Cape Breton. He lived and obtained his early education in Amherst. He then graduated from Dalhousie University with his BSC in Pharmacy in 1970. In 1971, Gary opened the first Shoppers Drug Mart store in Nova Scotia in New Glasgow on East River Road where he spent many dedicated hours working with his much-loved staff. Later, work took him to New Minas, where he operated the New Minas Shoppers Drug Mart for three enjoyable years. Returning to New Glasgow, he accepted the challenge of operating the three Shoppers stores in this area. Gary retired from Shoppers Drug Mart after 30 memorable years. Gary was a member of the Board and served as President in the early years of the Pictou County YM-YWCA. A charter member of the Pictou County Y’s Men’s Club (now Pictou County Y Service Club), Gary served as President many times. He attended many Regional Conventions and International Conventions as well. Gary received a top regional (the Henry Grimes) award, as well as a lifetime membership award. Gary was passionate about his garden and shared his vegetable crops with family and friends and worked with a wide variety of flowers. Travelling gave him much pleasure, especially Barbados, where he returned for many vacations. He welcomed family and friends from far and near into his home, whether for an evening, a day, or perhaps an extended time - as with the exchange students! Gary was husband of 50 years and best friend to Charlotte (Fillmore) Yorston; loving father to Jenny Lynn Yorston White, Tatamagouche; and beloved Papa to Liam, Noah and Halle White, who filled his heart with love and pride. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Barb Yorston, Cold Spring Head; sister-inlaw, Anne (David) Lake, Truro; and brother-in-law, James Robin Fillmore, New Glasgow; and several loved nieces, a nephew and grandnieces and nephew. Gary was predeceased by his father, Scott Yorston; mother, Florence Wilson Yorston; brother, Robert "Bob" Yorston; sister, Lynn Yorston; and a very special cousin, Rolla Wilson King, with whom he spent many happy times in Barbados. Gary was a kind, loving, generous and patient man with a fair sense of value, a keen wit and a great sense of humour. He will be very much missed by his family and friends. Charlotte and family give a heartfelt and sincere “Thank You” to the VON, Arlene Mcneill and others from Careforce and Dr. Maclean for all the support and kindness which made it possible to keep Gary at home during his lengthy illness. We also extend great thanks to Dr. Shivakumar and his team at the QEII for all their care and help, as well as nurses and staff of Aberdeen Hospital. It is much appreciated. Funeral service 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 13th with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Join by Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86950327938 / Meeting ID: 869 5032 7938) or Facebook Live (https:// www.facebook.com/ opendoors151). Donations may be made to Trinity church, the Robert Yorston Scholarship Fund, Victorian Order of Nurses, Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of R.H. Porter Funeral Home, New Glasgow. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.rhporter.ca