Gerald “Gerry” Robert Oickle

Gerald (Gerry) Robert Oickle, 74, of Whiteburn Mines, Caledonia NS, passed away peacefully at the Queens General Hospital on December 7, 2023, surrounded by the love of his daughter, Jodi MacGregor.
  Born March 8, 1949, Gerry was raised on a farmstead in West Caledonia by the late Burt and Dora (Forest) Carver, their kind-hearts provided a safe, warm home.
Gerry was a man of numerous talents, which brought stories aplenty. In his early 20’s he ventured to Cape Breton, NS to train to become a painter, a career at Kedjimkujik National Park followed. He acquired land in Whiteburn mines and decided this would be where he wanted to call home. With his innate sense of craftmanship, friendly helping hands, and ample amounts of herb, he built his house, developing the land into a warm homestead.
He was surely recognizable by his Tilley hat, beard, pony tail, chuckle and a wink (for the ladies)! His outgoing personality entertained countless friends that he acquired from far & wide, building relationships that carried throughout. He grew abundant gardens and tapped the sugar maples, he truly lived off the land. He was a lover of all animals; cats, dogs, chickens, goats, and the local wildlife that shared his home. He had many passions that filled his days, of which included fly fishing and cross-country skiing. Those that knew him well knew, understood his fanatical love of the Volvo, his two wheeled companion, the motorcycle, was a close second. Above all, many will remember his remarkable love of the paddle, he handled the canoe – as he did everything else pertaining to nature – with grace and skill.
Gerry will be deeply missed and is survived by his four daughters, Heather Beckwith (Reed), Jodi MacGregor, Gillian Hyde and Leala Tomlinson.
Gerry was loved by many and will never be forgotten from our hearts and memories. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool NS. An intimate gathering, in celebration of his life, will be held for friends & family this spring at Gerry’s homestead on Whiteburn Rd, Caledonia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the North Queens Fire Association. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com