Wilbert George (Gus) Prentice
DDS passed away peacefully at High Crest Nursing Home,
Springhill on January 21st, 2019 following a lengthy battle with
Alzheimer’s disease.
The son of the late Blanche and Ernest Prentice, he is
survived by his wife Eleanor (Wry), married for 69 years, son John
(Barbara), daughter Ruth Norton (Stuart), five grandchildren and eight
great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was
also predeceased by stepfather Michael Rae, brothers John and Leonard
as well as step sister Lorraine and half sister and half brother Doris
and Aubrey.
Born November 6, 1920, Gus was raised and spent most of his
life in Springhill. His father died when he was an infant so his early
years were spent helping to support his mother and family.
Subsequently he left school at age 15 to work full time. With the
onset of World War II, he enlisted and served overseas in France and
Holland. Following the war, he returned to school, attending high
school in Moncton, then Dalhousie University where he graduated from
Dental School in 1955. He returned to Springhill as the only town
dentist for several years, retiring at age 70. Having too much energy
and enthusiasm for retirement, he began his next career as starter at
Northumberland Links, a role that he proudly performed in his kilt,
well into his 80’s. At that point, he began his final
career, performing assessments on behalf of Veterans Affairs of
veterans who were residents in nursing homes. This was a role that was
very important to him as the visits and attention to elderly veterans
often brought comfort to those he visited. He finished this final role
in his 90’s.
Gus was a man of strong values and beliefs with great
determination in all aspects of his work and personal life. He was
meticulous in his professional practice, always willing to help
someone in need. He was actively involved in his community, leading
fund raising efforts for the All Saints Hospital facility in
Springhill. He was instrumental in starting the Springhill golf and
curling clubs, actively involved in St. Andrew’s Wesley
United Church as well as numerous civic organizations. He was an avid
golfer, curler, a passionate gardener and enjoyed music of all
varieties. Later in life he developed a keen interest in painting and
needle work.
Gus enjoyed spending family time both at home as well as at
the family summer cottage at Northport where he particularly enjoyed
hosting family dinners. He was a great role model for all that knew
him and a strong supporter of his family both through successes and
other times and particularly delighted in beating his grandsons at
golf (on numerous occasions!). Sadly with the progression of his
Alzheimer’s, his many memories of a life well lived, were
gone. Despite this, he remained positive and grateful in his last few
years for the assistance of those around him, particularly the staff
of High Crest, Springhill – a special thanks to High Crest
staff.
Arrangements are under the direction of the A H
Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill,
(902 597 2361) where visitation will be held on Saturday, January 26,
2019 from 12:30 until 2 pm, followed immediately at 2 pm by a
Celebration of Life with The Reverend Wayne McCarther
officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of
ones choice.
Sharing of memories and condolences and sharing of memories
may be sent to the family by visiting Gus' online memorial at
www.brownsfuneralhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Home Facebook
Page.