George Robert Pike

Dad enjoyed a successful, award winning career in sales that began in Carbonear, NL where we resided until 1964 when we moved to Mount Pearl, NL. In February 1978, a business opportunity arose that resulted in our move to Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. In 1987 Pike’s Paint and Wallpaper was established which was the main business under the Pike Enterprises umbrella. He thoroughly enjoyed accommodating his many loyal customers during those 16 years in business on Cobequid Road, Lower Sackville, and happily retired (for the first time) in 2003.

Our Dad enjoyed woodworking and carpentry and in his retirement years chose to keep busy working on various job sites with each one of his sons.

The musician in Dad, when he played in his band The Silver Bells and sang under the direction of Ignatius Rumboldt in The Glee Club was only the beginning of proving just how musically talented he was. He absolutely loved all forms of music whether it was singing, playing guitar, piano or harmonica. He could create beautiful music with just about anything…including the spoons. He sang in the church choir in both Mount Pearl and Knox United Church until just recently. Singing with The Men of the Deeps this past September was certainly a highlight not only for him, but also for the entire family. He surely treasured all of the sing songs we had together over the years with friends, but especially the impromptu family ones.

Among other things, Dad was quite the outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing on the Labrador in the early years or whenever the opportunity arose. He enjoyed curling and competed in many bonspiels. He was also a member and the first president of the Gyro Club in Lower Sackville. Even though he thoroughly loved Mom’s cooking, any time she left the house he would jump at the opportunity to have one of his unique concoctions cooked up for her when she arrived home. He actually couldn’t wait for her to leave the house in order to show off his culinary skills inherited from his Dad.

Our dear Dad was a man of simple means, yet a wonderful provider for his family. This selfless individual would help anyone in need and no doubt do without himself to help his family and friends. He loved when anyone dropped in for a visit with him and Mom and everyone enjoyed the story telling.

Our entire family, especially Mom and Dad, are truly grateful for the many wonderful neighbours that have always looked out for them and their wellbeing. We are truly thankful and very blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.

Our Father has always been a hero to us. However, he was also a hero to Gord, his brother in law, when he saved him from drowning, even though he couldn’t swim himself. (Good) deed done in ’61!

The attention he received from his health care team at the Halifax Infirmary was second to none. Our heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of them.

Dad often said that he was content after having lived a long life, “more than three score and ten”, so we all know that he was ready to take the journey which gives us much relief and certainly helps to ease our pain.