Obituary of George Stephen Theriault

Lover of life, passionate family man, genealogist and avid biker, who recently retired with many plans together with Dina, his loving wife, died unexpectedly at his summer home in Lameque, NB, on July 25, 2012. George was born June 4, 1952 in Charlottetown, PEI. He was the much loved son of Rita Anne (Chiasson) Theriault and the late Dr. John C. Theriault. George attended Queen Square and St. Jean schools in Charlottetown before moving to Rothesay, NB where he graduated from Rothesay Regional High School in 1969. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University and Bachelor of Laws from University of New Brunswick. George was admitted to the NB Bar Association and served his profession as Clerk of the Court with respect and clarity until his recent retirement. George was honoured in 2006 with the appointment to the Queen’s Council in recognition of his professional achievements and outstanding performance. Many people whose lives he touched on the ski hill, at many sporting events, bike trails, on the streets, at the market or at the bar, will truly remember his ease of conversation and his passion for life. His easy going manner, genuine interest, and knowledge of many topics allowed him to interact with others and make them feel at ease and important. George will be remembered for his intense love and pursuit of his Acadian heritage of which he was immensely proud. Preceding “social media”, George was the “link” that bound the Theriault family with present and past. His desire to connect others to their past was apparent in his visits to Normandy with Dina and her father, a WWII veteran. George was an avid fundraiser for the charities he valued. With enthusiasm and tenacity, he continued the Theriault passion and dedication towards mental health. MindCare New Brunswick’s Skate to Care was one such project, and many memories of the trailer, and adoption into the Theriault Tribe, will resonate for years to come. George is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Dina Noel and their adored and chosen daughter Annie LeBlanc (Michel Demers), grandchildren Juliette and Zachary; his mother Rita; 3 brothers, John (Brenda) of Big Bras D’Or, NS, Jim (Carol) of St. John’s, NF, C.P. (Ruth) of Rothesay; 3 sisters, Christine (Steve) Zinder of Ithaca, NY, Eva Landry (Marty) of Brighton, ON and Michelle (Michael) Kingston of Darlings Island, NB; the Noel in-law family; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, many for whom George and Dina were guardians and godparents. George was predeceased by his father, Dr. John Theriault and 2 brothers Bill (Bette of Rothesay) and Dennis (Betty of Halifax), his parents-in-law, Alphonse and Augustine Noel, and brother-in-law Jacques Noel. Along with family, many colleagues, biking buddies, skiing enthusiasts, and friends will greatly miss him. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, (506) 849-2119, with visitation on Sunday, July 29, 2012 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 31 Gondola Point Road, Rothesay, on Monday, July 30, 2012, at 11:00 AM. Celebrations will continue with a reception immediately following in the church hall. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, MindCare NB or charity of the donor’s choice.