Obituary of Gerald Earnest Billard

BILLARD, Earnest Gerald (Jerry) Warrant Officer (WO) CND Ret’d - 75, of Milford Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully with his daughter at his side on October 24, 2023 in the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro. Born in Halifax on January 14, 1948, to the late William and Gertrude (Oates) Billard. Jerry was also pre-deceased by brothers Edward “Teddy” Billard and William Emanuel Billard.

Jerry joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1966 and served until 1996, he was proud to be a Gunner and was honoured to be a part of the Royal Canadian Artillery. After retirement Jerry served with the Reserves 1st Field Artillery Regiment, RCA in Halifax, NS. “Once a Gunner Always a Gunner”.  Jerry also enjoyed his involvement with the Milford and District Lions Club.  He was proud of the work that he did for the community through the Club.  

He will be greatly missed by his Wife of 45 years Brenda (Vincent) who he had met while on posting to Lahr, Germany in 1976 when she was there working on base.  Jerry and Brenda had three children, David, Staci (Kendall) MacAskill and Gerald Robert “Bobby”, and five grandchildren, Landon, Avery, Abigail, Nathan and Cole.

A special thank you goes to the Continuing Care team of Elmsdale, NS, Victoria Order of Nurses and the Doctors and Nurses of D3 at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro.  The family would like to express their great appreciation to his neighbours, Nathan and Sarah McAllister, they were very instrumental in assisting Brenda with Jerry’s care.  A great appreciation also goes out to his little buddy Scarlett McCready who loved keeping him company and enjoyed many a conversation with him. Those who knew Jerry knew he loved to carry on a conversation and loved tell lots of stories.

Funeral Service will be held at the Enfield Legion Branch 133 Nova Scotia on Friday November 10, 2023, at 1:30 PM, Rev. Lori Crocker will officiate. A private family burial will follow the service, attendees are requested to stay at the Legion for refreshments and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Soldier On, a program for the CAF which contributes to the recovery of ill and injured CAF members and veterans. http://www.soldieron.ca/ (http://www.soldieron.ca/)  or to an organization of your choosing.

Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Jerry may be shared with the family at; www.ettingerfuneralhome.com

EOM Stand Easy, UBIQUE.