Obituary of John Gary Taillon

TAILLON,  John Gary – age 79, of Stewiacke, passed away unexpectedly on the morning of June 24^th, 2025. Born in Cornwall, Ontario, on August 2^nd, 1945, he was a son of the late Cyril and Alda (Dube) Taillon.

Gary grew up in Cornwall, and had very fond memories of the few years he spent in South Branch attending a one room school. He spent many summers at the Corbet Farm in Munroe’s Mills where his mother grew up. During his teenage years, he actively enjoyed Air Cadets, football and lacrosse. He shared a strong bond with his beloved dog Blackie. He graduated C.C.V.S. and enlisted in the Canadian Navy.

Gary was a very passionate man, and his true love was the sea. He shared his life with his late wife, Sheila, and their beloved dogs, Lady and Patches. He devoted 30 years and served as a Petty Officer First Class Electrician with the Navy, and loved collecting artifacts from places he sailed all over the world. Retiring in 1996, and moving to one of the places he loved the most, Nova Scotia.

Gary served 58 years with the Royal Canadian Legion, and spent the last 21 years of his life sharing this, and all of his passions with his niece, Crissy (Cristina). He loved food and recreating dishes he had eaten during his years of sailing. They enjoyed playing darts together and shared a love for music. Spending hours listening to her sing. He became a mentor for her and her sons, and gained a son-in-law.

Gary was a very kind, generous man and will be greatly missed by family, friends and everyone who knew him.

Gary is survived by his sister, Elizabeth “Beth” Cornelder; his niece, Cristina “Crissy” Gemme-Fisher; son-in-law, Gary Fisher; great nephews, Cameron Gemme and Anthony Gemme-Fisher; stepdaughter, Ann Marie Harper (Bellefontaine); cousin, Sandra, Iazzetta (San Gauthier); cousin, Carol Ann Iazzetta and her children, Nyela and Makai Hamilton; goddaughter, Lisa Edgar (Iazzetta) and her husband, Brad Edgar; lifelong best friend, Clayton Paupst.

Besides his parents, Gary is predeceased by his wife, Sheila Bellefontaine; niece, Stephanie Gemme; Aunt Ursula Gauthier (Taillon); aunt, Leona Taillon and cousin, Eddie Boisvenue.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of Ettinger Funeral Homes, Shubenacadie and Elmsdale.

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