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Linda Sealock donated to PALLIATIVE CARE RESOURCE NETWORK INC - HOSPICE FREDERICTON
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
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Wilson Hunter posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2023
............My Sincere Condolences to my Cousin Deanna, and Family...Peace be with You....
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Wilson Hunter posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2023
Q: What was one of your favorite qualities of Eugene?
A: Eugene was Always, Very Friendly
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Bob Cavanaugh posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2023
Gene – Eulogy Mar 19, 2023 Given by Brother Robert (Bobby) Cavanaugh on Behalf of his siblings
From all of Gene’s siblings and family I want to Thank you Deanna for sharing your love with Gene for so many years. Your love for each other carried you through the toughest of times and that should be admired. You and Gene shared that love with everybody in this room and many more. Thank you for that because it has given us all so many great memories. The amount of people in this room is a true testament of the impact that you and Gene had on all of us.
Thank you all for sharing your love for Gene with us today.
Gene told me one time, I think at Mom’s funeral, that before giving a eulogy you should have a little “TODDY” as he liked to call it, to take the edge off. But today I Toast you Gene as your are the mightiest of men, and I salute you the only way that you would want me to, Toast with Canadian Club Apple Rye “My Brother this one is for you”
Gene was adamant when he told me that he wanted US to celebrate his life. He said that he had a full life, ups and downs of course, but he felt very fortunate to have lived the life that he did. What more can a man ask for? Gene had a zest for life and lived it to the fullest and would share those moments with us when he could. Well today Gene Bro we need to cry, because our hearts are broken at the thought of not having you with us. I promise that we will celebrate your life as a family and we will celebrate you for the many gifts you gave to each one of us but today we need to cry and mourn. When we do celebrate your life I think we will need a much bigger bottle of Canadian Club Apple Rye.
Today we say goodbye to a Loving Husband – a brother, father, grandfather, great and maybe great-great grandfather, a trusted Friend, Mentor, A Survivor,. Gene you were a man whose strength picked us up when we fell and a father figure to those who needed that strength you always generously shared. Today we cry. Today we mourn. We will celebrate your life as we continue to share with the younger generations how one man, you, made a tremendous and positive impact on the world by opening your heart and arms to all.
I would like to share a story about Gene that Mary Ann was telling me about the other day. Gene was living with Rita and Norman Scott in Honeydale close to Mearle and Mary Ann. There was a work horse in the field that had never been ridden and one day Gene wanted to go to the store, probably to get some cigarettes or something, so Gene jumped on the bare back of this horse and rode off to the store. By the time he got back from the store the horse was broke and was walking like a normal riding horse. Even the horse knew that he could not out do Gene. Gene, without a doubt became the talk of the area for a long time, probably still is.
Gene came from a family of two parents, 11 siblings, and many more family members. As you can see from his obituary there are so many others that became his family throughout his life. As you all know Gene was a very caring, loving passionate and compassionate man. For Gene Family was one of the most important things in his life. He could also be a formable foe so if you crossed him you would know it, but by the end of the day he would reach down to help you up after he knocked some sense into you.
Gene as you know was a very industrious, smart but very humble of a man. He could fix or make things work somehow. He left home I think when he was 15, and would work wherever he could be it on a farm, tobacco fields in Ontario it didn’t matter to him where he worked but he always knew he had to. One day he was hitch hiking and got a lift from a guy that hired him to work installing the cable in the province. He became “The Cable Guy” – “The Engineer” but after the company changed hands a couple times he ventured out on his own. He tried a number of different career choices. Gene was a natural sales person that could sell anything to anybody. He sold cars for a while, went into selling insurance, became a partner in a Taxi Company, became a chimney sweep until a couple years ago at the age of 80, and even manufactured and sold fire escape ladders for two story homes. It seemed like there was nothing that he couldn’t do or wouldn’t try to do. For many years, while working in whatever chosen field he was in he raced stock cars. Gently Gene was his nickname. He had a few cars some of which they built from bottom up. He loved the challenge, the acceleration of the race. He often would say that he did it more for the fun rather than trophy.
Their house at 721 Union Street was the hub of the Maritimes with many parties hosted by him and Dee. They many boarders, myself included, and it was the go to spot for anybody travelling through. A Few people tried to break in and Gene chased them down the street with nothing but a baseball bat in his hand and underwear on his butt. For us sibling he was our BIG Brother and when you needed a smile, a person to talk to, needed to be scolded, a place to crash for the night or whatever you needed, you would find yourself at 721 Union St sitting at his bar discussing every topic under the sun until 4, 5 or 6:00 in the morning.
There were times that his kindness cost him but he never gave up his faith in humanity. Gene was blessed with the heart of his ancestors, the Robichauds. Gene was the apple in Mom’s eye except when he would call her after having a 1 or 2 too many, then she would get upset with him. Dad was very proud of who Gene became and admired him. If you remember Mom, and some of his aunts and uncles like aunt Florida or Uncle Laurie, uncle Aimie, to name a few, then you would see where his kind heart and strength came from. They have all passed on now but I am sure they are having one heck of a reunion up there playing the guitar, singing and looking down at all of us.
This room today is full of people who have so many stories and memories of Gene and I urge you to share those with each other today, tomorrow and for as long as you can. Gene has been many many things to so many people. He was a son, a brother, a husband, father, grandfather, a friend, and the list goes on and on. He was all that and so much more. He was our family’s rock, our pillar of strength; he was the man we all went to for advice, or for help. Sometimes he would be there to give us a kick in the butt, or a spanking for those bad kids, if we needed and then he would feel guilty and try to make it up to us somehow.
For me Gene was a mentor, a best friend, a leader that I aspired to be like. Like our mother and he had the strength to carry the world on his shoulder and the love in their hearts to welcome the world into their lives. Let’s all share your fondest memories with each other today, tomorrow and for as long as you can because he will always be with us.
Before I close I want to say to you brother Gene you made the world a better place. We love you, and miss you but you will forever be in our hearts. Love you Brother. GOD BLESS
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Jill Cloney uploaded photo(s)
Monday, March 20, 2023
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I never realized, until listening to so many stories about you and your life ~how much of an impact you've really had on my life and who I've become. Thank you <3
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Gail and Esmond Cavanaugh posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2023
Not one word
Not one sentence
Not one paragraph
Not one one story.
But many stories and many memories can only give us a glimpse into Gene's life and times
May he rest in peace.
Love Gail and Esmond.
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Bob & Patricia Cavanaugh posted a condolence
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Gene We will miss you with all of our hearts. You were always there for us!!
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Sue and Jason MacArthur purchased flowers
Saturday, March 18, 2023
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Sue and Jason MacArthur
purchased the Full Of Love Bouquet for the family of Eugene Cavanaugh.
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Jessy and family. So sorry for your loss With deepest sympathy,
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Teresa Gallant lit a candle
Friday, March 17, 2023
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To the Cavanaugh Clan / My Cousins
It’s hard to put into words how sorry I am for your loss. May you find comfort and peace with your memories. I wish you peace, prayers, and compassion as we all mourn the passing of Gene.
Your Cousin,
Teresa (McLaughlin) Gallant
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cathy barclay posted a condolence
Friday, March 17, 2023
Sending our Condolences, so sad to have heard about Gene... He was a great guy and was loved by so many... Steve and Cathy
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Bob Cavanaugh uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 17, 2023
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A Camping We will go!!
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Bob Cavanaugh uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 17, 2023
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A Dogs Best Friend
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Wytze, Rina and Fami Cavanaugh donated to PALLIATIVE CARE RESOURCE NETWORK INC - HOSPICE FREDERICTON
Friday, March 17, 2023
A great man, big brother, true friend and you will always remain in our hearts
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Bob & Patricia Cavnaugh uploaded photo(s)
Friday, March 17, 2023
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Robert Cavanaugh donated to PALLIATIVE CARE RESOURCE NETWORK INC - HOSPICE FREDERICTON
Friday, March 17, 2023
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Carolyn Turney posted a condolence
Friday, March 17, 2023
Our family is sorry to hear of Gene's death. He was so special to his family. We will keep you all in our prayers.
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Ruth Stairs posted a condolence
Friday, March 17, 2023
So sorry to hear the sad news sending hugs and condolences to You Charlene and Marc.
Prayers Ruth stairs.
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Pam Monahan posted a condolence
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Deanna & family,
So very sorry to hear of Gene's passing. I always hoped to get into F'ton for a visit & just maybe he would be frying up some of his delicious smelts.
Absolutely the best neighbours ever.
He was such a kind & funny man....you made a wonderful couple.
So sad that we won't get to see that devilish smile again.
My condolences Dee.
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Karen Gill posted a condolence
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Dearest Gene....our wonderful "across the street neighbour" for so many years...you were awesome! Rest in peace dear friend.
Fondly remembered,
Ron and Karen Gill, and Chris and Pat
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Dudley MCFAWN uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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These ones will never forget you!
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Dudley MCFAWN uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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Gonna miss you ❤️
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Sheila robichaud lit a candle
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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Lisa Scott uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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There are some who bring a light so bright to the world that even after they are gone the light remains ❤
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lorene crilley uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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This week my family is overwhelmed with sadness, lots of tears, wonderful memories, we stand united as a family, our oldest brother Gene is no longer with us. He definitely is the greatest oldest brother you could have. He loved us and we admired him. He honestly would give anyone the shirt off his back and has done so. I gave Gene a card years ago and thank him for being there when I needed a place to live, mom and dad didnt have room for all of us. He paid for my 6 guitar lessons when I live him, Dorthey and Joanne, in Uncle Laurie Robichaud's house on Canterbury Dr, Fredicton. Love from Lorene Crilley
Legacy
"The definition of “Legacy” is something that is passed on. But Legacy can take many forms. A Legacy may be of one's faith, ethics and core values… A Legacy may be monetary or your assets… A Legacy may come from one's character, reputation and the life you lead – setting an example for others and to guide their futures."
One thing that strikes me when I read these tributes for Gene is the impact he has had on so many lives. But what I've observed since becoming a part of this family in 1973 is that the attributes that Gene exhibited during his life are also evident in his mother and siblings.
I also see his Legacy being carried on in his children and grandchildren.
He will be missed by many, but his fun loving spirit, zeal for life, compassion and love for all will live on in all of you.
God bless you all as you grief but rejoice and be honored that you have known a man of true character
Peter Crilley
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Robichaud Charlene lit a candle
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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To my Aunt Dee, my heart cries for you. What an amazing life you 2 built together! I will always be thankful for both of you being so important to my life. Gene was like my other Father, I will miss him greatly.
To all of my family , I am so very sorry I am not able to be there. I am grieving with you none the less.
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The family of Eugene Aime Cavanaugh uploaded a photo
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
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Doug Robichaud posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
You were always "Uncle" Gene to me growing up and it was a surprise when I learned that you were actually my cousin and not my uncle. Regardless, you were always there for me when I was a young lad and your door was always open anytime I wanted to just drop in and visit which was far to little these past few years. My best memories were you dropping by and giving me a ride on a motorcycle when I was 4 or 5 living on Canterbury Dr. in Fredericton and driving Laurena and me back to Fredericton in your mustang from the family reunion in Bocabec. So very saddened to hear of your passing Gene, you were always in my eyes as you lived, bigger than life itself.
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Trent McArthur posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I remember Gene racing his mustang against my dad at Brookside for years. He was one of the better drivers out there.
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Julie Anderson posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
I remember how Uncle Gene taught me to drive stick shift. I was moving from Moncton to fredericton I was 17ish, Gene took me out in his Work vehicle (Chimney Sweeps) for 5 mins, got back to Union street and I was good to go,....well I had to get gas and so in 5 oclock traffic off I go, get back to union St, with hub cap in hand, well from then on Uncle Gene and Aunt Dee reminded me of that day....much funner when they tell the story.
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Roxanne Pond Stewart posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Dear Deanna and Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Gene's passing. Remember all the fun, good times ... those the memories that really matter and those are the ones to cherish. Thinking of all the family. Hugs.
Sincerely,
Roxanne
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Brian Sharpe posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Q: What will you never forget about Eugene?
A: I remember when we went to St Stephen to get a chimney rain cap at rogers tin shop. Gene made the trip so memorable, that I wrote a song about it. Don't remember a whole lot about it, but it sure was fun.
Rest in peace my friend.
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