Obituary of Eugene Aime Cavanaugh

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Eugene “Gene” Aime Cavanaugh, husband of Deanna (Calhoun) Cavanaugh.  Born May 8, 1940 in Milltown, NB; son of the late Cyril and Yvonne Cavanaugh. In his early 20s, Gene began his career at City Cable upon arriving in Fredericton. However, after spending 21 years there, he established his own company, The Chimney Sweeps, in 1981. As he approached 80 years old, he deemed it fitting to retire and cherish moments with his loved ones. Affectionately known as “Gentle Gene” due to his racing career that spanned more than a decade, primarily at Brookside Speedway, he earned a reputation as a talented and dedicated driver who was also highly regarded as a kind-hearted individual. It was this that made him such a fan favourite.

In addition to his loving wife of 38 years, Deanna, he is survived by his  daughters, Joanne Daly (Terry), Charlene Woolaver (Marc) and Jill Cloney (Bill); grandchildren, Corey McLaughlin (Acacia), Jessie Wyman (Peter) and Alexandra Ashfield (fiancé Austin), Samantha Ashfield (fiancé Josh), Josh McLaughlin and Jordan McLaughlin (fiancé Caite); great granddaughter, Hanna Manzer; extended family, Lori Hunter (Melvin), LeRoy Hunter (Joanne) and Brett Calhoun; extended grandchildren, Dustin McFawn, Jodi Champaigne (James), Lindsay Passerino (Craig), Amanda Fowler, and Brittany Sharpe (James); extended great grandchildren, Tyler Manning, Connor Champaigne, Brady Champaigne, Abby McFawn, Austin McFawn, Amber McFawn, Maddy Passerino, Emma Passerino, Asa Pond and Hunter Fowler; two great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Rickie, Bob, Esmund and Sherman; sisters, Mary Ann, Lorine, Peggy and Pearl; many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Gene is predeceased by his only son, Roger McLaughlin; brother, Jim; sister Dianne.

A Memorial Service will take place at York Funeral Home’s T. Gordon MacLeod Memorial Chapel on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2 pm with Pastor Normand McDonald officiating. There will be a Celebration of Life announced at a later date. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Cheryl Rushton and the staff at Hospice House Fredericton. Donations can be made to Hospice House Fredericton or a charity of your choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com