Whitney Pier
It is with broken hearts that we, the family, regret to announce the passing of our dearest father and husband, Andrew Alexander Gilyan at the age of 86. Andy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, with his loving family by his side.
Born on February 23, 1933 in Baja, Hungary, Andy was the son of the late Andras Gilyan and Julijana Pinter. Andy is the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Leaving Hungary in 1957, Andy met and married Mary who became the love of his life. They came to Canada in search of a better life, and later became Canadian citizens. Dad brought with him a set of strong family values and was a resilient, self-taught, hard working man. It is these qualities that allowed him to always provide for his family. He never expected anything for free and always put in a hard day’s work to make a living. From the first day he landed in Canada, to his last moments, Dad’s commitment to his family never waivered which provided us the better life that he came searching for so many years before.
Upon his arrival to Cape Breton and only speaking the Hungarian language, Dad was able to secure employment and worked as a shoemaker for several years, later becoming a member of the labour’s union, local 1115. Dad worked for several companies and finished his career with Joneljim as a respected and skilled concrete finisher.
Retirement gave Dad the opportunity to spend more time doing the other things he loved, especially spending time with his grandchildren whom he adored. Dad became an avid gardener and would spend hours daily planting, pruning, and perfecting his garden. He took great pride in his roses and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with anyone who needed a helping hand. Dad was happiest when keeping busy and helping others.
Andy is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary Szklenar Gilyan; children, Andy, Ildiko (Paul) Ferguson and Robbie (Tammy); son-in-law, Roger Rochon and his son, Terrance; grandchildren, Paul and Christopher Theriault, Andrew Gilyan, Shari-Lynn, Tyler Gilyan and Stephen Larade (along with their mother Joann Larade), Christina and Kelsie Ferguson; and great-grandson, Christian Theriault.
Besides his parents, Andy was pre-deceased by his daughter Mary, and great-grandson, Mackenzie.
It was because of the care and support from our mother, the VON, and City Homemakers that Dad was able to remain home for as long as he did. We would like to thank the medical staff of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital 4B unit, Palliative Care, and the Cove Guest Home for their care of Dad in his time of need.
Visitation for the late Andy Gilyan will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 5-8 p.m. at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 28, 2019, at Holy Redeemer Church at 10 a.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks, NS.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Andy’s memory can be made to Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton or charity of one’s choice.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
~ There will never be a day when we won’t think of you~
Online Condolences
Ildiko and family, I am so sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. I will always remember him for his beautiful garden and his garden advice. Hugs and prayers at this difficult time.
From: Valerie LeBlanc
Mary and family, so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. He was a pleasure to have known and will be well missed. Thinking of you all. xoxox
From: Jackie,Bruce,Victoria Matthews and Murdock and Angie Cormier.
We are so sorry to to here of Andy’s passing and offer our sincere condolences to Mary and all of the family.
From: Michael G MacDonald
Mary, Garf and I are sorry to hear of Andy’s passing. Condolences and prayers to You and your family during this difficult time.
From: Marilyn and Garfield Strickland
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends god bless
Mary, Andy, Ildiko, and Robbie,
My heart is so very heavy for you all during this sad time. My Sincere Condolences to you all in the passing of your Dad/Husband. He will be surely missed. May you all find peace during this very difficult time. Hugs and God Bless.
Andy, Ildiko and Robbie sad to hear of your Dads passing. Very fitting tribute, I used to see him working everyday in the yard. My Condolence on your loss.
Dear Ildi and family,
Condolences, very sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you all.
It was an honor to have met Andy he reminded me so much of my own father deep condolence to your family I’m so sorry for your loss.
Robbie and Family
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our deepest condolences
Mary & Roddie Keeping
Mrs. Gilyan, Andy, Ildi, Robbie and families
Sending you my deepest condolences on the passing of Mr. Gilyan. May you all find comfort in knowing others are thinking of you in your time of sorrow. Rest in Paradise Mr. Gilyan.
Cathy (MacLean) Law and family
Mary and family we are so sorry to hear of Andy’s passing.Deepest Sympathy .May he fly high with all the other beautiful Angels waiting for him.Safe and contented.
Very sad news, my deepest sympathy to Andy’s family and friends. I have fond memories of a very kind man and neighbour growing up.
“After the tears have dried and the goodbyes have been said, all we have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared with our loved ones who have passed, this is what keeps them alive in our hearts and in our minds, and they will continue to live on, through us.
Deepest sympathy
Doddy & Bobby
Mrs.Gilyan, Andy, Ildiko, Robbie and families.. I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Gilyan. He was truly a hard working , kind gentleman with a smile that could light up any room. I have the fondest of memories of him. I am so sorry that I cannot be there in person, but you are all in my thoughts and prayers . Cherish the memories, Liz, Cayley, Hannah Humphrey ??
So very sorry for your loss- Andy was such a sweet kind man. Rest in peace Andy! Take care Mary.
Sarah MacMullin- City Homemakers
My deepest condolences on the loss of Andy. Andy was a sweet,kind man. A true gentleman. I will remember with a smile our chinese checkers games where he of course always let me win. Thinking of you all today and in the days to come
Our sincere condolences to Mrs . Gilyan, Andy and family.
Mary and family it is with the deepest heartfelt sympathy that I write you this message. Andy was a wonderful neighbor. He always took the time to help everyone in need. Bless his heart he tried to teach me how to care for my roses unfortunately I didn’t have the green thumb. He was a pleasure to know. A true hard working Canadian who will be missed by all that knew him. Take care of each other at this most difficult time.
Mary and family so sorry for your loss thinking of you at this difficult time
So sorry for the loss of your Dad,Robbie and Family,,The Smith Family, Ontario
So sorry to hear about your loss, he was a great man and neighbour, Matilda street has loss a great icon. Condolences to you all.
Kenny, Karen (Kennedy)MacDonald and family
Robbie and family Please accept my condolences on the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are will you during this difficult times.
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing, to the Gilyan family please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.
Alex Arsenault
Mary thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time . Hugs from Bev. and Phillip Young
Robbie, Tammy
We are saddened to hear about your Dad’s passing.
We are with you all in thoughts and prayers at this difficult time
Hugs!
Jack & Brenda Billard
(Angela’s Parents)
??
Mary and Family,So sorry to learn of Andys passing,
you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mary and Family
So sorry to learn of Andy’s passing
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
My deepest condolences on your loss. Andy touched many lives with his kindness. I am honored and blessed to have known him. Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gilyan family.
Mary and family: My prayers and condolences to all of you. It’s been a terribly tough year for your family, and I have kept you all in my prayers often. My deepest sympathies God Bless Karen Hollohan MacQueen
Mary and family,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our kindest thoughts and prayers go out to you at this difficult time.
Mary and Anita Levangie