Donald Gracey
1939 - 2016
Donald Gracey
Visitation Information
Visitation
No visitation by family request
Service Information
Service Date
Thursday April 14, 2016
Service Time
3:00 pm
Service Location
Immaculate Conception Church, 669 Prince, Truro, NS
Burial Information
Burial Date
At a later date
Requested Charity
Hospice Society of Colchester East Hants
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Gracey, Donald, Lower Truro, NS. It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of Donald Gracey, who died at home with his loving family by his side on Saturday April 9th, 2016. Don was born in Portadown, Northern Ireland in 1939 where he met his loving wife and best friend Sally Gracey (Matchett). Don spent his early years in Portadown perfecting his recipe for fish and chips at the Cafe Rex before following his brother, Joe, and wife May, to Truro, Nova Scotia in 1972. Don was an inspiration to many people through his running and his gift of motivating others. He lived an active lifestyle despite the disease that he fought bravely and with dignity. He will always be remembered for his unconditional love for his family, his gentleness, his sense of humor and the way he made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. His love for his family was undeniable. He would do anything for them and he had a special love for his 3 granddaughters who in his words were the best girls in the world and they loved their "Pop." He was a true Irishman with his natural storytelling ability and his enjoyment of a wee glass of wine with family and good friends Pat and Graham and Bob and Sophie. A trait that has been passed down to his children. Donald and his wife, Sally, built a successful restaurant business (The Shillelagh House) and operated it with their family for over 24 years, treating every customer like they were family and friends. When not working he could be found running at the REC Centre or on the Cobequid Trail, or spending time with family watching his favourite shows in his favorite spot on the couch. Don touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him and life will not be the same without him.

He is survived by his loving wife and boss of 53 years, Sally Gracey (Matchett), son Anthony Gracey, daughters Kirsty Gracey-Chamberland (Marc), Lisa Gracey (Richard Winstanley), and Charity Gracey, brother Ronnie Gracey (Elsie) of Northern Ireland, sisters Iris Garrett (Ricky) of England and Marguerita Milligan of Northern Ireland, granddaughters Olivia and Samantha Winstanley and Grace Chamberland, and many nieces and nephews in Ireland, England, and Canada. 

Donald was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Martha Gracey, brothers Jimmy, Joseph and Robert and sisters Pearl and Isobel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mattatall~Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. No visitation by family request. Funeral service will take place on Thursday April 14th at 3:00 pm in the Immaculate Conception Church, 669 Prince Street, Truro. Father Jim O’Connor will officiate with a reception to follow in Campbell Hall. Burial will take place at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Hospice Society of Colchester East Hants. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Don’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Dr. Henderson and Lisa Weatherbee from Palliative Care for building a relationship with "Pop" as they cared for him and in the process formed a special bond with all of us as well. Thank you to our special VON nurses who took care of Don and treated him with such love and respect that helped us make it through this journey.

                                    An Irish Blessing

                                    May the road rise up to meet you,

                                    May the wind be always at your back,

                                    May the sun shine warm upon your face,

                                    The rain fall soft upon your fields,

                                    And until we meet again,

                                    May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Donald Gracey