Obituary of Gary Michael Dobbin

With heavy hearts, we regret to announce that Gary “crossed the finish line” on February 20, 2025 in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on May 13, 1953 to the late Dennis and Enid (Toope) and was the eldest of five children. At the age of six, his family moved to Antigonish where he grew up on Fatima Street.

Known for his sense of humour, he found great joy in pulling pranks with his brother, Jerry, and telling jokes (particularly if they involved a Newfie). His kids (the “Mookies”) fondly remember going for ice cream and dirt road drives, camping, bonfires, coffee and dinner dates, watching movies, and being taught to drive a standard in his beloved Jeep. He was extremely proud of being Poppy to his two granddaughters, and insisted on being the one to teach them their first “bad word". He always looked forward to the Saturday morning ritual of breakfast with friends, Leo and Greg. 

He took great pride in his 40-year career as a Journeyman Electrical Lineman, starting in 1977 with Nova Scotia Power, then with MT&T and later Bell Aliant until he retired in 2017. Over the years, he would often point out specific telephone poles across the province saying, “see that pole there? I put that in!” 

Gary is survived and greatly missed by daughters Marianne (Brendan MacDonald) and Laura of Antigonish, sons Joseph and Michael of Antigonish and Andrew (Jacinta Reid) of Halifax, former wife and mother of his children, Anne Marie (MacPherson), granddaughters Maëlle and Marsali MacDonald; brother Jerry (Joyce) of Heatherton and their daughters, Ashley, Lisa, Michelle, Bridget, and Kayla; sister Sharon, Stellarton; large extended family, and family friend Jade Swaine. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers Sean, and Gregory in childhood. 

We extend a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Dad at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital and Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. 

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, February 24, 2025 in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish. Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 in St. Ninian Cathedral, Reverend Gary MacPherson presiding. Burial at a later date. 

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.