Garry Alderdice, 79

Meet Garry Alderdice, 79 (centred in the accompanying photos)

Garry’s career spanned many years working as an Occupational Health and Safety professional here in Nova Scotia implementing workplace safety throughout Atlantic Canada. Beyond his professional achievements, Garry has always given back to his community by donating his time to Make-A-Wish, coaching hockey, and serving on town councils before retirement.

Garry has always been a man of unwavering positivity and strength, and spent over 30 years cherishing the camaraderie and serenity of his fishing camp at Tangier Grand Lake. However, health issues have kept him from this beloved camp for several years due to the extensive trek to get there. Garry, now battling Type 2 diabetes, amyloidosis, and shortness of breath, was further devastated by losing his home to wildfires in Hammonds Plains on May 28, 2023. Currently living in temporary accommodations, Garry often reflects on how, as we age, memories become our most treasured possessions. Despite his resilient spirit, these challenges have dimmed Garry's once-bright disposition.

Garry’s wish over the years has been to take a helicopter ride over Tangier Grand Lake that would allow him to see the fishing camp one more time alongside his old fishing buddies. Thanks to the help of @Vision Air, Garry, Earl and Michael, were able to witness their old fishing camp from the sky, reliving cherished memories while creating new ones, reigniting the fun-loving, story-telling spark that has endeared him to family and friends for so many years.

In Garry’s words “We Are Young has given me a ‘Lift on Life”... This experience has given me the opportunity to sit back and realize how precious life is and has encouraged me to live life to the fullest each and every day.”

Photography – Kelsi Captures