Obituary of Blair Thomas Gotell

How do you sum up the life of someone in a few short paragraphs? Especially someone like Blair Gotell, Arichat, Nova Scotia who lived a life filled with joy, passion, creativity, laughter, and love. Blair was surrounded by his loving family as he performed his final encore and took his last bow before leaving this earth to go home on December 9, 2024, at the Strait Richmond Hospital while in palliative care. In his final days, Blair was comforted by the anticipated reunion of loved ones on the other side, especially his mom and dad. Blair was born on December 18, 1957, in Greenwood to Joseph and Evelyn (Boudreau) Gotell. Blair was the third child in the family of six other siblings. He married the love of his life Louise Samson in 1983, and they shared decades of a beautiful life, together with their children Evelyn, Adele, and Justin. Of all his many life accomplishments, gifts, and passions from musician to inventor, Blair's greatest love was his wife and children. Not a day would go by that he did not let them know that. Blair's cancer journey began in the summer of 2023, and over the past 18 months, he lived fully with courage, strength, grace, and humour. When he learned he had cancer, he said "I am living with cancer, not dying with cancer." Through the entire journey he remained positive, and hopeful while sharing his wonderful sense of humour every step along the way. In the final weeks of Blair's life, he taught us all many important lessons about how we can all prepare for our next chapter or the final second act. Blair was larger than life. He had a brilliant mind and was gifted with many talents and skills. Most importantly knowing how to make people feel special and loved. He had many beautiful friendships that lasted decades. He was especially close with all his siblings having a unique relationship with each one. Check out Blair's life story written by his sister Celeste on page 4 by clicking on the following link https://online.pubhtml5.com/qkgt/uxzv/ Blair was adored by many friends, nieces, nephews, all those who regarded Blair as their "second father", cousins, aunts, uncles, and brother/sister in-laws in both his and Louise's families. Blair will be missed dearly by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him, and by the many who loved him especially his beloved wife Louise, and children Adele Hunt (Bobby) Justin (Sarah), Evelyn (Carl and Brayden) and his siblings, Kevin (Mary Ann) Glenn (Marlie), Celeste, Carla, Denise (David), Rennie (Joanne) and their families along with his in-laws Blaine (Michelle), Bernice (Vern), Cecile(Frederick), Gerard, Therese (Valma), Elise (David), and Yvonne (Gilles). During the last few weeks, while in hospital palliative care, Blair welcomed and enjoyed the company of many visitors right up until the end. In his final hours and moments before he took his last breath, he made a point of saying to everyone, " Turn your tears into laughter!" and reminding us "It's All good!" Honouring Blair's wishes, cremation will take place and no formal service will be held. His family will host a celebration of his life in the summer of 2025 where we can all gather to enjoy music, food, share stories and laughter. The family wishes to offer their heartfelt thanks to the amazing team of medical professionals and care providers, who cared for Blair during his cancer journey. Donations in his memory can be made to the Pay It Forward Angel Fund, the Strait Richmond Palliative Care Society, or the Sydney Makerspace, Cape Breton to support creative minds, who are pursuing their dreams as he did. While in the hospital in January, Blair wrote the following piece and asked that we share it following his death. Journeys Life has many journeys Each journey has an end Within your journey all the way Are family and good friends Don’t waste your time and energy On those who bring you down It’s they who have the problem Not you - tis what I’ve found Live each, and every moment As if it were your last Don’t worry about tomorrow Or dwell upon the past Living in the present Is where the truth you’ll find The peace “Your God “has stored for you Be loving, caring, and kind Leave thoughts of negativity Buried in the sand Think of all the many ways To lend a helping hand At the end of your life’s journey A new one will begin Your spirit will live on and on In those you’ve touched within Don’t ever underestimate The impact you have had On the lives of those around you and paths you may have crossed Your truth is in this moment When your time has come to be It will walk you hand in hand Into eternity. What will be my legacy when all is said and done I only hope, I’ve helped somehow our “World to live as One." Blair T. Gotell 2024 In the words of his favourite author, Eckhart Tolle, "Wherever you are, be there totally.” - The Power of Now