Obituary of Gary Raymond Batt

Gary Raymond Batt (born October 24, 1963), extraordinary husband, father, son, brother, uncle, teacher, and friend died peacefully in his home on June 19^th, 2023 after a year long battle with glioblastoma brain cancer. He was surrounded by his family who loved him more than words can say and will miss him with all their hearts.

Gary is survived by his mother, Shirley; wife, Susanne Wyss; sons, Griffin and Addison, brother and sister-in law, Ronald and Leslie Chandler of Moncton NB; brother, Brian of Apsley ON, sister- in-law Laura Batt; Mother-in-law, Eleanor Wyss; sister-in-law Johanne Wyss-Huskinson and husband, Rob; plus his nieces and nephews, Jereme, Meredith, Jordie, Adrian, Katelynn, and AJ. He is predeceased by his father, Captain William Roland Batt.

Gary was born in Halifax, but grew up in Cape Tormentine, NB and North Sydney, Cape Breton. He attended Mount Allison University at a young age and had a career in aquaculture with the National Research Council before becoming a teacher in 1991. He spent a decade teaching in Hazelton, BC where he enjoyed salmon fishing, and playing hockey with his close friends and colleagues.  Prior to the birth of their first son, Gary and Susanne moved to Nova Scotia where Gary taught at Digby Regional High School and later Middleton Regional High School until his retirement in 2022.  He will be fondly remembered for his wealth of knowledge, sense of humour & wit, kindness, high academic standards, and love of math and basketball, which he coached for many years.

Gary was an exceptionally talented handyman. He lovingly maintained his 138 year-old home, built many intricate model ships, created furniture and many birdhouses and cottage projects.  He also enjoyed deer hunting with his compound bow, travelling to new locations, and enjoying a good feed of lobster, crab, clams, or periwinkles picked by the Point Primm Lighthouse.

We are very appreciative of the support from friends, family, colleagues, and former students over the past 11 months.  So many of you took the time to let Gary know how loved, respected, and admired he was, which made his last days joyful.  Special thanks go out to the wonderful medical team who helped us during this challenging time: Annapolis Collaborative Practice, Annapolis Palliative Care team, Dickson Building Cancer Care Ward, and Neurosurgery Floor staff at the Halifax Infirmary, as well as members of our brain tumour support groups. We could not have survived this journey without you.

There will be no funeral at this time, however, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 26^th at Kaulbach Family Funeral Home in Annapolis Royal, NS. Visit with family at 2 pm, followed by service at 3. Pastor Nathan Waterman will be presiding.  Should you wish to speak, sing, or share a story, Susanne would be very appreciative, so please let her know. Interment of his ashes will be held Wednesday August 30 with family in Pictou, NS.

Prior to his death Gary set up an advanced math award for Middleton Regional High School.  His memory would be honoured if, in lieu of flowers, contributions were made to extend the longevity of this award. Please send cheques to AVRCE at PO Box 340, Berwick, NS, B0P 1E0.  Include reference to the Gary Batt Advanced Math Award.