Obituary of Gilbert Borden Whynacht

WHYNACHT, Gilbert Borden – Age 90, of Bridgewater, died on February 22, 2025, at Ryan Hall, Bridgewater, with his loving family by his side. Born on April 23, 1934, he was a son of the late Clement and Almeata Whynacht of Lunenburg.

Surviving are his daughters Debra (David) McKean, Pinehurst; Lynne (Jack) Smith, Bridgewater; granddaughter Jennifer McKean (Ryan Anthony); great-granddaughters Tia and Cali; sister-in-law Margaret “Margie” Spidell; brothers-in-law Gregory (Dianne) Weagle, Richard Weagle and many special nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Betty Whynacht; sister, Paulette, brothers Lawrence, Basil, Leo, Douglas, Frank and Milford; brother-in-law David Weagle and brother-in-law and best friend, Earl Spidell.

Dad was a hard worker all his life from a very young age. After he and Mom married, he worked for Rafuse Motors as a stockclerk and later salesman. He had a keen interest in radio and television repair, and it was then he began taking courses on the subject, eventually opening his own repair shop that he built himself in the early 1960s. Dad owned and operated Gilbert’s Radio & TV for years before expanding to accommodate a showroom for sales, then known as Gilbert’s TV Sales and Service in 1973. He became the first dealer to sell Admiral and Hitachi brands in Bridgewater and the advertising slogan “we sell the best and service the rest” was used in radio and newspaper advertisements. Dad not only repaired and sold electronics, he installed TV antennas on steep rooftops and towers, he climbed through attics to run lead wires and cables. His business evolved to include the sale of appliances, disco bar stereos, video games and sewing machines. He knew how to install and operate them all. There was nothing Dad couldn’t repair. He became well known as “the TV repairman” on the South Shore. 

Aside from building the family home and the TV shop, Dad also made a dream of Mom’s come true by building her a cottage at Green Bay. Dad enjoyed many sing-alongs around the campfire, playing his guitar and harmonica, with family and friends. The family spent many summers at the beach and created some unforgettable memories.

As hard as it is to say goodbye to such a kind, generous and caring man, we all know how much he missed mom after her death and the family takes comfort in knowing he doesn’t have to worry about “momma” anymore and they are together once again.

There will be no visitation by request. A memorial service will be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 2:00 pm, Rev. Willis Ott officiating. Interment at Brookside Cemetery at a later date when weather permits. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or the Ryan Hall Recreation Fund. 

A special thank you to Dr. Barrington and all the staff of Ryan Hall for their unwavering care and compassion. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where online condolences and donations may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com

“Thank you for every lesson, every laugh, every moment we shared, Dad.  We love you.”