Click to Enlarge
Full Name:
Date of Birth:
Place of Birth:
Antigonish District:
Service Rank or Number:
Date of Enlistment:
Location of Enlistment:
Theatres of Service:
Conflicts:
Location of Retirement of Discharge:
Rank on Retirement or Discharge:
Click to Enlarge
Biography
Gerald “Jerry” Cunningham was born on September 22, 1921, in Merigomish, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, to Leslie and Agnes (Copeland) Cunningham. While he was young, the family moved first to Antigonish and later to Lower South River. He attended the South River School.
In 1942, Cunningham enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Newfoundland, which was considered overseas service at the time. While stationed at Fort Williams, he met Airwoman Isobel Patrick. The couple married in June 1945. His brother, Gordon Cunningham, also served during the Second World War.
Following their discharge in the fall of 1945, Gerald and Isobel returned to Antigonish. Cunningham then began working in his family’s hospitality business in Lower South River. The couple had two children.
In 1946, Cunningham was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which he had contracted during his military service. He spent more than two years in hospital recovering from the disease.
Cunningham was active in the Royal Canadian Legion, the Highland Games Society, and local, provincial, and Dominion Commands in various positions. He was committed to assisting fellow veterans whenever possible. In recognition of his contributions to the community, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.
Cunningham passed away in Antigonish in May 2008
Return to the Antigonish Area Veterans Search