Director, Tim Gay

How did you become interested in genealogy?

I caught the genealogy bug early in life when my uncle researched and hand-drew a huge family tree chart. This was way before computers. The quality of the chart was impressive, and I never forgot it. From that moment on I intended to make genealogy among my later-life main interests.

What is your most exciting or interesting genealogical discovery?

Once started, my genealogical pursuits included discovering Nova Scotia ancestors from almost every immigration event in Nova Scotia's early history. Among my favorite discoveries are cousin relationships with people I knew socially but didn’t know we were related, learning of very early ancestor immigrant landowners in Dartmouth as well as discovering historically significant ancestors from the British Colonies. Fun!

What brought you to GANS?

My early research brought me to focus on an amazing piece of land in north Dartmouth called the Tufts Cove Cemetery where I learned that Iwas related to almost everyone buried there, including ancestors from at least 4 or 5 generations of my heritage. I was eventually introduced to folks at GANS which has since received almost all of my free time.

What is your position/responsibility at GANS?

I became a board member and got involved with the research queries team and eventually became the President of GANS. As Past-President I still spend as much time as I can volunteering with GANS as a Director on the Board and in other ways.

What is your professional background?

Before genealogy and GANS I spent over 20 years working for Aliant, Bell and Telus as an Atlantic Retail Manager and family business owner and I hope to continue to bring a bit more of an entrepreneurial spirit.

What are your interests outside of genealogy?

Living in Bedford, I currently own a Doggy Daycare, Boarding and Grooming business in Halifax and dogs are a very large part of my daily professional life. I have a 31-year-old daughter, a 14-year-old son and a 1.5-year-old grandson. Incidentally, I have my uncle's family tree chart.