A prominent figure in the province’s arts community for decades has died.

Jerry Doyle, originally from Avondale, passed away Friday in hospital in Stephenville.

He was 82.

Doyle spent a career in mining, working from Wabush to Hope Brook to Fort McMurray and Hibernia. But, as noted in his obituary, “it was theatre that captured his heart,” devoting his other life to acting, directing, writing and producing. He served as artistic director of the Stephenville Festival, performing on stage himself in numerous productions over the years, while also deeply involved with the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council.

Doyle appeared on television and film in such productions as Republic Of Doyle, Traders, Misery Harbour, Grown Up Movie Star and his favourite, Gordon Pinsent’s John And The Missus. He also cherished close collaborations with his brother Clar, a well-known playwright, director, and designer, and with his siblings Mary Ellen, Pat, and Jerry through the Labrador theatre group The Carol Players.

Doyle also created a literacy program that toured around the province.

The funeral will be held on May 4th at St. Stephen’s Church in Stephenville, with donations encouraged to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.