Born in 1907 at Chezzetcook, Nova Scotia, Gaetz was a farmer.[2] He married Sadie Theresa Gaetz in 1931.[2] Gaetz first attempted to enter provincial politics in the 1960 election, but was defeated by Liberal incumbent Duncan MacMillan in the Halifax East riding.[3] In May 1962, Gaetz was elected a municipal councillor for Halifax County.[2] He ran again in the 1963 provincial election, and defeated MacMillan by 305 votes.[4] In the 1967 election, Gaetz was defeated by MacMillan in the new Halifax Eastern Shore riding.[5] Gaetz died on April 26, 1988.[6]