John “Gary” Davis, 76, passed peacefully into the Lord’s presence on September 6th, 2016 at The Heights at Mt. View, Victoria, British Columbia. Born on March 6th, 1940, to Norman and Amy (Peckham) Davis in Vancouver, British Columbia, Gary was the youngest of 2 children. While an air force reserve, Gary met his sweetheart, Marilyn Dianne Johnson, and the two were married on April 15, 1966.
From hotel management and sales, Gary moved into an extensive real estate career earning many awards, friends and admirers. A dedicated follower of Christ, Gary acted as the first Chairman of Victoria’s Youth For Christ board, was a soccer and baseball coach for his children’s teams, bible study group facilitator, a minister to residents at the Gorge Road Hospital and ready encourager for those in need. Besides great food, golden retrievers, and everything funny, Gary enjoyed golf, directing Family Camp, cruising and BBQ. He was the life of many a party and his fun-loving spirit will be dearly missed.
Gary is survived by his loving wife, Mimi; daughter & son-in-law, Marie and Mike Leon; son & daughter-in-law Scott and Cyndi Davis; grandchildren, Robert, Ryan and Michael Leon, Cameron, Calvin and Katie Davis. Gary was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Norman Davis, and granddaughter, Courtney.
A viewing will be held at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC – (250) 385-4465, on Friday, September 9, 2016 from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
On September 10, 2016, a Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at Lambrick Park Church – 1780 Feltham Rd, Saanich, Victoria, BC – (250)-477-9721 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary’s memory to either:
1) Lakeside Bible Camp at http://www.lakesidebiblecamp.org/Get-Involved/Donate.aspx
2) The Heights at Mount View, 3814 Carey Rd, Victoria, BC. V8Z 4C4
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Marilyn Mitchell
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Hans Frederiksen so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing .I remember when the 2 of us joined Sears back in 68 and later meeting Gary selling a house around the corner from us. He was always a gentleman God Bless
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Brian Gandy Mimi I am saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. Although I knew he hadn’t been well these last few years it’s always a shock when it happens. I will speak for Laura when I say please take care of yourself and I will contact you soon so we can have one of our little chats. Thinking of you Mimi
Brian and Laura Gandy
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Warren Dyck Dear Mimi, Marie and Scott,
I am deeply saddened by the news of your loss. Gary was a wonderful person – kind natured, good humored with a smile that could light up a room. I count it an honor to have known him. May God bless and comfort you during this time of intense grief. May God give him eternal rest and all of you the strength to bear this great pain.
Love,
Warren
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Lynn Spence Dear Mimi, Marie, Scott and families,
I’m profoundly saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. While I haven’t seen him in over 40 years I have never forgotten him or the impact he made on my life. I am grateful for all those days in the company of the Davis family, for all the memories and laughter. I will never forget the annual spring marigold planting extravaganza which always included a hilariously good natured exchange of words between Mr. Davis and my father. I respected the way this kind, humorous, loving father and husband held his faith, lived his life, and treated others. Mimi, I send my love and deepest sympathy to you and your family. I’m away in Calgary and was unable to attend the service but I’m certain you were surrounded by love. I wish you all peace, the comfort of the people who love you, and the strength of your faith in the days to come. With much love to all of you.
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Janie Bell Hurley Dear gentle Mimi, I am so sorry for your loss. I am sending all my love to you and your family. May the Lord bless you with peace during this hard time and for all times to come. Prayers all around. With love, Janie Bell Hurley
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Cat M. Dear Mrs. Davis
Gary was in the truest sense of the word a ” Gentleman ” …
As the saying goes “better late than never” and that is the feeling I am left with, for having met him and several of your wonderful family… In reading many of the heart felt tributes to him, I know that it would have been nice to have known him longer. Still I am thankful for what time there was to serve and hopefully assist all of you.
My condolences and very best wishes to you and your amazing family.
C.M.
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Lorraine Lindsay Dearest Mimi,
Heaven is a little richer and we are all poorer for having lost Gary, but we’ll remember him fondly as a very funny, loving and righteous man. Sending you all my love and strength – grace you already have in abundance.
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Karen De Lisle Dear Mimi,
I am saddened by Gary’s passing and send you my heart felt condolences. I remember him in Gordon Head as a vibrant and joyful man. Family was paramount in his life. Peter and I so enjoyed meeting you and Gary at Tim Horton’s last year. I am thinking of you, Mimi as you go through the adjustment to this new stage in your life. I too, am on this long, slow journey. My Peter passed away July 17, 2016 very unexpectedly after being diagnosed with terminal cancer (gall bladder,pancreas, liver). He died 17 days later.
Pete’s obit will be in the TC Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016.My wish for you is gentleness, kindness, softness for your wound.
My deepest sympathy,
Karen De Lisle
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Dawna Gowing Dear Mimi and family. I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was such a friendly and humorous person and David greatly enjoyed their time together on the YFC board, especially some of his more outrageous pranks. They are now both home in heaven.
May God’s loving presence give you peace.
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Paul Stoski —Just read the published obituaries—-Feel saddened that Gary has left
us at a some-what early age.—Sincere Condolences To Mimi,Marie,Scott and
caring family relations—-
—Weeping may continue for a day / But Joy comes in the Morning—–We Have
Come To Know The Rest Of The Story, as Gary is experiencing NOW.—“Blesseth In the Eyes Of The Lord, are the Death Of His Saints”
— With Fondest Memories.
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Sandra & Russ Aikins Dear Mimi, Marie, Scott and family,
We will miss the gentle smile and laughter of this wonderful friend. We are so blessed to have met this special couple on a Mediterranean cruise many years age and to have kept this friendship going. What a pleasure it was to have him as part of our life, especially at each of our visits to Victoria. We will miss you, Gary, and see you again in heaven.
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Brad and Tytti Smith Our condolences to you and family Mimi. Gary was a very delightful and compassionate man. I remember when you had all your staff at your home for a Christmas party and Gary was Santa Clause. I think I surprised him by sitting on his lap! I very funny Santa he was!
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Claire Engel Dear Mimi and family,
We are saddened to learn of Uncle Gary’s passing. He was a very dear uncle and I can easily recall his delightful sense of humour and infectious laugh.
Our love and prayers are with you at this time.Claire (Davis) & Keith Engel, Kelowna, B.C.
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The Haupt family Dearest Mimi and family. Your Gary (dad) was an amazing man. So full of fun, laughter, support, caring, compassion and God. One who we would look at and know God was in him and him in God. He will now rest where he is meant to be. Loved and cared for.
May you all know you are loved and held in our prayers. Peace be with you.
Big hugs from us all.
Katherine, Bert, Ben and Alexandra
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Lance M. Jefferson Dear Mimi, Marie and Mike, Scott and Cyndi and your families. We share in your loss of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend, who always made people feel better. We were all fortunate to have known this gentle and considerate man. We will miss him.
God bless you all.
Denyse and Lance Jefferson,
Richmond, British Columbia
Mimi,
I am writing to tell you how much I am thinking of you when I read the paper the other week. I am sure that your Christian beliefs will be of tremendous help to you. Would love to connect either here or in Phoenix.
Love, Marilyn (Mitchell)