Our family is saddened to share the loss of Gary Somerville on October 20, 2026, at the age of 88.
Born and raised in Cumberland, BC, Gary was the youngest of six children born to Alex and Mildred Somerville. He met Sharron Johnson, and they married in August 1964. They settled in Duncan, where Sharron began teaching and Gary transitioned from logging to work at the Chemainus sawmill. When the mill closed during the 1982 recession, Gary returned to logging until it reopened in 1986. He continued working at the mill until his retirement in 1999.
In retirement, Gary and Sharron enjoyed travelling, spending time with friends and neighbours at their Salmon Beach recreational property, visiting Maui and being with family. Gary was an avid fisherman who enthusiastically shared stories about all the fish he used to catch (and the ones that got away), right up until his passing.
Sharron and Gary were married for nearly 60 years before her passing in 2024.
Predeceased by his wife, Sharron; his parents, Alex and Mildred; and his siblings, Gloria, Alfreda, Vernon, Jessie and Ernest. He is survived by his son Kevin (Sonia), daughter Melinda (Ernie), grandchildren Luciano (Amy), Marino (Anneke), Ethan (Raven), Nico, Quinton and Tatiana, and two great-grandchildren.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends, who will remember his enthusiastic stories, dry sense of humour and quick comebacks, which he always seemed to have ready for any situation. His humour was a particular delight to his grandchildren.
At Gary’s request, a Celebration of Life was held privately with his immediate family.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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