Gary was born on September 6, 1931, in Powell River, BC, and passed away peacefully on December 20, 2023 at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Blanche, and daughter, Susan. He is survived by his beloved wife, Margot; daughter, Alison (Rob); son, Graham (Erika), and grandchildren, Grant, Lynden, and Heath. After a brief stay in hospital, Dad left us peacefully with his family by his side. He had been surrounded by family in his final days and he knew how very loved, valued and respected he was. We are all so proud of our Dad and grateful for the care he received.
Dad grew up in Powell River and treasured memories of living on the Sunshine Coast, exploring many areas, including his beloved Savary Island. Savary summers included fishing and family time with Bill, Al, Stewart, Jack, Ann, Bert, Kay, Lillian, Gail, and many friends. Dad travelled back to Savary each year, well into his 80’s. As a teenager he spent several summers as a lifeguard on the beaches of the Sunshine Coast and enjoyed swimming, fishing and playing several sports. Dad excelled at school and athletics, winning numerous awards along the way to the University of British Columbia, where he shined as both a scholar and athlete. He played varsity football and basketball at the University of BC, and often mentioned his football coach Don Coryell, who later became the head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He enjoyed all that university life had to offer, including meeting Margot, who together celebrated 67 years of marriage this year. While at UBC he made lifelong friends to whom he remained connected and looked forward to seeing frequently. He cherished friendships with Kay and Ian Mair, Ken MacKay and Sally, Evan and Yvonne Oakley, Dave Jones, Jack and Nancy Shipley, George and Yvonne Bolt, Bill and Gloria Garner, Ron and Sonia McLeod, George and Marion Andrews, Don and Jill Horwood and so many others. Dad also enjoyed many years of golf at Uplands Golf Club with great friends. The annual schooly-plumber golf tournament was full of chirping, some good golf and many laughs.
After university Gary found his calling as an educator, school administrator, coach, and community builder. He started teaching at Oak Bay Secondary in 1956. He was a great advocate for students and knew how important educators are in supporting youth to achieve their goals. He coached the Oak Bay basketball team in the 1960s and his teams won 6 Island Championships and 2 provincial titles in 1965 and 1968. He cherished the relationships he had with his players. Gary was incredibly grateful when the Oak Bay basketball court was named in his honour in 2015. He also coached championship track and field and swimming teams at Oak Bay. Gary became the vice principal at Lansdowne in 1970, principal of Cedar Hill in 1976, and retired as principal of Lambrick Park in 1990. Gary’s friendship with Roy Henry Vickers resulted in a First Nations Art Display at Cedar Hill Secondary, one of the first school art displays of its kind. Gary realized the importance of sports, music, and the arts in supporting youth and connecting cultures. His incredible impact on his students, teachers, and community lasted for 35 years.
Gary’s volunteering stretched far and wide. He was vice-Chair of the 1994 Victoria Commonwealth Games. In 1970 the University of Victoria asked him to volunteer coach the Varsity basketball team. After 5 winning seasons and a Canada West title, Gary knew the University required paid coaches if their athletic program was to compete across Canada. Gary successfully advocated the University administration to formalize the athletics program by having paid varsity coaching positions. His achievement paved the way for the Vikes’ national championship success that has occurred over the past 50 years. Gary was inducted into the Oak Bay Secondary Hall of Fame, Victoria Sports Hall of Fame and the BC Basketball Hall of Fame.
Dad lived an active and full life. Despite vision complications in his later years, he remained sharp minded and continued to enjoy a quality of life that many could not, including many hours cultivating his beautiful flower gardens. We will miss our Dad immensely but are grateful for the example he set for us in living a life with purpose, dignity and humour. The world is a far better place because of him and the impact he had on his family and community will continue to be felt for generations.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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I am so very grateful for all the kind words and condolences provided here. I read them fairly often and they always inspire great memories for me. Thank you all!