After weeks beside his bed – sharing stories, laughter, tears and making memories, Gary departed this world with his family by his side to go be with his little sister Candace, his mother Ruth and his father James. His wife Betty said goodbye to her love one month short of 55 years. His daughter Trish (John) let go of her father that loved to see her smile every day and did his best to make sure she did. His son David (Roxanne) lost his best friend and the man that knew the answer to every question ever needed. Gary was kind and he was loved, especially by his grandchildren Rhys, Connor, Bretton and Jordan and great-grandson Marques. He will also be greatly missed by his sister Nicole (Jack); brother-in-law Bill Bell (Wendy); nephews Paul, Devin (Megan) and Mark (Emma); and his niece Jennie.
Gary was born and raised in Esquimalt and at the age of 18, took the train to Ottawa to join the RCMP. After spending 32 years with the RCMP in Saskatchewan, he and Betty moved back to their family home in Esquimalt in 1994.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Gorge Vale Golf Course on Sunday, November 24, 2019 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Memories and reflections of Gary’s life will be shared at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the RCMP Veterans Association – Victoria Division or the BC Cancer Agency.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
42 Responses
Please know Owens family that you are all in my heart and have been close through all the prayers I have been saying since finding out my friend Gary, was so sick. Over the years in the Mounted Police I have met and admired many of the brave, loyal men who made the choice to serve our great Country. I met Gary in Saskatoon where I was serving in a capacity that sometimes brought much danger, and every single time I arrived back home, Gary would be one of the very first bosses to take me aside and ask how I was doing, and Gary reminded me that he was always there if I needed to talk. Besides working together to fight crime and or evil as he would say, and always a special laugh after, we shared “war” stories of our time in the Force, I could sit for hours listening to some of the adventures he had had, but I will never forget the time Gary and I worked very together to guard the Prime Ministers wife Mela Mulroney, her and her aide were staying in a room at the Besbourough Hotel, and one afternoon she came over and asked if we wanted to join her as she had ordered up chocolate Sundaes for us all. So there we were eating ice cream Brian’s wife who was a very nice lady. I could write for hours more about my special friend, I called him Sarge, and had the greatest respect for him, his love of the Mounted Police was always evident, but his love for his family came first. As Dave told me last week, he was sure his Dad, would find a ball in Heaven and would find our sweet Son Zach and play catch with him, there is no doubt Gary would do just that. I wished I could have worked in uniform with my friend, but was just glad to take his advice and guidance whenever he offered it. Please know you are always in our prayers, and Dave I promise we will get together soon. Sending our love to the Owens family! God Bless you all.
Betty and Family, we know an awful lot of time has gone by since our time in North Battleford, but you and Gary were never forgotten. May Gary, our good friend, rest in peace. Bill & Val Gherasim
Sorry to hear about Gary. Our thoughts are with you Betty, Trish and Dave.
Gary is going to live on through memories. He touched so many people’s lives, including mine. I’m sending all my love. I love that you chose the Gorge to celebrate his life. He will be smiling down on you all.
Betty, I’m am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My heart aches to hear this news. He was such a special, wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gary gave us happiness, honour and the opportunity to spend precious time with a wonderful person.
He will always be remembered!
Betty, Dave & Trish
Sorry to hear that Gary passed. You are in my prayers.
Our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family. Gary was one heck of an incredible man. I hope to come and pay my respects on the 24th…to a man who was always smiling and who would always go out of his way to come say hello everytime we crossed paths. You will be greatly missed Gary. May you rest in Paradise. Til we meet again.
Betty and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I will never forget Gary, and how both he and Betty took me in and made me feel like part of their family when I was a young RCMP officer in need of a safe place to land, and rented out their basement suite. I enjoyed spending time laughing and joking, joining in on parties upstairs, having Gary cook me a steak on the bbq, and talking to Betty when I needed advice. I wish I could be there to say good bye, but know that I am thinking of the family and sending my love – All of my Heart, Erin F.
Dear Betty and family, so very sad to read about Gary’s passing. Thinking about you at this difficult time. My deepest condolences. Love friend Elsie.