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
Steady as a rock, perpetual smile – qualities he learned from his dad. You will be sorely missed Gary. My heartfelt condolences to Betty all all the family.
Gary will be so missed. Because he was the oldest of the Owens cousins there was an age gap between us and I really only knew his baby sister, Candy well. As we got older and went to different reunions and functions I got to know him better. If you wanted to see the biggest smile and the best laugh you headed over to see Gary. He was very kind and generous and I know Betty and family will have rich memories to keep them warm through this terrible time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Valerie and Paul
Gary was a happy Mountie, his whole time was spent on police stuff and his knowledge in this field was truly remarkable, He served his country and community well. Best to the family
Dear Betty and Trish;
My thoughts are with you during this time of grief. May I offer my sincere condolences to you both. Although I did not know Gary well the few times that I did meet him they were very memorable. His dedication to RCMP history was remarkable.
With a heavy heart;
Gary was an excellent friend and will be greatly missed. I could always count on him for sound advice and guidance. There are fond memories of our time spent together and long phone conversations
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Rick and Sue
Our hearts and prayers are with you! Another great guy gone too soon.
I served with Gary in the RCMP in Saskatoon. Rest In Peace my friend!
Our deepest heartfelt condolences. Gary was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed by all that knew him. The world has lost another bright light.
So very sorry for your loss.
Big hugs Frank and Debbie Ottenbreit
My condolences and sympathies to the Owens family. Gary was very helpful to me when I was badge collecting and assisted me when I put a number of displays together for my department’s 100th anniversary. He was a wealth of information and a great guy. He will be missed. RIP Gary.
I’m shocked to hear of GARY’S passing. I didn’t even know he was sick. I first met Gary when he was transferred to Glaslyn out of training in 1962 and when, I was T i/c Glaslyn Det. Introduced him to the Reid family (Betty’s) and, the rest is history. Worked with him on-and-off over the next 30+ years. Sometimes he scared the hell out of me but, we survived. Rest in peace my friend.
Gary was so loved by us and we will remember his smiles, big hugs and our times together that we enjoyed so much. Life will not be the same for us Gary without you. Love Faye xo