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
A close and wonderful friend for more than 50 years he was one of a kind. A sense of humour like no other, a living and dedicated. father, husband and RCMP college I will miss him very much. May he rest in peace and may you find comfort Betty knowing he was so loved and admired
So sorry to hear this news. Often reflect on the great times in North Battleford in the late 60’s. Brings a smile to a face for sure. Our thoughts are with you and your family Betty.
Betty and Family, my thoughts are with you and thinking of you in this difficult time.
Thanks to Gary and Betty for offering help when I experienced a tragic loss.
I will never forget his kindness at that time.
My heartfelt condolences.
We are so saddened and very sorry for your loss. Uncle Gary was a sweet, kind and wonderful man and we know he will be missed by so many. We will be attending his Celebration of Life and are sending our heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers to all of you.
Gary was one of my early mentors in Badge collecting and helped me realize that a good investigation leads to a good badge. I enjoyed sharing stories with Gary. We had a lot in common, from our interests in our work within the force to our after work hobbies. I will miss Gary’s voice and his laugh very much. Rest in peace my friend.
Dear Betty and family. Please accept our most sincere condolences on Gary’s passing. We loved the time spent in a Desert Aire with Gary and you. He was such a sweet man and gave the best hugs ever. Keep your wonderful memories of your lives together tucked in your heart.
Dear Betty,
I am so sorry for your loss. Gary was one of the few “good” men I have known. He will be greatly missed. I really loved that man
Dear Betty and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We send our heartfelt thoughts your way.
Diane and Morris Atkinson
Betty and family,
I am so very sad to hear this news. I send you my deepest condolences. I remember Gary as being so kind. I was young when you and Gary would visit with my parents, Rae and Gloria Allin. I do, however, remember how I felt around you both. And when I think of those times, a smile crosses my face. You are great people that took time for a young person. I felt like you were family to me.
Years have passed since I would have seen you guys, although you have been thought of and spoken of in high regard.
Thinking of you,
Cindy (Allin) Durell
We were saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. The time Owen spent working with Gary in the SIDU were some of his most memorable and the most ‘fun’. He will be missed and remembered. Our sincere condolences to Betty and the entire family.