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
Sincerest condolences to Gary’s family and especially to the other pea in the pod, Betty. Gary was a warm, funny, knowledgeable, and very brave man. His knowledge of a “good deal” and police history, was unsurpassed. I will miss his smile, his person and his encyclopedic knowledge. His legacy continues with Trish and David and their families. Family was always first with Gary. He was a star and will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Many fond memories of his time in North Battleford S/Div.
Gary was the “best man” at our wedding, and he truly was a “best” man. Gary and Betty and Neil and I had many good times together, shared many laughs and made great memories. He will be missed by many, but in particular Betty, David and Trish. Prayers and hugs to you all.
Betty, Trish & David. This amount of tributes and the words in them clearly speaks to Gary’s popularity. He has tons of friends and family left behind who mourn his loss, but celebrate all Gary has done throughout his life and particularly his many years of service in the Force. Heather & I are pleased to call your family friends. Thanks for the memories!
Floyd & Heather ROGERS, Okotoks
Gary was a troop mate in Troop 4 at ‘N’ Div. Rockcliffe in Ottawa in the summer of 1962. Eleven of us were transferred to ‘F” Div. Saskatchewan in April 1963. A great member of the RCMP and one of the best I was proud to serve with. Gary will be missed and condolences to the family.
I was so sorry to hereof Gary’s passing. As you know, Betty, Gary and I trained together in Ottawa, served in different Provinces, but remained in touch over the years, mainly through our hobby of collecting firearms. He was a great guy and a fun guy, respected and admired, so sorry for your loss, Bill
Betty, I was so sad to read Gary’s obituary in the paper. He was one of the great ones and Keith really looked forward to times when we would get together and he could talk with Gary. He always had time for Keith even when Keith couldn’t really communicate that well.
I know your family will be with you through this time and be sure to lean on them when you need to.
I will be thinking of you and I’m thankful for all the memories I have of Gary.
I was sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I remember the first time we met and it was the same night as I met Steve at that “gathering” in North Battleford in 66. Remember when Steve and Gary were almost business partners lol.Heather and Trish were even planning uniforms lol. Please know that he will rest in peace knowing you have support and continued contact with the RCMP family as well as your great kids. We will always miss them but glad to have such good memories.
Dear Betty & Family
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Gary was “one of a kind” and it has been a true privilege to have been able to spend time with both of you recently. He treated others with respect and had a great sense of humor. He was well known in police circles around saskatchewan and well regarded as a policeman. He will be sorrily missed. Betty our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
God bless—mike & candy thorpe
Dear Betty & Family
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Gary was “one of a kind” and it has been a true privilege to have been able to spend time with both of you recently. He treated others with respect and had a great sense of humor. He was well known in police circles around saskatchewan and regarded as a true policeman. He will be sorrily missed. Betty our prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
God bless—mike & candy thorpe