Condolences
Dear Kim and family,
We were sorry to hear about your loss. Gary was a kind and lovely man. I know you will always hold him in your heart and sending you much love and condolences.
Sincerely,
Heidi and Colette
To the Thompson family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. He was a football and hockey teammate of my brother John at Aden Bowman. I thought so highly of Gary and he was always so kind to me he was like another big brother. It truly hurts to lose him. God bless everyone!
To Kim and family my condolences on Gary's passing.
I knew Gary from our high school football team ABCI Bears. I was the offensive center and Gary a wide receiver. If it was a passing play Gary often had the option of calling his own pattern (typically he would run what he called a down-out-down). He caught many a pass in his high school career - some were critical game changers. The team won the provincial high school championship in 1970 with an 11-0 win/loss record. We were all very proud of that accomplishment.
What I remember of Gary most however, was his smile and that positive attitude so many have mentioned in this memorial.
We did not run into each other after high school, but made a connection with the family when we were organizing the 50th Anniversary of the HS football championship. Unfortunately, Gary was unable to attend the event as he was already under care for dementia. I did however meet his wife Kim along with some other team members as the championship football made a stop in Calgary.
Again, my sincere condolences to the family on Gary's passing.
Tom Duggleby
I am deeply saddened to learn of Gary's passing, although I have known for sometime that it was imminent. Gary and I were the closest of friends, having been each other's 'best man' at our (first) weddings. That was the last generation that more or less was prepared for adulthood not long after graduating high school. (when truly, we didn't have a clue). Gary had an incredibly quick mind, hands and feet which he used for sports, academics and work. He was very funny, and as noted in the obituary, a sharp dresser, being the only guy in high school who ironed his jeans every day before school. As Larry mentions, we spent a lot of time in Gary's VW bug and being around his Dad's gas station at Grosvenor. Gary's love and commitment to his children is at the core of his obituary. A very caring and compassionate man, full of love. Rest well, my friend. I have missed you for a long time.
My sincere sympathy to all of Gary’s family. I met Gary as a friend of my brother Ralph in Saskatoon during our high school days. I always enjoyed seeing him. When I moved to Calgary I would run into him once and awhile, sometimes would see him and Kim at Flames games.
I always enjoyed Gary
God’s blessings to all of you at this time.
Brian Jones
It has been several years since I last saw Gary, but I have fond memories of the many times our families got together in the 80s during Christmas and other times of the year. The words that come to mind when I think of him are that he was “such a nice guy”. My condolences to Cathie, Ryan, Kyle and Claire.
So many fun times on the shinny ice at Brunskill School. Gary was a good friend early in life. Wish we would have stayed in touch.
Only have great memories of times spent with Gary. Growing up he was like an older brother to me and always considered part of the Millar family...always took time to come to our many music, dance concerts and sporting events...he was awesome!
I met Gary through mutual friends halfway through grade 9. I quickly realized he was a great guy. We both belonged to the same house (McKinnon) in school. There I found out how good an athlete and how competitive he was. As others have stated he was a good hockey player as well as a football player. The best was when he got his driver’s license. He got a VW(bug) and I rarely walked to school again. He was always a charmer with the teachers or with friend’s parents. To say he had a great personality is an understatement. Even though I haven’t been in touch with him for years I will always consider him a good friend. RIP Friend.
I went to school at John Lake and Aden Bowman with Gary and played hockey with him on the Bowman Bruins. I heard a while ago about his battle with w dementia... A classy guy... My sincerest condolences to his family and all who were part of his life.
I think the obituary almost perfectly captures Dads life and what he was about. On behalf of the family I want to thank all of you that have reached out with condolences in the past few weeks. Your support means a lot.
We will be holding a Celebration of Life for Gary on Jan 14 at 2:30 at the Southern Alberta Pioneers Foundation in Parkhill. Address is 3625 4th Street SW Calgary.
All that knew Gary are welcome to attend.
I offer my sincere condolences to Kim, Sydney, Ryan, Kyle, Claire, Cathy and all your families. I met Gary when he was in Grade 7 at Brunskill in Saskatoon. We were hockey teammates while at Brunskill, and hockey and football opponents through high school and regular gas customers at his dad's (Tom) Shell in Grosvnor Park We reconnected when we both moved to Calgary and once again became hockey teammates in old timers and summer hockey. He remains one of my favourite people. His one line comebacks were always brief and hilarious. Mike and I were able to visit him a couple of times during the early part of his illness and were fortunate enough to experience.... the giggles, the reminiscence of good times and the all round goodness of "George". His good spirit lives on with his children and grand children.
(Great pic John)
Phil, Trish, Brett, Riley and Davis Haugen
Sincere condolences to all of Gary's family. Gary will always be remembered as a classy man with a great scene of humor, a wonderful smile, a great laugh, a fine athlete, And most of all a wonderful dedicated father. I never met anyone who loved kids as much as Gary. Rest peacefully.
Gary was one of nicest, kindest gentleman I’ve ever met. I played hockey with Gary, partied with Gary but most of all, I always enjoyed my time with him. Many nights after playing hockey, Gary, myself and another friend would have a beer in the van after arriving home and play old rock and roll songs and sing tunes for hours ( badly I might add).
The world has lost a kind man and will be a sadder place without him.
Rest well my friend. You’ve touched many lives in this world.
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