Obituary of Gary James Simmons

January 12, 1951 - Calgary, Alberta

January 28, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Gary Simmons, beloved husband of Brenda of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at the age of 72 years.

Gary was raised in Edmonton and moved to Calgary in his early 20s. He worked in advertising and retired as a finance manager. He loved to fish, camp, spend time with his family, and to watch his sons play hockey. He enjoyed sports, specifically hockey, and was a true Oiler fan through and through. His passion was fly fishing and loved his fishing trips to Alces Lake and the Kispiox River. Gary was thrilled to see this passion pass down to his sons, Steven and Jeff.

Gary loved life and lived in every moment. He was very proud of his wife, Brenda, and the family they created and raised in the Oakridge Community. He loved the years spent in Oakridge where he made many friends in the hockey community and watching his kids play various sports. Gary was particularly proud of his children, Christine, Steven, and Jeffrey. He was thrilled to watch his son Steven marry his wife Kelsey this past summer. Another huge highlight was celebrating his son Jeff’s purchase of his new home, with his partner Samantha. Gary loved to watch his kids play sports, celebrate their successes, and vacations with his family. There are many fond memories of camping throughout the years, the family's first airplane trip to Disneyland, and the yearly excitement of getting up early to take his kids to the Stampede parade.

Gary loved to spend time with family and friends. He loved to laugh, had a keen sense of humour, and loved to tell stories. He particularly enjoyed spending time with his brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews at the many family events and celebrations.

Gary will be most remembered for his stories, his love of family, and his phenomenal memory. He is well known for his classic quote, “It's fine.”

Besides his loving wife Brenda, Gary is survived by his daughter Christine of Edmonton, AB; two sons, Steven (Kelsey) of Saskatoon, SK, and Jeffrey (Samantha) of Calgary, AB; and his sister Lynda Simmons of Edmonton, AB. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Nancy and Harold Simmons, and his beloved dogs, Kramer and Sasha.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca.

Thank you to the many family members and friends who have been such a huge part of Gary's life. Thank you for remembering his stories and laughter. The family would also like to thank all the staff on the third floor of Garrison Green. We truly appreciate the care and kindness the staff extended to Gary and his family.

In living memory of Gary Simmons, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.