Condolences
I am sorry to here about Gary's passing. My condolences go out to all the family.
I met Gary in 1978 when he starting working for OK Tire. We became friends at that time. Gary was quite the character.
We used to play strategic board games like Pay Dirt, Flat Top and Backgammon for many hours. He was very hard to beat as he was a very good player. He was also a HUGE Dallas Cowboys fan.
I remember when he bought his first car in Calgary. It was a black1960 Dodge Pioneer. He called it "The Black Moriah" The park and e brake did not work very well so carried a big rock in the back seat to place against the rear tire to keep it from rolling. There were a few times we laughed as he was chasing his car down the block. Gary also had a nickname for almost all of his friends. He loved his friends and his family, music and cars and beer. One thing he did not like was flying.
I remember a couple times when we flew on business trips he would have a few drinks before boarding. He would have the other passengers in stiches with his comments on board.
Gary was one of the most persistent people I have ever met. If he wanted to go somewhere or do something he would not give up until you agreed. Probably why he was such a good salesman.
Even though we did not see each other very often in the last 21 years as I moved out to BC. I will miss his descriptive story telling and his jolly attitude.
Greg Kwasnicki
My wife and I became Gary's next door neighbor in 1992 and we developed a quick friendship due to Gary's affable personality. For 20 + years my wife and I remained the best of friends with Gary and shared many great meals. If Gary wasn't model making he was outside barbecuing or driving around in his 58 Impala or his 76 Caddy...his favorite things...for the exception of his Daughter Alicia and his Granddaughters Lexi and Hazel of course. His face always lit up when he spoke of those girls. To say he was proud was an understatement. He knew he was a lucky man and those girls filled his heart with love. Gary's model making ability was museum quality and if you were fortunate enough to have witnessed the unbelievable display of models in his multiple show cases you would agree that his talent was that of a master. We will miss Gary not being a part of our lives. It was our privilege to have had Gary as our neighbor for as long as we did. We loved him and our hearts are broken. - Gary & Susan Roy
I first met Gary in grade nine.
Many trips to the Tech Office for detention were courtesy of Gary's shenanigans.
Little did we know where that would take us.
From Saturday afternoon trips to Sams, A&A's and "Records On Wheels" on Yonge St buying all the classic rock that we loved.
Music was big for us and we attended many of the classic rock band concerts of the 70's together.
Camping came along and there were many outings to be had all along Georgian Bay. Killbear Park was always a favorite.
Long week-ends usually comprised of a dozen or more of Gary's friends. Maybe that's why we always got kicked out.
Once high school finished it was time to get a job.
After experiencing an employment slowdown Gary decided to move to Nelson where his family had relocated.
Soon after I followed Gary to Nelson.
We had many adventures exploring the local areas.
Fishing Coffee Creek, Soaking up Ainsworth hot springs. Panning Hall Creek.
I will never forget when we thought we saw a Sasquatch while hiking just outside of town.
The summer of 1978 was a blast.
Seeing as we didn't have jobs it was time to move on.
Our high school friend Doug had moved to Calgary, So off we went.
Gary soon got a job at OK Tire and worked there for majority of his career.
From warehouse shipper then moving up to sales rep.
The adventures never stopped, Spray Lakes camping, fishing, concerts, lots of old cars.
Time passed and Gary was a proud father. Alicia came along.
Then a grandfather. Lexi and Hazel.
We got older, things happen.
So many stories.
I`m really gonna miss him.
Gary was my friend for over 50 years.
How many people can say that?
Zane
Your Dad and I drifted apart years ago but the most important thing to both of us was always you. We maintained an amicable relationship throughout our separation so you never had to choose between one or the other. I remember fun times, rough times but best of all the good times. He will always remain in my heart; a part of my life and a bigger part of yours. We succeeded in our dream to see you blossom into the fine young responsible,caring person and mother that you are. I love you so much baby girl; you have done us proud. Love you more than you can imagine. I know you know that now as a mother yourself. My heart breaks for you.
We have so many good memories of the years we spent hanging around with Gary and Nancy. Gary made a lasting impression in our lives and will be missed by his friends in New Brunswick. Our condolences to Nancy and Alicia. We are thinking of you. Laurie and Bonnie MacPherson
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