On the morning of October 5,2024 our dear friend Gary passed away from cancer at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Gary worked for CN Railway, he started in 1977 as a Switchman for his first 10 years. He then became a Yardmaster for the remainder of his 30 year career.
Gary’s free time was all about being on the water. He started out in 1985 with the Tsawwassen Yacht Club, TYC was a fun club that included lots of social activities. He met many life long friends and enjoyed sailing his C&C 27 the ‘Peddler’. He was the Rear Commodore in charge of facilities at the club for 4 years. Gary then moved on to power boating and purchased an Admirals Launch, a wooden US Navy vessel, which was aptly named ‘The Old Goat’ built in 1939. He kept his boat for over 25 years at the Point Roberts Marina on the famous “N” dock. This was his home away from home.
Gary made many voyages alone and with friends to the Gulf Islands, San Juan Islands, Desolation Sound and beyond! He would be the first one to jump on your boat and help fix that leaky hose or replace your water pump. Gary would squeeze his lean body into the tightest and dirtiest areas of your bilge to do it. He was well loved for that, and so much more!
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society in Gary’s name.
October 13th, 2024
We spent years by “The Old Goat which was like a floating hardware store.. We were lucky as Gary was a great neighbour. We were lucky to have shared many good times and meals together. We’re going to miss the hissy fits whenever we mentioned mashed potatoes. So fiercely independent , he always had to bring something when invited for “supper “ .
October 11th, 2024
Dear Gary, thank you for being my Dad’s next boat neighbour. I so enjoyed our years on N dock as no one could rib my Dad like you could. Here’s to instant rice, many laughs and the true friendship hanging out on the water. Everyone needs a rubber ducky. I believe in boating beyond forever.
October 11th, 2024
We are going to miss you Gary but I’m sure you are being looked after now
October 11th, 2024
Gary was my second cousin on my dad Richard’s side. He was a very generous soul. After I graduated from university, he let me live at his apartment ‘for as long as I needed’, until I got my feet planted in Vancouver. We would meet when he came down to San Diego to visit me when I lived there, he loved to go for coffee and catch up. He had such a fun laugh and loved his tobacco pipe! Since he was much older than me I’d call him Uncle Gary! You will be missed! Xoxo
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