Gary was born in Newfoundland on April 19, 1958 - and died May 2, 2019. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sheila - his daughter, Jesse (Jeff) - his brothers Kevin (Denise), Aiden (Paula), Derm and Chris (Linda) - and his sisters Marj (late Pat), Monica (late Ken), and Alicia (Dave) - along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbours and friends - whom he loved, and who loved him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents - Owen and Elizabeth - his brothers Don and Darryl, his brothers in law Ken and Pat - and his sister Linda aka Lynn. Gary was loved and admired by Sheila’s father Ted - brother Tom - and sisters Carolyn and Cathy - along with their children, grandchildren - and entire extended family. Gary grew up in Bay D’espoir - and moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1977. He began his job at Canadian Fertilizers - where he would work for 38 years. He purchased his first home on Dominion street - just down the block from his future wife and daughter. Who knew? A few years of hard work later he purchased 1404 Parker avenue, and his famous red Camaro. He met Sheila on March 11, 1994 at Hitchin’ Post - and they were married July 29, 1995. From the beginning it was clear - they three belonged together - and Gary welcomed Sheila and Jesse into his house on Parker avenue. Together, they made it a home. He was and will always be - the love of Sheila’s life - a devoted and loving husband - and a one of a kind and wonderful father. After celebrating his long-awaited retirement from Canadian Fertilizers - Gary and Sheila moved to their homestead on Whispering Pines Road in Goulais River, ON. Together and in the company of their much loved neighbours, they built yet another beautiful home - and caring for that property filled his days with joy and satisfaction. The place at Whispering Pines became a gathering place - just as Parker Avenue had been - a place filled with people, music, and fun. Gary was a kind, honest, intelligent, decisive, and hard-working man. A quiet gentle soul with an incredible sense of humour and quick wit, and a real straight shooter. He loved the outdoors - ice fishing, smelting, riding (fast) in his side-by-side or Ski-doo, splitting wood, riding down the river in his boat, “gardening” - and working with his hands. He could do anything he set his mind to - a skilled wood-worker, repair man, and all-around handy guy. He was a lover of animals great and small - especially Patch and Soot - but most of all he was a lover of people. Gary had a way of making everyone around him feel safe, comfortable, and welcome. Gary was generous with his time, his knowledge, his skills, and his home. Together, he and Sheila created a life and a home that embodied hospitality. Gary’s garage - regardless of coordinates - was home to everyone. It was almost a state of mind - it embodied Gary’s way of being in the world. It was always filled with people he loved, meaningful work, good tunes, laughter, and cold beer. Gary will be remembered for his generosity, his perfect smile, his distinct Dollimont laugh, his red rosy cheeks, his bear hugs, and the kind words he chose so carefully. You’d never need to wonder if Gary loved you - even if he didn’t have much to say - you felt it in the way he took care of you, showed up for you, sat quietly with you, picked on you, listened to you, passed you a beer, offered you a puff, or gave you a hug. He will be missed. The family extends their gratitude to the community for their support and prayers at this difficult time. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. If it was important to you - it would be meaningful to Gary. Arrangements entrusted to O’Sullivan Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 215 St. James St., Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario 705-759-8456