March 20, 1946 – January 30, 2026
at the age of 79 years

Gary passed away peacefully in Salmon Arm at the age of 79 after an extended, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. It is comforting to know that he left this world peacefully.

He was born, and raised, in Nakusp, BC to Bill and Joyce Jupp. Gary graduated from Nakusp high school in 1964.  During those years, he became an excellent swimmer and boat rower often going out during storms on the Arrow Lakes to challenge his skills.  After graduation he worked at the South Slocan sawmill.  Several years later he graduated from the newly opened Castlegar College Forestry Technician Program.  His new employer, the BC Forest Service, posted him to Invermere, B.C.  There he met this girl, Rose Marie, from Saskatchewan, and the rest is history. They married in 1972 and only weeks later Gary was sent to Surrey, B.C. for more training.  In the following years, the couple were posted to Fauquier (Needles), then Merritt, and the final stop at Salmon Arm.  As a proud employee of the BC Forest Service for thirty-one years, he retired in 2001.

Gary enjoyed challenging activities like construction, mechanics and woodworking.  After renovating two houses during his first postings, the couple built their home on a Salmon Arm acreage. Here they enjoyed country living and raising a family for seventeen years. In 1993 they purchased a lot at Mabel Lake and started to build a cabin; in October tragedy struck as they lost their only son to a vehicle accident.

Mabel Lake became Gary’s solace and refugee when not working in Salmon Arm. He found peace and comfort in the isolation and rhythm of the seasons there – collecting and splitting firewood, fire proofing the land around him, finish building the cabin and many quiet moments on the deck.  Upon his retirement Mabel Lake became his unofficial home but he managed to come to Salmon Arm weekly to stock up on supplies and see family.

Gary loved the lake, the surrounding forest and most of all the campfires.  Friends would drop by for visits and a cup of coffee.  In the winters they would gather around in his cozy workshop with a fire ablaze for their working coffee break.  Needless to say those coffee breaks were longer than fifteen minutes!

Once retired, but still looking for another challenge, Gary bought a lumber sawmill. The milling process was physically challenging and sometimes dangerous, but Gary always managed to achieve his goals safely. For both Gary and Rose Marie the milling work was deeply rewarding.

The first signs of his Parkinsons became visible in 2012.  Gary faced the disease with great courage, stoicism and determination, fighting constantly and refusing to give in. The following years were difficult and full of relentless and disappointing health changes.

Gary excelled in everything he took on as his work ethic was strong, resulting in many accomplishments. He was very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects. He believed nothing but the best was good enough and lived life to that standard. He lived life with courage and often blazed a trail for others to follow. Gary will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends for being who he was, a loving husband and father, one who accomplished his goals and was a great ‘coffee’ friend.

Gary leaves behind his wife, Rose Marie, daughter, Victoria (Brent) Skofteby, granddaughters Brynn and Kaiya Skofteby, and two sisters, Jennifer Jupp and Eleanor Taylor. His son, Douglas predeceased him in 1993.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories of Gary can be shared through his obituary at www.fischersfuneral services.com