August 21, 1940 – July 19, 2020
at the age of 79 years
43 years as a Gary and Susan team – the last 6 months even more so. Daughters and sons in law were cheerleaders, and granddaughters extended joy. Multiple doctors joined the cancer fight. Grateful thanks also to paramedics, pharmacists and all the nurses who are ‘angels walking among us’ including palliative (Hospice).
Gary fell for Susan at Nabob Foods, and we joked for years that we were ‘attracted-opposites’. What he liked Susan tried – sailing, hobby farming, motorcycling, hiking, off road travel, and home renovations. What Susan liked he tolerated – politics, quilting, gardening, home decor. In common were love for their kids, grandkids and dogs.
Starting out in the RCMP (where we figure he learned not to back down from an argument), then Labour Relations as a consultant (he was considered by unions and management to be the finest and most respected negotiator BC) and moving into corporate life he headed the relocation of BCAA Head Office (insisting on the province’s first in-house daycare centre for employees).
Glaucoma was relentless and in 2017 he was declared legally blind. Gary helped Susan battle her cancer and survive. But his was rare, aggressive and relentless and though he fought valiantly he had to break up the team.
Goodbye teammate and hero from Susan. Goodbye Dad from Michelle, Stacey, Sarah. Goodbye Grandpa Moose from Julia and Rebecca. Goodbye Grandpa Gary from Zach and Joe. Goodbye to the best father in law from Maurice and Kevin. Goodbye dear cousin from Maxine and thanks for friendship from Bill, Larry and Elsie.
We attended Simon Fraser University together and went on to McMaster University to do graduate studies. Gary was working on his Phd. and I an M.A. Gary and Sue stood up for us at our wedding in 1972. Didn’t see Gary and Sue again until the late 70’s/early80’s when they were in B.C. (with Dobermans) and we were in Calgary. Gary and I went for a motorcycle journey down into the States and back.
Sorry he is gone. He was a good friend. Hi Sue. Hi Michelle.
My deepest condolences to the entire family for the loss of Gary. He is gone from this life, but he will live on in your hearts and your memories, in family stories and photos, music and memorabilia. Stay strong, Susan. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
An incredible mix … intense, serious and determined, and at the same time, inherently serene, fun and self-deprecating.
I think Bill Withers was writing about Gary in his song …
You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
RIP LGN
Accept my deepest sympathy over the death of your beloved husband, father, grandfather, and father-in-law. Susan, stay strong. Your great love story will live on in your memories.
Gary was an absolute delight to be around. I will fondly remember my visits with him. He was always quick to offer great advice and to share a genuine laugh. Rest In Peace Gary.
Our sincere condolences to our extended family. Gary was such a pleasure to converse with and as an ex member, there was an unspoken bond between us brothers in blue. May he now be at peace.
Ray and Selina Walkerdine