Gary Tolson Watson

When Gary was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) he had two goals; to have more time with Scott and to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary in July 2025. He not only met those goals but exceeded them.

Gary was born and raised in Cumberland. He enjoyed being part of a loving family, had good friends, participated in local sports and activities and enjoyed time at the family cabin up the lake. After high school Gary worked for several years in the Gold River Pulp Mill before starting his electrical apprenticeship courses at Camosun College. He worked in construction for many years and then obtained work as an electrician with School District #71 for over twenty years until his retirement.

Gary was a great father from day one. He supported Scott in all his activities by coaching, managing, fundraising, working the score clock and being his number one fan. Many weekends were spent travelling to games, while spring breaks and summer holidays saw trips to hockey, soccer or basketball camps in BC and Alberta. His interest continued throughout Scott's career, always eager to hear about the latest project.

Before physical activities became limited, Gary loved hiking, kayaking, cycling, walking our dog Cooper, tennis and travelling. There was still a couple places Gary wanted to see but he was fortunate to have enjoyed road trips, bus tours and cruises seeing all ten provinces, the Yukon, twenty states and twenty-six countries. His final trip was special as he got to share his love of Hawaii with Scott and long-time friends Don & Maggie Laird.

Gary was predeceased by his parents Henry & Irene, brothers Brian & David and in-laws Vic & Heather Jacobson, Frank Gavin, Jim Rickson and Judy Gavin. He will be lovingly remembered by wife Gayle, son Scott (Shannon), brother Bob (Roxanne), sister Sherri Meyer (Randy), in-laws, Cathy Watson, Linda Watson & Randy Jacobson and his faithful companion Cooper. Those who will miss Uncle Gary are Shane, Tracey (Terry), Jason (Krystie), Jennifer Stevenson (Brian), Christine, Mike Gavin, Sarah Harrison, Travis Jacobson (Marie), Carrie Watts (Derran), Kelly (Brady Janzen) and Ray. Greats include Brady & Clayton Townsend, Garrett Tortorelli, Amaya Gavin (Daryl Klein), Elizabeth Merinuk, Blake Harrison, Jacob, Veronika & Silas Stevenson, Kai & Nico Uchida, Austen Watts, Ava, Riley & Layla Janzen, Alexander Jacobson, Asher Mundi, Ava Watson, and Renton Gavin. Great-greats are Camila & Lucy Klein and Tolson Townsend.

We would like to thank our family physician Dr. Tanja Daws for all her assistance and for supporting his request for M.A.I.D. We are also grateful to our family and friends for their visits and support through phone calls and online messages. The food and sweets were greatly enjoyed and appreciated. Thanks to J, V & S for the continuous supply of O Henry chocolate bars.

A special thank you to Scott who put his life on pause this past year and was such an incredible support to both Gary and myself.

There will be no service as per Gary's request. Interment will be at the Courtenay Civic Cemetery.