Gary Clifford Pringle

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated and disciplined person. This description accurately fits Gary Clifford Pringle who was indeed a born manager. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Gary was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Gary knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Gary was born on June 29, 1947 at Oshawa General Hospital in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. His parents were Clifford & Margaret Pringle. Gary was raised on Celina Street in Oshawa, Ontario. Even as a youngster, Gary learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life.

      As a young boy, Gary was able to put his natural abilities to work. Gary was raised with his younger brother of 10 years, Wayne. Later in life Wayne and Gary were surprised to learn of a sister Danna who was younger than Wayne by 7 years and Gary by 17.

      Gary's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Gary enjoyed being part of teams, and organizations and groups of other kids who shared similar interests. He was a Scout. In his spare time he liked to swim and fish.       In school, Gary was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Gary was always good at following directions and meeting his schedules, whether they were set by his teachers or were self-imposed. Gary’s personal motto could well have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Central Collegiate Oshawa in 1966. He enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. His favorite class in high school was French & Latin. Latin award.

            Gary was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. He enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. When Gary was a member of a group, his interaction worked to keep the others grounded. He wasn’t afraid to confront his friends and, when necessary, he challenged them to stick to the task at hand. Those close to Gary came to expect his high standards of performance. While growing up, some of his best friends were Ford Mullen. Later in life, he became friends with Shayne Bedford, Steve Storey, Steve Moore, Larry Whitney, Peter Heaveysage, Hai Phan, Barry Wooten and Phil Skinner.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Gary reveled in the security of his family. One of Gary’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, and his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends.

      Gary was ever watchful of his children. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for their development as they grew up. He maintained a firm hand in their upbringing. Gary would give his stamp of approval to their requests, as long as he could see how they might benefit. He also had the ability to enforce the rules as needed to ensure that his children were properly raised. Gary was blessed with 2 daughters and 1 stepson and 2 stepdaughters, Laurie, Melanie, Bryan, Kym & Shannon. They were also blessed with 8 grandchildren, Natasha, Justin, Madison, Chelsea, Carter, Liam, Gavin & Mackenzie.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Gary was always striving to make improvements where they were necessary. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, Gary was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Gary upheld his standards. His primary occupation was HVAC Technician. He was employed for Lantic Sugar, Perry Mechanical and his own business GP Heating. Gary was a team player who certainly lived out the motto of “give me a job, and I will get it done.”

      Gary approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly and one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were scuba diving when his girls were still very young. When he was able to purchase his new home with a much bigger yard, he loved the work involved of overlooking the pond with fish, gardening and watching his grass grow and cutting it to golf green perfection. Time and HVAC jobs spent with Shayne. Gary was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Gary to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. Recreational sports included riding his bicycle and running. He also was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were hockey, baseball and football.

      When it came time to travel or take a vacation that work was left up to Carolyn. Favorite vacations included trips to Africa, Bahamas, Jamaica, Churchill, Manitoba, Newfoundland, Quebec City, Vancouver and Florida.

      Gary was a lover of animals and cherished his pets. One of Gary’s favorites was Pebbles,a female Himalayan cat. They were best friends for 12 years. His family was rounded out by his fur kid Poco, a male Himalayan cat.

      When Gary’s retirement finally arrived in 2008, he was well prepared. He used his critical evaluation skills to make sure that every detail had been preplanned and attended to. His new life involved relocating to Bobcaygeon to have a quieter way of life. In retirement, he found new pleasure in teaching part time during the winer months at Durham College, Whitby Campus. In many ways, Gary loved retirement. It provided him with the opportunity to catch up with his friends, attend functions and group outings, and tackle new interesting activities.

      Gary passed away on July 16, 2012 at Big Bald Lake. Gary was taken suddenly and unexpectantly by drowning. He is survived by wife Carolyn, Daughters, Laurie & Melanie, Step Children, Bryan & Nancy, Kym & Bill, Shannon & Ian, brother Wayne & Lin, sister Danna & Andy, niece Asya. His Mom Margaret. Grandchildren Natasha, Justin, Madison, Chelsea, Carter, Liam, Gavin, Mackenzie. Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home. Gary was laid to rest in Mount Lawn Cemetery, Whitby ON.

      All who knew him would agree that Gary was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Gary Clifford Pringle did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched was given the chance to become a better person.

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PRINGLE, Gary Clifford

Suddenly on Monday, July 16th, 2012, at the age of 65 years. Beloved husband of Carolyn. Cherished Dad to Laurie and Melanie. Loving Step Dad to Bryan (Nancy) Bruce, Kym Bruce and Shannon (Ian) Pitcher. Dear Grandpa to Natasha, Justin, Madison, Chelsea, Liam, Carter, Mackenzie and Gavin. Dear son of Margaret, and the late Clifford. Dear brother of Wayne and Lin Pringle, and Danna and Andy Wigg. Dear uncle to Asya. Best buds to Poco, his fur-kid. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Saturday, July 21st from 12:30 p.m. until time of Funeral Service in the Chapel at 2:30 p.m. Interment Mount Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Durham, Royal Canadian Legion or the charity of your choice.