This past summer, the Kappa Alpha Society had the pleasure of welcoming Gary Rodriguez, a cherished alumnus, back to the VOO Lodge. His visit rekindled fond memories of his time as an active member from 1966 to 1968 and the strong bonds of brotherhood that shaped his university years. Inspired to give back to the place that had meant so much to him, Gary made a generous contribution — a gift that has had a lasting impact on the chapter and its future.

During his visit, Gary shared stories from his time at Western University and his journey into law, offering thoughtful advice and reflections on fraternity life. One message in particular resonated deeply: the importance of fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment one steps inside — advice that continues to guide the active chapter today.

In appreciation, the fraternity hosted a dinner to celebrate Gary’s generosity and wisdom. Amid laughter and conversation, Gary reminded us that while hard work matters, a little luck along the way never hurts.

Gary’s kindness, humility, and spirit of brotherhood will be deeply missed. We are grateful for the connection he renewed with our chapter and for the legacy he leaves behind.

Yours in the bonds,
The Active Chapter of the Kappa Alpha Society – VOO Lodge
Kyle Hansen

To my very good friend, Gary.  I was extremely sad to learn of your passing.  It was rather out of the blue when you sent me an email early in the year and I promised to get in touch upon my return from my winter vacation.  We had lunch in Toronto on May 20, promising to stay in touch more often than we had done.  Little did I know that was the last time we would see each other.  I cannot thank you enough for all the kindness you showed me and my family when we first met at what was then Carswell.  Fare thee well, my dear friend.  My eyes are welling up as I type this tribute.  I will always remember you, Gary. Thank you for your friendship and kindness.  Rest in eternal peace.  Gloria

I always admired Gary. He acted like a Father figure to me.  His generosity and leadership extended across the entire Rodrigues family. He offered his kindness, wisdom and pragmatic direction to all of his younger cousins.  

I  appreciated how Gary took an interest in all of us at every Rodrigues Family gathering.  The qualities that I remember most of Gary are his kindness, humour and good nature.  He was always interesting to be around, and I personally learned something from him every time we met.  

Gary, you will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.

With Love from Mark, Jo-Ann and Family

We visited Gary and Elon at their place in Niagara-on-the-Lake in August 2024.  We had such a lovely visit with them and the two ladies, Trinidad and Alberta.

Elon,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and the family. May you find the strength to bear this loss.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Priya, Joyce, Barry

Gary was a truly remarkable man.  My families connection with him and Elon wasn't one of just friend ship; it felt like family, a bond that has been cherished for the past 20 years.

Our story began in the most ordinary of ways, yet it led to an extraordinary friendship. I walked into their dental practice as a patient, and from that first day, I knew I had met someone special. We soon discovered a shared history, both of us proud alumni of the University of Western Ontario, which only deepened our connection.

Life has a funny way of bringing people closer, and we were fortunate enough to end up as neighbours in the beautiful village of Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was here that my children truly got to know the wonderful man Gary was. They adored his company, and his presence brought so much joy to our lives.

Gary was a man  whom, The first time you met him often left you with a sense of wonder, a feeling of "what just happened?" that was uniquely Gary. Getting to know him was even more interesting. He had a way of making every moment memorable, and his character was as captivating as his first impression.
My wife Jonelle, our children, and I will forever cherish the memories we made with him. The stories, and the warmth he shared will remain in our hearts.

We will miss you dearly, Gary. Your memory will be a treasure we hold onto forever.

We have known Gary for the past two decades.  Gary referred to us as his St. Kitts relatives, in that his Grandfather was born in Old Road, St. Kitts.  Gary was dependable, generous  with his time and always willing to give advice, when called upon.

We will certainly miss Gary.  May his Soul Rest in Peace.
Bernadette & Esrick Lanns

“Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them and you have found a lover for life.” 
― Leo Buscaglia

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the tall, charismatic, and personable Gary Rodriguez. Gary touched the lives of so many people—both personally and professionally—and was truly loved and admired by all who knew him.

I had the privilege of knowing Gary as a friend and mentor. With his trademark humor, he would often call me “son,” a gesture that spoke to his warmth and generosity of spirit. He was witty, playful, and always knew how to make those around him laugh.

I will always cherish the memories of our time together and often wish we could share just one more dinner and conversation. But now, you’ve gone to be with the angels, Gary. Your kindness, laughter, and light will never be forgotten.

You will be dearly missed. My heartfelt condolences go to your beloved husband, Elon.

Gary with Christian Marjollet, at a birthday for our friend Sydney,  November  2003

I first met Gary in the summer of 1969 when he came to the Archives of Ontario to work as a summer student. We became good friends over time with a mutual interest in history, music, and political affairs. I remember making trips with him to attend performances at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, as well as to Chicago to attend the opera there. He was a good companion and a delight to travel with. I shall miss his friendly informed personality, his sense of humour, and his great kindness. Rest in Peace beloved Gary.
David Russell

Gary you will always be remembered for your generosity, kind spirit and great wealth of historical facts and fictional stories. Even though very young at the time, Simone and Kristian remember your attentiveness in watching and patience explaining “Lord of the Rings”.  We forever cherish your friendship and are thankful to have shared fabulous dinners,  laughter and great wine with you, Elon and our extended families. 
Forever in our hearts, Michelle, Victor, Simone and Kristian

This is how I remember Gary - here in the garden at Niagara on the Lake. When my partner Kendrick died in 2015 of a heart attack I was in bits – Gary and Elon got me back over to Toronto  (just hopped on an Air Transat flight from Gatwick) and put me back together — and it was at this point we started looking at houses for them in Niagara on the Lake – this one being the one we all chose together. Of course, they completely renovated the house so it looks like something out of a magazine, and is quite the most incredible magical place. I never wanted to go home. Gary would always say that he left all the design stuff to Elon and he just enjoyed it!
I was introduced to Trinny and Alberta (and of course they are ‘the girls’ – if I ever referred to them as ‘dogs’ Gary would get most upset. One of my last memories of Gary was him sleeping on his chair in the corner of that sumptuous kitchen of theirs with both the ‘girls’ curled up on him.
I first met Gary in the early 1990s when my employers - the Thomson Corporation - decided I needed to do work experience in North America and Gary was put in charge of my Canadian experience.  He took me under his wing and I never looked back. And meeting Elon was such a joy - we'd be sort of ad hoc family for the time I was there and hang out.  We so enjoyed having them to stay with us in London.  Perhaps he is raising a glass with my late Kendrick in heaven.

Dear Elon…
Stan and I loved having you, Gary, and the girls visit us on the occasion of a “family/friends get together”, around the kitchen table, trying to enjoy Stan’s special,  labour- intensive  Pizza…Of which Gary usually enjoyed at least  1 piece….hmmmm….and we three ate the rest. 
Gary was very particular…
as he was about our conversations:  IPhone on Google most of the time;  corrections made as needed!
Dearest Elon, we all had a few great years….they will be treasured memories!
Miss miss miss you , Big Guy❣️
Anne and Stan Sachar

Though Gary and I were born into the same extended family, life’s timing meant that when I was growing up and visiting Uncle Joe and Aunt Norma, Gary was this larger-than-life cousin that Uncle Joe would tell me about whenever the opportunity presented itself.

As I grew older and had the chance to chat one-on-one with Gary, whether over coffee or through email, my admiration for him grew. Despite his successes, he never once boasted or propped his accolades for me. Rather, I had to ask him, “Is that your name on Page 2 of the Pocket Criminal Code of Canada—‘with notes from the Police Officer’s Handbook by Gary P. Rodrigues’?” Among other published works, of course. I recall him telling me that he and his mother sat in the kitchen late at night putting that first edition together.

I was blessed to have Gary in my life. Through him, I found a path that encouraged my own growth and curiosity. Though distance and time separated much of our family, Gary helped bridge that gap. I’ll always remember our talks, his humour, and the quiet pride he carried for family. His legacy isn’t only in print, but in the way he inspired others to keep learning and striving.

I loved Gary deeply and will miss him more than words can say. I look forward to staying connected with Elon, whose quiet strength and devotion were such a beautiful part of Gary’s life. Gary’s influence—and the love he shared so freely—will always stay with me.

—Dan Rodrigues

For many years, I regarded Gary Rodrigues, as I hope he did me, as a dear friend and valued law publishing colleague. Although separated by the Atlantic Ocean, we were regularly in touch, exchanging information and opinions related to our trade, and we would meet, both socially and professionally in London (England), Toronto and around the world, when we attended conferences and the like. During a period of a few weeks while I worked in Toronto, by then for Gary's key competitor, it was still he on whom I relied, to help me navigate the unusual and puzzling aspects of the issues which I was encountering in a strange environment. 
Later, after we were both no longer working full-time, I had the privilege of being invited by Gary to join him and another colleague, Jason Wilson, jointly to give presentations at an annual conference of the Canadian Association of Law Librarians in Monkton. Gary also took the time to show us the wild and beautiful New Brunswick coastal scenery, which was a high point of the visit. It was he also who recommended me to become a regular law publishing columnist at Canada's slaw.ca online legal magazine, for which I still write regularly, after some fifteen years.
Gary and I were of like mind both on the history and possible future of law publishing, as well as on other matters, which I valued enormously. 
Away from work, particularly during Gary's frequent visits to London, we would get together for dinner or, as I recall once, an innovative performance of Swan Lake, but primarily just to catch up and exchange news about each other's exploits, not the least of which were Gary's work on election monitoring. I enjoyed the fact that he was a modern, forward-looking man and proud Canadian, who was politically progressive and tolerant, yet at the same time an upholder of strong, even traditional values and committed to family and friends.
My partner, Jenny Brown and I wish to express our condolences to his near and extended family members.

This was a lovely interlude where Gary Elon and I went off road cycling at Langdon Hall. He was a good cyclist! Rest in peace Gary I shall miss you so much. Our careers in legal publishing were almost parallel and you helped me so much personally and professionally …

I have many fond memories of Gary and with all of them, I will always treasure his caring, kindness, friendship, humor and intelligence. 

I will miss him.

OBITUARY

Gary Peter Rodrigues

5 July, 1946 – 24 September, 2025

Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel

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