After a brief but intense fight with Cancer, Gary passed away and was promoted to Glory, at the age of 79, at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener, ON, January 30th 2019.
He began his life in Peterborough on November 24th 1939 with his parents Bert and Elizabeth French. Not long after his birth, they moved to Cambridge (Galt) where they joined the Cambridge Salvation Army Church. He graduated from Galt Collegiate Institute (GCI) and soon after married his first wife Jean (nee Borgal), who passed away in 1988.
Gary worked at Dominion Woollens and then Cambridge Towel until he retired. Gary was a very active member of the Salvation Army, serving on the senior census board, playing the drums in the Citadel Band and adding his baritone voice to the Songsters. He was also very involved with the cancer society, where he would help with driving cancer patients to and from their doctor and hospital visits.
But above all he was a devoted family man. Gary was the beloved husband of Mary (nee French), his second wife, with whom he would have celebrated his 30th anniversary this May. He was the loving father of two daughters, Rhonda and her husband Rafael Pena, and Lisa and her husband Robert Savoie; Grandfather, also known as “Papa”, to five adoring grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Matthew, Brandon and Sheldon and brother of Major Glenda Mackenzie and her husband Major Bob Mackenzie.
It is safe to say that he touched everyone who knew him, whether it was just for the day, or an entire life time. He was a role model and a friend, a neighbour and a caring soul. He always put others first, and would never think twice about lending a helping hand. He inspired everyone around him to be better, with is generosity and his kindness. He was a great man, and a beloved child of God. He will be truly missed by family, church and the community.
Family and friends will be received at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrews Street, Cambridge (519-621-1650) on Sunday, February 3rd from 6 – 8 p.m. and on Monday February 4th from 7 – 9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday February 5th at 7 p.m. at the Salvation Army, 16 Shade Street Cambridge.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers (for allergy reasons) donations may be made to the Salvation Army, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Society. Links to donation sites are below:
