Gary Philip Roach

Predeceased by his father, mother and 3 sisters, he will be truly missed by his family and friends and leaves behind his loving wife Joan, of 57 years, son Paul (Terilee), daughter Bonnie, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and their partners he welcomed with open arms.

Gary was born in Victoria BC, a city he loved, and left as a young man to pursue a successful and lifelong career in forestry. First in The Queen Charlottes, then quickly settling in Port Alberni, where he and his wife made a home together for their family and community. Gary took great joy and pride in his role as a faller, lovingly nicknamed “Bush Ape” by his family. An accomplished outdoorsman, when not logging trees and into the years after retirement, Gary loved to spend his time immersed in our beautiful BC, enjoying annual weeks-long hunting trips, coastal boating trips, and scenic valley views taking in the surrounding valley mountains and Alberni Canal.

Gary loved all things weather and aerospace related, but had a special love of small aircraft. He owned and piloted a one-seater glider and was a key contributor at the original Alberni grassy field airstrip, and then a staple at the newer Alberni Valley Regional Airport. He continued to proudly remain an interested member of the Alberni Flying Club right through to this last year.

Gary volunteered in many capacities over the years, dedicated to his community, and to his family. He loved his pets, his plants, his hummingbirds, his family, but most especially he loved his wife. He gave us so much, and has left us with countless wonderful memories to keep.

Soar on Gary.