Gary Douglas Mawer

With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Gary on January 27, 2025. Under bright blue, crisp sunny skies, he decided it was time, his pain disappeared when angels gently wrapped him in their warm loving wings and carried him to a beautiful heaven. He leaves to mourn, love and cherish his memory; his loving and devoted wife Patti and best furry friend Zoey; son Steve (Tessa); daughter Tawny (Chris): grandkids Aly, Wyatt, Mikyla and Carlee; sister Debbie (Ted), brother-in-law Kevin, nieces, nephews and cousins; VanBuskirk and Evans families; extended families; many life long friends and his best buddy Phil.

Sincere gratitude to Dr Robert H Brown, Dr Kara Schneider, the Home Care Nurses and Victoria Hospice staff and volunteers for their compassionate and loving care over the past months and weeks.

In true Gary fashion, rather than focusing on him, his wish is to acknowledge, thank and honour those who provided unconditional love, mentorship, compassionate relationships and genuine support to him throughout his life. With heartfelt gratitude, he attributes his successes to all of you!

From Gary (aka Pogo, Puddinhead, Dad, Babe)….

SO MANY THANK YOU’S TO……

My Mom, Dad and sisters, Debbie and Susie, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, the Van Buskirk, Evans and Colonna families; extended families and friends

My wife Patti, for our beautiful life together, we made a great team and lived our best life together. Your loving, compassionate and dedicated care for me over these past 18 months helped me live the best end of life possible, I love you Babe!

My son and daughter, I’m so incredibly proud of you both, you’ve achieved success in everything you do. Steve (Tessa), Tawny (Chris) and grandkids, I love you to the moon and back and I’ll always be with you in spirit.

My best buddy Phil, his wife Patty who passed away far too young and their beautiful daughters, Carla and Katie. We shared so much life and adventure together….spur of the moment trips from Field to Calgary or Golden for an A&W burger to satisfy a craving; exploring the sewage processing plant in Golden, maybe a little too close….stinky, stinky Land Rover; hunting trips and so many late night stories (if only the walls could talk!), staying toasty warm by the fire in your shop….. great times! I love you Phil!

Peter and Pat, you are always willing to help us out in any and every way, no questions asked, you just show up!

The people from Field and Golden BC, all the Colonna’s and so many more, too many to name, you know who you are. You helped guide me (Pogo) from being a big shit-rat to not too bad of a shit-rat and kept me on the right side of the tracks.

My Firefighter family at Dockyard, Belmont Park and Rocky Point, you always had my back, all the way to the end with getting all the paperwork done for my Worksafe claim which alleviated a lot of stress allowing me to focus on living my best end of life.

My Ledcor family in Kitimat, both the Chevron and Shell sides of the LNG plant. You were my out of town family and helped me be okay with being away from home for extended periods of time.

My locksmith family at Prices Lock & Safe, thank you Wally for your support. Sadly, no more hot dog days….I know all of you will miss them, hopefully less than you’re missing me, lol!

All my suppliers and customers through the many years I was a Professional Independent Locksmith.

My fishing buddies, mentors, charter customers, we enjoyed many adventures on “Reel Fun” out on the wild West coast waters, from somewhat calm to white knuckle trips, always bringing in our daily limits.

Everyone who encouraged me in photography by inviting me to photograph your weddings, individual and family portraits, it truly was an honour. I was always interested in nature and wildlife so naturally your positive feedback and sincere appreciation of my photos inspired me on many trips to photograph black and grizzly bears, owls, eagles, wolves, big horn sheep, elk and our beautiful natural outdoor landscape. I was honoured to share the photos with you.

Peace out b_t__es!

Gary lived his life in full speed ahead, a self taught, life long learner, achieving success wherever his desire and passion led him….CP Rail, Professional Firefighter, Photographer, Fishing Charter Guide, Auxiliary Coastguard Coxswain, Professional Locksmith, servicing and fueling heavy equipment, mentoring….

He was a big man with a big heart and he lived a big life. He leaves us with rich legacies of beautiful photographs of memorable moments, nature and wildlife; the power of believing in yourself to be able to achieve success in whatever you choose; generosity, friendship and most importantly genuine love.

We will truly miss him and will cherish him in our hearts and memories forever.

No memorial by request.

If you wish, please share a story and/or pictures in honour of a big hearted, beautiful man.

Feel and share love, hug your family and friends everyday.