Gary Ronald Mercer

He leaves to cherish his memory, sister Linda (Jake), brother Bryan (Brenda), brother Dale (Peggy), sister Laurie, brother-in-law Dave, his nieces and nephews Andrew (Jen), Jalynn (Kelly), Carla (Matt), Wade (Sara), Alison (Adrian), Colin, Emma, Jonathan, Matthew, and great-nieces and nephews Cayden, Hailee, Austin, Beau, Cash, Avery, Ethan, Jack and Bryn and his very special friend from childhood Jacquie Cumming. Gary is predeceased by his parents Bill and Jean and sisters Patti and Karen.

Gary had an unconditional love for all his family and friends, many of which he still held dear to him from elementary school and junior high. He was always there to help whenever help was needed whether it was helping build a fence with friends, looking after pets so you could go on a trip or just being there to talk. He would always offer to lend a helping hand. If he didn’t know what to say, he would make you a mixed tape/CD of music with little excerpts of things like “Green Eggs and Ham”, in the middle of the tape to make you laugh. We were all so grateful to him and loved him for just being him.

Gary’s love of music, art, drawing, Marilyn Monroe, as well as collectable toy cars and antiques started at a young age. His artistic talent was noticed by his classmates, when at the age of 11, he was drawing KISS posters, and for a small fee he drew many for the class. Music was a whole other ball of wax. If it wasn’t listening to his 100’s of mixed tapes he made for himself and others, it was playing drums. He started playing in bands in the Winnipeg punk scene playing with Joe Puke and the Chunky Bits, Boo Radley, and Farley Mohawk in the 80’s and 90’s. Dale was amazed when Gary convinced their mom to allow the band to set up a practice space in her basement. Jean was unphased by the “LOUD” music that rocked her house! On stage and touring Western Canada with the band was truly a highlight for him!

One of Gary’s biggest, selfless gifts was the giving of one of his kidneys to save his sister Karen’s life. Without hesitation, at age 24, Gary’s kidney was transplanted and extended Karen’s life. They shared a very special bond.

Gary, along with sister Laurie, helped their mom stay living in the family home until the end of her life. She did not want to live in a nursing home ever. So with Gary and Laurie in the home, they could check on her and buy groceries to make her wish to stay at home possible.

Gary worked in landscaping, food services at Sorrento’s and the Winnipeg Race Track and then in maintenance at Canad Inns Polo Park. He loved working at all these places where the staff were like family to him. He often said that the most important things to him were his job, family, his many friends and his cats.

Gary was an amazing guy. He will be dearly missed and is forever in the hearts of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Winnipeg Humane Society or any cat rescue you like. He loved his feline companions Fric, Frac, Callie and Farley.

When Covid restrictions allow, a memorial for Gary will be planned, and the details will circulate to friends and family.