Major (Ret'd) Lorne Gary Del Villano, OMM, CD

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Elizabeth, and is survived by his brother Guy (Gatineau) and his sister, Doloros (Armidale NSW) and their families. Also missing him will be his three sons Dan (Heather), Mark (Alison), and Adam (Lisa) and his grandchildren Millie, Max, Juliet, Mia, and Keirstin.

Born in Timmins, Ontario in 1937, Gary started off as a teacher and a journalist. He then went on to be a proud member of the Canadian military. Gary's regimental affiliations over his long service career included the Royal Canadian Dragoons, Algonquin Regiment, Fort Garry Horse and Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).

He was the recipient of the Order of Military Merit and the Canadian Forces Decoration, among other honours. The Army life took Gary and the family around Canada and abroad to Germany and Cyprus allowing for many cherished friends, memories and stories. So many stories!

In recent years, he did important volunteer work as the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) Veteran Liaison to the Military Oral History Program at the University of Victoria. In this program he helped “round up” veterans for students to interview and record experiences for historical purposes in digital archive. We are proud of him for that work.

The family wishes to thank the dedicated staff and friends at the Veterans Memorial Health Centre as well as the kind crew at the A&W where he enjoyed lunch most days - and they treated him like a rock star. We would also like to thank and acknowledge the long-time supportive friendships of David and Joan Rogers (and family), Barry and Cathy Kelsey (and family), Toru Takamoto, and Shota Momiyama. You have all been so wonderful to Gary. He loved and appreciated each of you.

Generous and kind, Gary took delight in musicals and opera, cheap red wine, his amazing grandchildren, and cars that needed fixing. He was never without a “tank story,” a detailed account of an obscure military battle from just about any historical period, or a delightfully saucy ditty. Gary will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Ukrainian Foundation (or other Ukrainian charity) which Gary supported because he knew right from wrong.