Gary Clifford Coombs

“Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in His salvation.”

On June 13th, 2023, Gary Clifford Coombs went to his heavenly home. Forever loved by his wife Helen, daughter Sarah, son-in-law André, grandchildren Khate and Cameron, a myriad of family and friends, and Finnegan.

Gary was born in Toronto, the youngest of 4 children. After moving to various small Ontario towns, he developed a love for nature. You would not find him camping, but you could definitely find him watching the birds and puttering around in his garden. As late as last week he had been planning his garden at the new house in Cambridge.

After a few troubled teen years and a little brush with the law, Gary made a commitment to Christ. While initially going to church to try and date a girl, his relationship with the Lord was the only one that lasted. It was not always a smooth path but his love for the Lord became the mainstay of his life.

53 years ago he met a woman with great legs when Helen came to work for him at the jewellery store he was managing. It was love at first sight for both of them. They married in 1973 following Helen’s graduation from Graduate school. Through the ups and downs of family life he remained devoted to his bride. 5 years later, their daughter Sarah was born who was his pride and joy. He was bemused by her academic achievements and all her accomplishments. He was passionate about and proud of his son-in-law, the man that he is, and the work that he does. He was thrilled by his grandchildren, their kind and gentle spirits and senses of humour.

His extended family was also an extremely important part of his life. He was a constant in the lives of his nieces and nephews, listening, encouraging and loving them. He particularly loved family gatherings where he could make use of his BBQ skills and playing cards together.

It was his passion for Christ that led him from the jewellery business to become a men’s worker for Evangel Hall, an intercity mission. Using his own experiences to draw from as well as his bachelor’s degree in psychology, certifications in counselling, and several courses that would lead to a Masters in Divinity, Gary served to feed both the physical and spiritual needs of the less fortunate in downtown Toronto. Despite being punched out and threatened on several occasions, he maintained his love for his calling, developing new programs to better serve.

Gary also shared his gifts as an Elder in the church running the adult fellowship program, making coffee, teaching Sunday school, or doing anything else that was needed. One of Gary’s greatest gifts was befriending and mentoring young people. He enjoyed young people, listening to their stories and encouraging them in their lives.

While he was self-deprecating about his gifts, he was a talented baker, gardener and handyman. He became well known for his bread making skills.

For all these reasons and more he will be forever loved and deeply missed.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held on August 27th, 2023 at 2:00 pm at St. Andrews Islington (3819 Bloor St. W. Etobicoke M9B 1K7)

As expressions of love, donations to Evangel Hall Toronto or Redemption Prison Ministry, Cambridge can be made.