Gary Hugh Edward Dunbrack

On October 9, 2025, Gary Dunbrack rounded the last buoy and crossed the finish line. He is survived by his beloved first mate and loving wife of 51 years, Mary (née MacPhail), and his devoted crew: Jeffrey (Monique), Andrew (Colleen), Peter (Heather), and Katherine.

Dearly loved Grampie to Callum, Allison, Everett, Meredith, Heidi, Hayden, Charlie, Hailey, and Jackson, each unique and special in his eyes. He was the ultimate Baby Whisperer.

Gary was born in Halifax on December 17, 1950, to Charles and Dorothy Dunbrack. He is survived by his sisters Sharon Daikens and Susan Beazley, brother-in-law Ken Beazley, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Nancy and brother-in-law Fred Tokaryk.

Gary attended Queen Elizabeth High School and graduated from Dalhousie University with an Engineering degree. He was a proud brother of the Phi Kappa Phi fraternity. His career at MT&T/Aliant spanned several roles, and he forged many lifelong friendships along the way.

Fortunate to retire at age 53, Gary enjoyed a long and fulfilling retirement. Summers in Marble Mountain, Cape Breton, were his paradise. He lovingly transformed the old ancestral home into a welcoming retreat, finding joy in mowing the fields, sailing his cherished sailboat Sarabelle on the Bras d’Or Lake, and gathering family around his handcrafted harvest table.

Family was Gary’s greatest joy and most cherished accomplishment. Holiday dinners and family visits to Cape Breton were always memorable, filled with beach outings, boating adventures, and laughter.

Gary was a dedicated community member whose love for service and sports touched many lives. He served faithfully as an elder in his church, coached both minor and high school hockey, served as commodore of the Bedford Basin Yacht Club and generously gave his time officiating at local track meets. A familiar and friendly face at university games and on the sidelines of his grandchildren’s hockey, soccer, ringette, and swimming events, Gary’s passion for athletics lived on through his children and grandchildren. His legacy of commitment, encouragement, and community spirit will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

In his 50s, Gary set an ambitious goal to run marathons. He completed 11 in total, including three Boston Marathons, a qualification he was especially proud of. He also fulfilled his dream of running on both coasts by completing the Vancouver Marathon.

He and Mary enjoyed many travel adventures together across Canada, U.S., Caribbean, England, and Alaska. But it was Cape Breton that always held his heart

Gary loved dogs and dogs loved him, especially Irish Setters. A few lucky cats were also recipients of his affection. No doubt, there are many tails wagging in heaven today.

In 2015, Gary received a cochlear implant, significantly improving his quality of life. He was even featured as a "poster boy" for the device and was always grateful for the gift of hearing again.

A man of many talents, Gary enjoyed woodworking, car repair (especially on his prized Volvo P1800), fixing lawnmowers for anyone in need and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His go-to meal? Fish and chips with a cold Guinness.

Kind, thoughtful, and always there for a friend, Gary continued to appreciate the companionship of those who reached out and visited even as he navigated the challenges of dementia. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Moody Hall and Dr Alec Falkenham for their compassionate care and support in Gary’s final chapter.

Gary will be deeply missed. His values, kindness, loyalty, and love for family live on in those who knew and loved him.

We love you forever, Gary / Dad / Grampie.

In honour of Gary’s enduring fondness for ties, the family warmly invites those attending the visitation or service to consider wearing a colourful tie as a tribute to his memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Alzheimer’s Association, or to Breast Cancer research

Visitation will be held on Thursday October 16, 2025 from 6-8pm and a memorial service at 2pm Friday October 17, 2025, both in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, NS.