Gary Rudolph Dumanski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Rudolph Dumanski who left us on Sunday, the 27th of July at the age of 83, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite facing numerous health challenges over the past few years, Gary always remained a beacon of positivity and good nature, embracing life with a sense of dignity and faith.

He will be forever missed by his much-loved wife and best friend for 61 years, Joanne (Chambers) and their loving daughter Lisa Brechin (Kevin). His three grandsons Liam, Connor and Tyler will carry forward the cherished memories of their ‘Gigi’ with deep love, respect and admiration. Gary was also blessed to share his life with his loyal golden retriever Lucy who was a constant source of comfort to him.

Gary is now reunited with his parents, Rudy and Anne Dumanski, and will be fondly remembered by his brothers Randy and Wayne (Debbie) who will miss him dearly. Dear son In-law of the late Bert and Doreen Chambers. Dear brother-in-law to Celene Chambers, John Chambers (Janet), the late Nancy Chambers and the late Lorraine Dumanski. Gary enjoyed every occasion to be with his nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends. His good nature and sense of humour made a lasting impression on everyone who knew him and called him a good guy and true friend.

Gary was a true family man. Joanne was the light of his life, and together they were a remarkable team. His pride in his grandsons was unmistakable – he delighted in watching them grow into fine young men, whether at sporting events or achievements at school or work, Gary was always present, often asking thoughtful questions and making sure they were headed in the right direction.

He was an entrepreneur at heart. Born with the spirit of a salesman, Gary lived and breathed his profession. From his early days at Olivetti Underwood he developed skills and business acumen that led him on to partner with bob McClelland, to establish their own business, MD Business Systems. Built on a legacy of hard work and dedication, it grew quickly to employ over 60 people within several allied product divisions. In the mid 80’s a sharp downturn in the business climate made it necessary to address the situation by dividing these divisions into smaller individual companies, some of which continue to thrive today.

Gary carried on with the office furniture division. He, along with Joanne and Lisa acquired the Blueprint and Drafting Centre, where they expanded the company to include digital printing, and created what is now known as Dumanski Office Interiors (DOI) and Compass Imaging Group & Sign Solutions. He loved being there, making his daily rounds, checking in with his team, staying in the loop and ensuring that no opportunity was ever missed. This passion for hard work and dedication inspired those around him.

As his health continued to decline, he was relieved and gratified that Lisa, who had been at his side through the years of change and expansion, assured him that she would carry on his legacy.

Safe to say, he was well known and respected within the Sault’s business community for his integrity, vision, and leadership. He may have even coined his long-standing motto, while he was president of the downtown Kiwanis Club or the SSM Chamber of Commerce. ‘P A C E’ “Positive Attitudes Change Everything”. We think he really lived by this motto.

When not working, Gary enjoyed skiing, golfing, and painting when he made the time. One of his greatest pleasures was spending time with Joanne on their cruiser Odyssey at Hilton, and voyaging around Lake Huron and the North Channel. His love of travel brought them many wonderful trips over the years to faraway places with close friends. Oh the beautiful memories made.

Gary’s memory and his legacy will live on in the lives he touched and in the values he instilled in his family, business associates and friends. Though he will be deeply missed by those who love him, his spirit and the lessons he offered and examples he set, will never be forgotten.

Gary’s family and especially Joanne wish to express heartfelt gratitude to the full nursing care staff of the SAH 3B Medical Unit for their compassion and exemplary care over the past many weeks. These people will never be forgotten. Many thanks also to the outstanding medical professionals on the Hospitalist and Palliative Care teams, who guided us with sound care and compassion throughout Gary’s final days. They too deserve a great deal of gratitude. Bless all of you for what you do every day.

Family and friends are invited to Precious Blood Cathedral for a memorial mass on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 11:00 am. Rev. Hamish Currie officiating. Reception to follow in "The Gathering Place" (Precious Blood Cathedral – Rear Entrance). Family will be there to welcome all those attending from 10:00 am until the time of the mass. Memorial donation (payable by cheque or online) to Sault Area Hospital Foundation, Parkinson’s Canada, Sault Ste. Marie Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Please visit www.arthurfuneralhome.com obituaries section to leave a message of condolence as a keepsake for the family.