GARY WESTWOOD SANDERSON

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GARY WESTWOOD SANDERSON Our faithful and loving father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away suddenly on October 10, 2013 at 84 years. He was predeceased by his loving wife Irene and dear grandson Matthew. He leaves behind the love of his partner Fran McGuire, his three daughters, Michelle (Michael), Jacqueline (Dom) and Jocelyn (Denis) and sisters Iris (Mickey) and Margaret (Gordon), 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and a large extended family. He will be missed by the family he cherished and the many friends he made over his lifetime. Gary was born in Winnipeg and spent the early years growing up with his two sisters in Thunder Bay and Powell River, BC which always presented numerous fun mischievous times for them that continued into adulthood with strong family ties and regular visits and reunions. As a young man, he eventually moved back to Winnipeg and enjoyed many fun filled summers with family at the Grand Beach "GaryDale" cottage. This also set the stage for what would become a lifetime love for the great outdoors, enjoying years of cottage life at Grand Beach and then later in life, with friends at West Hawk Lake and then eventually Pelican Pouch Lake that became home to Gary and Irene for many years, until her passing. The move to Winnipeg also brought a new job with Westeel and after a quick courtship and marriage to his love, Irene, they raised a family, relocating several times first to Toronto, back to Winnipeg and then to Saskatoon and eventually back to Winnipeg. Gary and Irene were active in their church and community groups, such as the Dubuc Social Club, in all the locations they lived in over the years and made numerous life long friends along the way. He held various positions with increasing responsibility at Westeel until his retirement which then commenced the Pelican Pouch years. We have many memories from the initial lot clearing and camping years as the cottage he designed slowly started taking shape. This happened mostly due to his and Irene's persistent hard work and exceptional craftsmanship skills that guided us all in eventually completing the cottage that became their home, with plenty of life lessons honed along the way. Pelican Pouch then became the family gathering place for endless fun filled weekends and holiday celebrations with grandchildren and friends that usually included a session of Gary and his ukulele leading the chorus. His heart broke with the passing of his wife Irene and he eventually decided to leave their cottage for new shores. His life journey then led him to Star Lake to greatly enjoy the last few years with Fran, whom he loved and who brought back the twinkle in his eyes. He was always looking for a project to work on and plans to be drawn out, which he sought right until the end. We will all miss his guidance and inspiration, a true gentleman to the end, with faith, love and determination that things would always be better. These are the memories we will cherish forever. A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernadette's Roman Catholic Church, 820 Cottonwood Road, on Monday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Father Kevin Bettens Celebrant. A reception for family and friends will be held at St. Bernadette's Parish Hall prior to the Interment. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Salvation Army. Interment will take place at St. Boniface Cemetery, 915 Archibald St. For online condolences, more information or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. (204) 275-5555

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 19, 2013