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GARY THORNTON SMITH
Born: Apr 30, 1940
Date of Passing: Jan 10, 2016
Offer Condolences or Memory Make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation
GARY THORNTON SMITH April 30, 1940 - January 10, 2016 It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gary. He will be missed by his wife Peggy; his son Bradley (Jodi) and daughter Tannis (Jay) Proulx; his grandchildren Katelyn and Derrick Smith, and Andie and Jimmy Proulx; his sister Glenda (Bill) Snow, sister-in-law Jannice Smith; mother-in-law Helen Haney, and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents Charles and Thelma Smith, and his brother Lyndley. Gary also leaves behind many wonderful friends in the curling and baseball communities. Gary was born in Birtle, MB and grew up on a farm near Beulah, MB. He was employed by Canada Packers for 28 years as a supervisor and later by the Sunrise School Division as a bus driver. We lived on an acreage near Lorette, MB where he enjoyed looking after his garden and birds. He participated in many sports including curling, baseball, duck hunting, and fishing. In curling, Gary was a true competitor, winning Seniors and Masters Canadian championships. One of his proudest curling accomplishments was being inducted into the Manitoba Curling Hall of Fame in 2003 as a Curler/Builder. He served as President of the Manitoba Curling Association from 1999 to 2000 and became an Honorary Life member in 2001. He belonged to the Heather Curling Club for many years. He devoted many hours to the club, served as President and is an Honorary Life Member. Later in retirement, he played slowpitch softball for the Flashbacks. He also spent countless hours volunteering whether it was coaching youth baseball and hockey at Winakwa Community Centre or serving on various committees for curling. His true passion since he was a young boy was duck hunting, especially with his long-time friend Jack Walker and later with his best friend Ab Clearwater. Gary was a proud father and grandfather whose greatest joy was spending time with his family at our cottage at Westhawk Lake. He enjoyed many relaxing, early-morning hours fishing with his friend Marc. The family would like to thank Dr. Ponnampalam and CancerCare staff at St. Boniface Hospital; CancerCare staff at Health Sciences Centre; and Palliative Care staff at Riverview Health Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. There will be an informal gathering to celebrate Gary's life at the Heather Curling Club, 120 Youville Street on Sunday, January 17 between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. www.seasonsfunerals.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 12, 2016
Condolences & Memories (21 entries)
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So sorry to hear of "Gary's passing. He was a wonderful person and a great gentleman. Always enjoyed his company both on and off the ice. My condolences to all of his family. - Posted by: Jim Ursel (friend) on: Jan 23, 2016
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Peggy, Brad and Tanis, I extend my deepest sympathy for the loss of Gary. I went to school with Gary and curled in high school alongside Gary. He was a good friend and his memory will be with us forever. Jerry Maskiew - Posted by: Jerry Maskiew (Friend) on: Jan 22, 2016
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Peggy and family,so sad to hear of Gary's passing. He was a great friend (as were you Peggy). One of the great guys who had a fabulous curling career but gave a lot more back to the sport than he took from it. thinking of you, Jim and Carol - Posted by: jim and carol dunstone (friends) on: Jan 21, 2016
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Peggy, We just found out about Gary's passing. We send you and your family our deepest condolences. We have great memories of Gary going back to our hockey tournaments together. - Posted by: Guy and Denise Manaigre and family (Friends) on: Jan 20, 2016
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Peggy and Family, Jan and I are saddened by Gary's passing. You will always have his memories to help you through the trying times. His ready smile is forever in our hearts, God bless all of you - Posted by: Murray Corneillie (co-worker friend) on: Jan 16, 2016
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Knew Gary mainly through his life stories as a close friend and colleague of his wife Peggy. My wife and I extend out deepest sympathies to Peggy, Brad, Tannis & the rest of the family. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Earl & Freda White ((Friend)) on: Jan 16, 2016
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My condolences to the family. Gary was truly one of the nice guys involved in curling. Rest in peace buddy. - Posted by: randy dutiaume (curling friend) on: Jan 16, 2016
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Dear Grandpa, I will miss you a lot. Thank you for taking me fishing in the morning. You are now at peace and god will take care of you. - Posted by: Jimmy Proulx (Grandson) on: Jan 15, 2016
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I remember Gary well from the 2014 Canadian Masters, Gary and his team won the GOLD that year with a undefeated record. We came in second in a thriller. Nice now to have those memories to recall! Gary went on to win Silver and Bronze medal standings at the Canadians. Quite a distinction to have achieved the trifecta status, that is. GOLD SILVER BRONZE at "the Canadians" not many curlers even get there! Rest well my friend, thanks for sharing some good times on and off the ice. - Posted by: Bob Edmondson, Mississauga Ontario (Fellow Masters Competitor, Canadian Masters Championships) on: Jan 14, 2016
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I enjoyed growing up with Gary in Birtle. He was a happy and positive person and fun to be around. Sincere condolences to Peggy, Brad and Tannis. - Posted by: Jack Dodds (Friend) on: Jan 14, 2016
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I am so sorry to hear of Tannis' dad passing (that is what we called him at the rink when we played ringette so many years ago). My family's thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. - Posted by: Ginette Denford (de Rocquigny) (friend of family) on: Jan 13, 2016
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My condolences to Peggy and family on Garys passing..he was a real pleasure to work with, his smile and respectful manner was why he was such a bonus for the children..our thoughts are with you at this time - Posted by: Elsie Shale (Bus Driver @ Sunrise) on: Jan 13, 2016
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So saddened to hear of Gary's untimely passing. We had many many great times together during curling seasons and also at our groups Bomber games. We will miss him. Thinking of you with love and sympathy Barb and Don - Posted by: Barb and Don Duguid (Like ng time friends) on: Jan 13, 2016
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Heartfelt condolences to you Peggy, Brad, Tannis and Families. I will always remember Gary as the forever farm boy that dearly loved his country home, his birds, gardens and summers t the cottage. Gary's love of curling lasted from his Birtle days to many very prestigious honours. I am so sorry that I cannot be there, but will be thinking of you and the kids on the weekend. - Posted by: Betty Lund (Sister-in-law) on: Jan 12, 2016
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We have cherised memories of Gary over the years which includes time spent at Clear Lake, Westhawk Lake, Fort St John and Calgary. Our condolences to you Peggy, Brad and Tannis. - Posted by: Rod and Lona Butcher (Friendship that started in high school) on: Jan 12, 2016
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Gary was one of the good guys. My sympathies, Peggy. - Posted by: Mike Riley (curling/golfing friend) on: Jan 12, 2016
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My condolences to his wife and family. Gary was the best school bus driver ever. My girls always loved seeing him. He drove them since they were in kindergarten, until they were teens. He was very missed once he stopped driving. My dad Barry Mulvenny also new Gary from the curling world. Rip Gary. Sincerely, Maureen, Dave , Katelyn, Kayley and Jenny - Posted by: Maureen Mulvenny wright (Kids bus driver) on: Jan 12, 2016
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Gary was a pleasure to work with and he always had a great perspective on everyday life. You will be missed Gary. My thoughts and prayers are with you Peggy and the family as well. - Posted by: Jim Wright (Friend / Co worker @ Sunrise SD) on: Jan 12, 2016
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Our condolences go out to you Peggy and your family on Gary's passing. We very much enjoyed meeting up with you and Gary in Palm Springs CA. Our thoughts are with you on Sunday. - Posted by: Ron and Darlene Petersen (Friends) on: Jan 12, 2016
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I enjoyed working with Gary all those years on the executive in curling. My condolence to you Peggy and all your family. - Posted by: Edie Caron (Curling friend) on: Jan 12, 2016
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I always enjoyed working with Gary on various committees of curling. Thinking of you Peggy at this time - Posted by: Audrey Hogg (Curling friend) on: Jan 12, 2016