GARY MICHAEL ESSAR

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• The last time I saw Gary was in October, 2024. He had stopped in Roblin to say hello on his way back to Winnipeg. I was just in the process of moving. I had sent him an email in January or February, but didn’t get a reply. I have been thinking about him the past few days and decided to try his phone number. It has been disconnected. I was shocked when I found an obituary for him. I have fond memories of Gary from the time when he and Dennis were young boys. I am so sorry to hear that he is no longer with us. I will miss his phone calls and brief visits. My deepest sympathy to Dennis, Mary and family. - Posted by: Betty Lou Paley (My late husband’s cousin) on: Jul 06, 2025

• I worked with Gary at the Winnipeg Art Gallery and we stayed friends after he left Manitoba. He had an active, inquiring mind, a great love of art and a sense of humour. Our phone calls could last for hours. His passing leaves a hole in my life that no one else can fill. I will miss him greatly. - Posted by: Cathy Collins (Co worker and friend) on: Jul 05, 2025

• So so sad that Gary had left this world. He was mom’s favourite. They had many long conversations at least once a week. He always reminded me of how he teased me as a child. We had a wonderful visit when he came to Saskatoon in October. He has left a void in many peoples lives including my mom’s. Deepest sympathy Dennis and family. Marilyn - Posted by: Marilyn Martinuk (Cousin) on: Mar 15, 2025

• I’m sincerely very saddened to learn of Gary’s death. I had been calling and writing emails along sending him a birthday card. He never forgot to call or write me on my birthday, what a dear man he was, so kind and knowledgeable. I just knew that something was not right. No doubt he will be missed in Winnipeg arts community. We got to know each other years ago during his tenure as Curator in Niagara Falls, being on various committees. He was always one to have high museological standards that weren’t always appreciated or understood by the museum’s board members. He and his entertaining telephone calls with his quirky sense of humour will be dearly missed. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Daniel O’Brien, Toronto, Ontario - Posted by: Daniel O’Brien (Friend and former Museum Advisor with the Ontario Ministry of Culture) on: Feb 18, 2025

• I met Gary almost 20 years ago in Niagara Falls. We became good friends. Our jobs and their challenges had much in common so we had lots to talk about as we compared experiences. We used to meet once a week for dinner. When he moved back to Winnipeg, I visited him several times with my cat. As a lover of animals, Gary appreciated having a cat around, even if it was just for a week. I miss out regular phone chats. Gary was one of my best friends and I miss him a lot. - Posted by: Dennis Evelegh (Friend) on: Feb 16, 2025

• gary,,,here is what i have done. u are one of the few friends i have known to help me. our talks to each other a couple times a week helped me get over my divorce. i know you loved my 2 cats, and now t.j. is gone,,,,u also made nicco the girl cat never afraid of you....and the stories you would tell me every week of he 2 dogs behind your house,,,u made me feel like you loved animals. we talked just before xmas, and you said you were staying home this year instead of your yearly trip to sask. i just wish you would tell me not to stop smoking,,,,,gary i am now going on 72, hahaha. i hope that u are visiting ur mom and and dad everything is cool. you always knew i hate winnipeg, and when you went to n/falls, i visited you and you let me stat there, knowing, that is where i grew up-, and moved here in 96. you, know i do not have a lot of money, so i donated my car to "kars for kids", i will put the donation if any in your name. now u are up with t.j.,,nicco and i are here missing for our tea chats.. oh - Posted by: DONALD GANNEY (friend) on: Feb 11, 2025