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GARY G. MCDONELL
Born: Oct 17, 1947
Date of Passing: Jan 06, 2012
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARY G. MCDONELL October 17, 1947- January 6, 2012 Memorial services to be held at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens, 455 Lagimodiere Boulevard Winnipeg at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 17. Following this, there will be a celebration of Gary's life held at the Norwood Hotel at 4:30 p.m.
Publish Date: Jan 14, 2012
GARY G. MCDONELL It is with much sorrow and great sadness that we announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved Big Mac, Gary G. McDonell recently of Playa del Carmen, MX on Friday, January 6, 2012. Gary Gordon Big Mac McDonell was born October 17, 1947, the oldest of four siblings born into a renowned and honoured farming family in St. Albert, AB; his grandfather and father both were recipients of the Grand Master Farming Award of Alberta. Being the best at what you did, was literally a part of Gary's heart and soul. He was a leader in school and always involved in his community, with programs such as 4H. After graduating high school he started a career as a police officer, but quickly moved towards his true calling: sales. Only a few years later, Gary was recognized as Canada's youngest car sales manager, at Hugh McCalls South Park Ford in Edmonton. His legacy had only just begun. At 22, he married his high school sweetheart Arla Klingbell, and had two children, Grant (Sherry) and Sonya (Tom), both of whom have given Gary his absolutely treasured grandchildren, Steven, Staycee, Olivia, Hannah, and Brooke. Gary enjoyed many successful ventures, excelling in every industry he touched, from car sales to alarm systems. At 51, he met Carol and they started a real life adventure together, vacationing everywhere from Lac du Bonnet, Europe, and their favourite destination: Mexico. As long as they were together they had a great time, always surrounded by lots of friends and family. He also loved Carol's two kids, Jeff and Jamie (Randy) very deeply. Within five years of being together in Winnipeg, Gary and Carol sold their homes, hopped in his Cadillac and drove to Mexico which they soon made their home. Checking in with their family from scattered internet cafes and gas station pay-phones along the way, this awesome chapter in both of their lives was started with the enthusiasm of two runaway teenagers. After landing originally in Puerto Morelos in an oceanfront dream home, Gary soon revolutionized the time-share industry and became the most successful salesperson in the Mayan Riviera. His gregarious personality and warm heart made him a friend anywhere and everywhere he went, for Big Mac had time for everyone. His approach to life was unbridled and he lived everyday 100% of how he wanted, with no restrictions. He loved life and all it had to offer, including playing cards, backgammon, and comped trips to the Bellagio to gamble- which usually worked in his favour. Gary also loved deep sea fishing, volleyball, resort days, and snorkelling with his granddaughters. Always surrounded by friends and family, Gary was a supreme optimist and had a kind word for everyone he met. Anyone who ever met Gary could attest that he was larger than life in all ways, his booming voice and warm heart made him impossible to forget. This home-grown, farm-kid-at-heart was one of the most sincere and warm individuals one could meet, and always left a lasting impression. To say he will be missed by all is an understatement. Since his passing the outpouring of support in Mexico has been amazing, as usual his large extended circle of friends has not only grieved but also celebrated his memory with stories and laughter. The family plans to continue this celebration in Winnipeg at the Norwood Hotel on January 17 for a memorial celebration of Gary's fantastic life, and hope that his friends and family will attend to share his memory with us. What a ride big guy. I did it MY WAY. Your kind donations can be made to Manitoba Heart Stroke Association.
Publish Date: Jan 10, 2012
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2012
Condolences & Memories (29 entries)
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I love him and miss him every day, you were a great man. I love you. - Posted by: Hannah (Granddaughter) on: Feb 27, 2018
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Dad, I think of you daily,& miss your iconic warmth, love,& optimism. I am truly blessed to be your son, & aspire to be a great man like you. ...However, your shoes are very big to fill. HBO (Hannah, Brooke & Olivia) speak of you often,& miss you. I'll toast to seeing you with a "double-glugger"; you were THE BEST in everything you did, especially touching people's hearts. Love Grant - Posted by: Grant McDonell (son aka "Little Mac") (Son) on: Jan 21, 2018
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How sorry we are to learn of the untimely passing of Gary. Such memories of our friendship while the kids were growing up in the neighbourhood. Daniel, Alyn and I wish Sonia and Grant and their lovely families no more sorrow. Hope Gary and Fred have found each other in that great big salesroom in the sky!!! They have some great stories to share! Philipa (Glazerman) Caplan - Posted by: Philipa Caplan (Neighbourhhood and long time friend) on: Feb 26, 2012
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Gave a sales job at 18 and a lifetime of great stories after. No one can say Gary wasn't the best at what he did. Gary was a movie. - Posted by: Will Newman (Employee) on: Feb 09, 2012
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My dear biggie: I will always remember all the joy and laughter you brought into my life!!!! Since I saw you the first time at the Mayan Palace walking those never ending long tours till becoming good friends after your arrival to exotic. May God keep you at his side, you will always be in my heart and I will forever be your 10k diamond!! Besos, nos vemos en un rato......... - Posted by: Gina Masini (Mexican friend) on: Jan 23, 2012
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My life has been blessed by knowing and loving Gary. He was wise and resourceful and kind... Someone whose presence is peaceful and pleasant, whose words come so often to my mind. He always believed in me and I am eternally grateful for the spirit of hope that Gary brought to my life. I will never be the same because of him. I miss you now and always will. You changed my life so much that words could never express. I love you. - Posted by: Mark Hynes (He was My mentor, My Greatest Friend, My Carribean Dad.) on: Jan 18, 2012
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Our sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. He was one of a kind. They broke the mold when he was born. You couldn't help liking him and enjoy being around him. Not only was he exciting and motivating when it came to business, he was also a kind and giving friend who truly loved his family. - Posted by: Al and Linda Neufeld (former business partners and friend) on: Jan 17, 2012
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Gary was a friend who enriched my life by knowing - Posted by: Randy & Marina James (Friend) on: Jan 17, 2012
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Met Gary recently in Mexico. A kind hearted soul who loved life and his wife Carole and family. Sincere sympathy to Carole and families - Posted by: Stan and Val Swann (acquaintances) on: Jan 15, 2012
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best friend in the world. - Posted by: henry monique chester and the boat people we,ll miss you buddy love. (friends) on: Jan 14, 2012
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Rest in peace, Gary. Sorry we didn't get to know you better before you left for Mx. So sorry for your loss, Carol. Love Joan - Posted by: Joan and Glenn Wood (Friends) on: Jan 14, 2012
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From the very first day in 1985, we have certainly had the best of times with him. Gary was a Huge inspiration in our business and in our lives. He always made us feel good no matter what. Gary, you will never know how much we will miss you. You were more of a brother than a friend. Love to the family from Terry and Rita. - Posted by: Terry and Rita Booth (Great Friend ) on: Jan 14, 2012
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I meet Gary at the Lions Club, worked for him in the alarm business, he was all that people have to say about him and more, he taught me to go after what you want and do not settle for less, I will have a cold one with you. God bless your family at this time of sorrow. - Posted by: Lawrence (lou) Chrusch & Carmen (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2012
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My Pal Gary, Not enough space to express the void you have left in not only my life but on all of those you touched along your long and winding journey. Your warm smile, infectious laugh and gentle touch will never be forgotten. YOU and I will never know how much I will truly miss you!!! Love(d) you LOTS!!! Murray - Posted by: Murray Brace (Carribean Son) on: Jan 13, 2012
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Gary was never about business when we met. Gary was the "Chairman of the Board" when we met at the Pony on Friday afternoons, but his welcoming smile and big greeting just warmed my heart as the guys gathered to tell stories and hoist a glass or two. Sorry I can't be there to support Carol and his family on the 17th. I will hoist a couple in his memory. God bless us all. - Posted by: Bill McLean (Friend) on: Jan 13, 2012
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My life was totally blessed by having you in my life Gary. Working with you was an uplifting experience... anything you touched, turned to gold. You will be sadly missed by all. My condolences to all who were dear to Gary's heart, especially the family. My thoughts are with you alway. Love Karen XXOO - Posted by: Karen Espersen (Secretary/Friend/Princess) on: Jan 12, 2012
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We will truly miss the "Big Guy". His totally positive outlook to life was an uplifting inspiration to us all! We will cherish the happy and at times hilarious memories. Rest in peace Buddy. Our condolences to Carol, Grant, Sherry,S onya,T om, Jeff, Jamie, Randy and the grandchildren. - Posted by: Ken & Lorraine Turchen (friends) on: Jan 11, 2012
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Gary, I will remember you always, you taught me to be top in sales @ great times at the cabin. Sonia Grant Family - Posted by: Georg Mohr (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2012
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I first met Gary many, many years ago when we all hung at our Cheers bar in Winnipeg...the Silver Heights. He was always surrounded by lots of friends and laughter.I first met Carol when we worked together in adolescent psychiatry. Carol was beautiful on the inside and out and it truly was fate that these two dynamic and loved individuals would find each other. Gary's passing has been a shock to all but he has left all of his friends and family so many wonderful memories and he truly does remain with all of us in spirit. My love and condolences to Carol and family, He will be missed but never forgotten. - Posted by: Dianne Watson (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2012
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Rest in Peace Gar. Condolences to Grant, Sonya and family. - Posted by: Cathie Rempel (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2012
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Gary, you will always be remembered, my thoughts will remain forever. My condolences to Carol and your families. - Posted by: Peter Westhead (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2012
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Best guy I ever worked for. Loved Big Mac's magic energy. The world lost a great player. - Posted by: Lewis Sovereign (Friend) on: Jan 11, 2012
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Well till we meet again Mac you always did it your way. You will be missed my friend. - Posted by: Ernesto Santangelo (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2012
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Garry was like family.. He will never be forgotten! Hugs to Grant, Sonya and family xo - Posted by: Kristy Santangelo () on: Jan 10, 2012
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We were "in-laws" and I have many wonderful memories full of fun and laughter. My sympathy to all his loved ones. He was indeed a very special person. - Posted by: Lin Barry () on: Jan 10, 2012
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Although I don't recall meeting Gary, I recall many conversations with Sonya about her dad and Carol. My thoughts and prayers are with Sonya and family and all those who were blessed with knowing and loving Gary. - Posted by: Jan Morrison (friend) on: Jan 10, 2012
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Gary will be missed by all who knew him. Our condolences to Carol and family. - Posted by: Bill / Marlene Rennich (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2012
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Gary was a teddybear. He loved everybody. I remember his story how he got someone to crawl in a trunk of a car, made bets & won. - Posted by: Rosita Santangelo [ Mohr ] (Friend,best telemarketer) on: Jan 10, 2012
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Got to know Gary in Mx..Both being from the Peg, it was nice to have a friend like him there. Always enjoyed his and Carol's warm hospitality in Purto Marallis...He will be missed by many. - Posted by: Norm Roy (Friend) on: Jan 10, 2012