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GARY MARK STIMPSON Obituary pic

GARY MARK STIMPSON

Born: Jun 14, 1973

Date of Passing: Apr 15, 2014

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GARY MARK STIMPSON June 14, 1973 - April 15, 2014 It is with heavy hearts that we announce that after a long battle, Gary, a dear son, brother, and uncle, succumbed to a long lasting depression at age 40. He will always be remembered for his brave spirit, gentle nature, and deep love of dogs, especially his own Teddy, Patience, and Ludlow, by his mum and dad, Jennifer and Brian Stimpson, his sister, Karen Dann (Rodd), and his brothers, Daniel (Tracy) and Nathan. As an uncle, he will be missed by nephews, Tyler, Caiden, and Callum, nieces, Desiree (Sean), Destiny and Delaney, and grand-nieces, Tatum and Keira. He is also survived by family in England: Uncle Barry and Auntie Gill, Uncle David and Auntie Sue, cousins Timothy (Ruth) and Charlotte, and his grandfather, Oliver Stimpson. Gary is remembered as a man of deep compassion, sensitivity, and a dry British sense of humour. He understood what it was like to feel marginalized. He inveighed against the injustices perpetrated on the weak and powerless, and believed passionately in non-violence to all living beings. At those moments in his life when he came face to face with injustice and hatred he was bold and fearless. But another side of him slowly consumed his mind, and for 25 years his life was an intense struggle with his mental health. In the end he could not find the will to battle anymore. Gary was an excellent writer and wrote extensively in his blog: exitcomfort.wordpress.com over the last year of his life where he tried to put a face on mental suffering by writing about his own experiences, by informing, and by encouraging discussion on mental health issues. By showing himself to be an intelligent, articulate person, he wished to provide some counter to the stereotyping of mentally ill people, and to raise awareness that long term mental suffering is as painful, if not more so, than physical suffering, and often with no radically effective medical remedy or relief. He missed so much of those pleasures in life that many of us take for granted, but his life now goes on under infinitely better circumstances where he is free of fear and anguish. We will always remember with pride Gary's courage and the unrelenting fight that he kept up for us, and look with gratitude upon the nearly 41 years we had with him. There will be a private family gathering to honour Gary's life and to reflect on all that he means to us.
Publish Date: Apr 26, 2014

GARY MARK STIMPSON June 14, 1973 - April 15, 2014 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gary Stimpson at age 40 years. Gary was the son of Brian and Jennifer Stimpson, and brother to Karen, Daniel, and Nathan. He succumbed to a long lasting depression on April 15, 2014. A longer obituary notice will follow.
Publish Date: Apr 19, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2014

Condolences & Memories (10 entries)

  • I was a close friend of Gary's father, Brian in the 80's. I was very sad to come across this page accidently so many years after but wish to express my deepest sympathy to Brian and family. I met Gary when he was a child when I was invited to dinner by Brian one night and I found him a very passionate caring person even at that age just like his father and his family. He is now in heaven among the angels and his family knows this fact too. - Posted by: keyvan sepehr (Friend of father) on: Feb 15, 2021

  • Although I never met Gary outside of the Internet, we had some courteous and friendly exchanges on our respective blogs. Having lost contact with him some years ago, I only found out about Gary's passing today after happening to look him up. While the news was not completely unexpected, I am nonetheless saddened by it. Aside from the obvious fact that his family and friends lost someone they'd known and loved, the RTD movement lost an inspiring, invaluable, and incomparable voice. I first became acquainted with Gary after he posted comments on my blog, giving me generous compliments for my writing. His kind and encouraging words meant a good deal to me – in part because I thought highly of his own writing and valued his unique perspective – and I treasure them to this day. We had a common cause and it was very heartening to have such an intelligent and eloquent individual - one whom I could respect as a thinker and a human being - on the same side, for issues that meant a great deal to me, and still do. I sincerely wish that I'd gotten to know him in person. I think we may well have become good friends. I take pride in the fact of our acquaintance, however brief and limited it was, and I am sure that I will continue to learn and draw inspiration and encouragement from him. Belated as it is, I offer condolences to the Stimpson family and hope that Gary finally found the peace that he desired and fought hard for. - Posted by: Brian () on: Feb 08, 2017

  • Dear Karen and Family, I was looking on the internet last night hoping to find my childhood best friend, as she and I had lost touch many years ago when her family moved from Edmonton. This heartbreaking and most moving of tributes is what I found. I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember a boy with crazy 'Rod Stewart' hair and a family filled with love and acceptance of all things in all people. I can see that perhaps the hair had changed, but the love and support of this amazing family still remains. My thoughts are with you all. - Posted by: Dana Jones (Lall) (None) on: Jun 25, 2014

  • To Jenny, Brian, Karen, Daniel and Nathan. May Gary rest in peace among the angels, who will look after him in heaven. No longer will he suffer but be restful and never forgotten. He will remain in many hearts and thoughts forever, as he has been in mine every day since his passing. With much love Charlotte. - Posted by: Charlotte (Cousin) on: May 12, 2014

  • May you find peace in knowing that your loved one is in a better place. Thank for sharing and being honest about battling depression as i can relate. Sounds like he was kind, caring individual, who got tired of fighting. May the memories of him give you comfort during this difficult time. - Posted by: Sandi (None) on: Apr 27, 2014

  • Dear Karen and family! I am so very sorry for your loss! I hope in this difficult time you can find some solace in knowing that Gary is now resting peacefully! Love and hugs, Janet Skinner! - Posted by: Janet Skinner (Friend of Karen Dann!) on: Apr 27, 2014

  • I was very sad when I read about Gary. Gary was such a wonderful human being who loved walking our dogs at The Winnipeg Humane Society at our Kent Street location. He was an amazing volunteer! My thoughts are your entire family during this difficult time ... Kelle Greene (was Roth) - Posted by: Kelle Greene (Gary was a volunteer at The Winnipeg Humane Society) on: Apr 26, 2014

  • Thank you for your strength and honesty in sharing your son's life during this painful time. It truly means a lot to many people who have been touched by mental illness. Thoughts and prayers to you. - Posted by: Samantha (none) on: Apr 26, 2014

  • I also appreciate your honesty in speaking up about the battle against depression. My thoughts and prayers are extended to his family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Leslie (none) on: Apr 26, 2014

  • I do not know this gentleman but so admire the family for being honest and attempting to put an end to the stigma attached to mental illness. I recall an editorial in the Free Press written by this young man. May he rest in peace, he has earned it. - Posted by: Claudia Beischer (none) on: Apr 26, 2014

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