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GARY STUART HARTWELL Obituary pic

GARY STUART HARTWELL

Born: Mar 27, 1942

Date of Passing: Mar 16, 2017

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GARY STUART HARTWELL March 27, 1942 - March 16, 2017 On Thursday, March 16, 2017, 11 days shy of his 75th birthday, Gary passed away peacefully in one of his favourite places, Bucerias, Mexico. He was fortunate enough to spend his last couple of weeks soaking up the sun by the pool, walking the streets of Bucerias, meeting with old friends and visiting with family. Gary will be missed by Robbin, son Graham, daughter Jodi and husband Jeff, and their children Amber, Eddie, Aspen and Ryder; Lisa, Scott and their children Wyatt and Kassidy; and Randy and Catherine. He also leaves behind special family members and numerous friends. Gary, known by many as "Dusty", was born and raised in old St. Vital. He was a well-known realtor, having been in the industry for over 45 years. Gary was active in many sports in his lifetime. He played football for the St. Vital Bulldogs in his younger days and spent years playing hockey for The Bugs, continuing to play the game well into his 60s. He also enjoyed playing golf throughout the summer. Gary had a great sense of humour, the knack for telling a good joke (over and over again), and who could possibly forget his John Wayne impressions. He never had a bad word to say about anybody, he gave everyone a fair chance. Gary was always a huge music fan and loved a good party, but he also loved walking the dog, cutting the lawn...daily, and could easily be found wearing shorts, sitting on the front doorstep in late March, trying to catch the first warm rays of the season. If there was something that Gary was determined to do recently, it was to return to Mexico, something he did on March 1 of this year. Some of us were fortunate enough to have spent some time there with him. He was happy and at peace and you could tell he was exactly where he wanted to be. If Gary has left this world and his life is defined by his fight with illness, you have forgotten who he really was, a person who loved this world and this life. Gary was a good soul, generous towards the people he cared about and valued his relationships with his family and friends. He had many true friendships and will be missed by all. As per Gary's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service. There will be a private family gathering at a later date. Photos can be viewed and shared at gary-hartwell.forevermissed.com "Yes, you did it your way, but now we know you are at peace."

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 25, 2017

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • I was the last person Gary spoke to. I was the hotel manager in Bucerias were he stayed. During his time in the hotel I was lucky enough to say he was my friend. We talked for hours, he shared with me a lot of his life and in a way, I can say it was a sort of confession. just a few days was all it take to love the man. He passed away the very same day he was supposed to return to Canada. That morning I tried to wake him up so he would miss his plane, he didn't wake up. He reminded me of my father, a good soul with a beautiful heart. And strange enough, right now is 06:27 am in Mexico City, I no longer work in that hotel in Bucerias, but for some reason he came to my mind, today March 26th, one day before his birthday, ten days after he passed away 3 years ago. A wonderful man Mr. Heartwell. - Posted by: Eric Torres (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2020

  • Gary and I were close friends but unfortunately for only a very short period of time - when we played football for the Mustangs. I remember Gary for his kind and gentle nature which left an a distinct memory with me. My condolences to all his family and friends. Sincerely, Jim Reger - Posted by: Jim Reger (Friend) on: Apr 03, 2017

  • Loving condolences sent to Robbin and family. Thank God for great memories. Relieved that Gary is now at peace, and that so many friends loved him. Bob ❤️ - Posted by: Bob Lowenberger (Friend) on: Mar 30, 2017

  • Robbin and family, I am so sorry to learn of Gary's passing. I offer my sincere condolences to you and your family. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Penny Scobel (Friend) on: Mar 29, 2017

  • Had several real estate deals with Gary over the years. Professional, with a sense of humour and so eager to offer assistance!! Rest in peace - Posted by: Trudy Johnson (work associate) on: Mar 27, 2017

  • Garry will be remembered as a fine gentleman who always had a smile when he greeted you. My brothers and I played many hockey games with Garry in the St. Vital arena over many years.He was always very competitive and enjoyed the camaraderie of all of us, as we enjoyed his humor. I will always remember Garry as being very personal and a fine man. - Posted by: Danny De Leeuw () on: Mar 27, 2017

  • News like this is too soon. My memories with Gary are for a lifetime. It all started playing hockey & football, first at Norberry CC and at Memorial Park playing for the Mustangs & Bulldogs. The parties at Louie's house, and the best parties on Humboldt in the basement. Remember the weiner roasts at the back of my place. Maybe the first "three amigos", You, Louie, & myself travelling to Acapulco in Louie's car at this time of the year, 53 years ago. In those days we were inseparable. The most memorable though was that you were my friend, one of my best friends that remains. Yes, Gary your John Wayne impersonation was right on, you were fun to be with. Gary it's been an extreme pleasure knowing you and sharing a part of your life. See you down the road "Stewie" it was a great ride. Robbin, I give you my sympathies and send my condolences to you and the family. - Posted by: Paul Lagimodiere () on: Mar 26, 2017

  • I was lucky enough to be coaching juvenile hockey at Norberry C.C. and had Garry and some of his buddies on that team. We did well and Garry was a big part of our successes. In the years since that big smile and jolly grin became a trademark for a wonderful guy. Garry you will be missed. Gary Whyte - Posted by: Gary whyte (Hockey coach) on: Mar 25, 2017

  • Sad to hear that you passed away my friend! You will now be back joking with your friend Harry from whom you truely missed! I am happy that you ended your time in Buserias the one place that you truely relaxed !! - Posted by: Kevin Brown (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2017

  • Robbin and family, we were sorry to hear of the loss of Gary. We send our sincerest condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Helen and Steve Garbacz () on: Mar 25, 2017

  • Gary and I first met playing Bantam B hockey at Norberry in 1955 and played all our minor hockey together. We also played juvenile football together for the St Vital Mustangs. Over the years we maintained a loose acquaintance, always able to take up where we left off whenever we met. Some time in the 1980's I was looking for some "Oldtimers" ice time and Gary invited me out to "Friday Hockey". We played together there until I "retired" at age 67 and Gary assumed the mantle of the true 'oldtimer" as the oldest guy on the Ice as I was a few months older than he. We had a great time especially when we wound up on the same line and would joke about our combined 110+ years of playing experience. He truly loved playing. My brother Barry and I and our families extend our condolences to Robbin and family. RIP "Dusty" Wayne and Barry Anderson and families - Posted by: wayne anderson (long time friend) on: Mar 25, 2017

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