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GARY WILFRED HAMEL
Born: Feb 20, 1942
Date of Passing: Sep 22, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryGARY WILFRED HAMEL
It is with sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of Gary Hamel in the early hours of September 22, at the age of 82, at the Victoria General Hospital.
He will forever be remembered by his wife of 57 years, Irene and sons, Deron and Cory. He also leaves behind sisters-in-law, Hilda Dielsen, Elenore Meintz, and Liz and her husband Walter Epp, who became a good friend as Gary struggled through his illness. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Gladys.
Gary's love of golf started early and he had the good fortune to live across the street from the Southwood Golf and Country Club, which became his second home. From an early age he was caddying and by the age of 10, he was golfing under the watchful eye of Southwood's pro, who selected Gary's first set of clubs, a set of ladies left-handed clubs. His proudest golfing moment was winning the Selkirk Open in 1972. He left Southwood for a time and joined the Wildewood Golf Club but found his way back to Southwood, making lifelong friends. He loved all sports and curled for many years and bowled in a league with some of the Southwood guys.
He started his career at the Friesen Corporation retiring after 32 years. Gary always loved driving and after retiring, he worked part-time for the Canoe Club driving members to appointments and later at Murray's where he drove a shuttle until COVID.
In 1967 Gary and Irene married and together they raised their family of two sons. As a family we enjoyed vacations in Bemidji for a number of years with families from Wildewood, which for the dads, were also golfing holidays. We spent holidays in Texas and later winters in Mesa, AZ where of course, there are many golf courses. As a family we enjoyed trips to BC to see family, Arizona where Grandma and Grandpa spent the winters, California and Disneyland. After retiring Gary and Irene spent a number of years wintering in Mesa, AZ. We enjoyed a trip to Cuba with Deron and Cory and the Dominican Republic with friends.
Gary enjoyed good health until suffering a stroke in 2007, a year after moving from the family home to a condo. The stroke started changing his life, first in small ways, but increasing over the years. In June of this year, he was admitted to the Victoria Hospital where he remained until he passed away three months later in the early hours of September 22 with Irene by his side. Those unfortunately, were difficult months where he quickly lost touch with us all. Irene was by his side every day for those three heartbreaking months. Our thanks go to the wonderful care he received from all the 5th floor staff at the hospital.
Respecting Gary's wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 12, 2024, Oct 12, 2024
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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I enjoyed working with Gary so sorry to hear this news. Wishing you comfort as you are going through the grieving process. We did enjoy our coffee times before we started our working days sending prayers!. - Posted by: Mary-Anne Derrick (Work friend) on: Nov 03, 2024
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My condolences Irene of the passing of your husband. May your family strength help you through this. - Posted by: Guy (Irene's former co-worker) on: Nov 03, 2024
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He will be missed. Lots of hugs to Irene and family. Gail Wood - Posted by: Gail wood (Friend) on: Oct 15, 2024
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Irene, we are so very sorry for you and all the family on the passing of Gary. The golfing days at The Wildewood Club were all special times. You have our deepest sympathy. - Posted by: Lance & Jeanne Anderson (Friends) on: Oct 15, 2024
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Thinking about you during this very difficult time. Sending my deepest sympathies to you and your boys. - Posted by: Janice Tilly (Former co-workder) on: Oct 15, 2024
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Irene, My heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your boys♥️ I have such fond memories of you and Gary on family vacations at Bemidji and anytime all the Wildewood families got together. I hope you can find some peace after this difficult time. Love to you Wendy - Posted by: Wendy Guenette (Leibl) (Friend ) on: Oct 13, 2024
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We’re so sorry to hear our Gary is gone but know he’s at peace now. We will always remember all the fun times we had those many years of spending times at Southwood, Texas, Arizona & dinner parties back in Wpg. Gary was a kind & gentle man & loved to tell funny stories which we all loved! We will miss him & sending Irene condolences with the hope the happy memories will be a comfort to the family. Hugs - Posted by: Cliff & Lavina Dyck (Friends for many many years. ) on: Oct 12, 2024
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Irene, I’m so sorry to learn Gary is no longer with us. He was a coworker at Friesen’s for all his 32 years but more than that he was a good friend. I remember many sales meetings we attended and other events. Also staying with you when we were in Altona for the Friesen 100th anniversary, probably the last time we were together. I will always remember your friendship. Earl - Posted by: Earl Schmidt (Friend) on: Oct 12, 2024
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Irene, We are really saddened by Gary's passing and wish you and you family all the best in these troubling times. Gary was a great human being and a friend to all. Always smiling and good natured with a deep, dry sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all his golf friends and associates, and especially by Glenna and me. All our love to you, Glenna and Bob F - Posted by: Bob Faraci (Friends ) on: Oct 12, 2024
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My condolences Irene. I remember Gary as the guy who helped me acquire my Buick Rendezvous, way back when. As a single, his help was much appreciated. I think of you often Irene, and wish you all the best. - Posted by: Donna Parkhurst (worked with Irene) on: Oct 12, 2024
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I worked with Gary at Friesens and I saw firsthand his commitment to his customers. He always had a smile and was a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his family. - Posted by: Tim Fellows (Co-worker) on: Oct 12, 2024