GARY R.

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GARY R. MacDONALD Suddenly, but peacefully on Thursday, July 20, 2000, while vacationing with his family at Gull Lake, Man., Gary MacDonald passed away at the age of 67 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Marie; daughter Penny (Andy) and three sons, Tim, Robert (Natalie), Jeff (Mandy) eight grandchildren, Lee (Natalie), Lindsay, Samantha, Travis, Shelbie Ann, Russell, Stanley and Steven; two great-grandchildren, Nia and Ethan Gary. He will be sadly missed by his brothers, Grant MacDonald (Eileen) of MacGregor, Duane MacDonald (Billie) of Portage la Prairie; sisters, Beverly MacDonald (Donnie) of MacGregor and Brenda Plummer (Morley) and Mary MacDonald of Winnipeg, along with many nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his father John MacDonald, his mother Lillian Glover and Roy Glover. Gary was born in Gladstone, Man., on September 8, 1932. He spent most of his youth in MacGregor, Man. He moved to Winnipeg in 1951 and to Transcona in 1956. For 40 years, Gary was a plumbing contractor in Winnipeg and rural Manitoba. He also owned and operated a sporting goods store in Transcona in the 1970s. He spent years at the family cottage at Lester Beach with his family. He loved the lake, fishing and entering all the horseshoe tournaments there. He had a keen interest in building and was happiest with a hammer in hand. In earlier years Gary took an active interest in Pirates Community Club where his three boys played hockey. You could always find him at the rink cleaning ice, coaching, assisting with skates, transporting children to games or just on the sidelines watching the action on the ice. He was a longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion #7 in Transcona. It was there that he spent many enjoyable times playing crib, pool, attending meat draws and mingling with his many friends. He especially enjoyed overseeing the pig roasts, horseshoe tournaments and corn roasts associated with the Legion. He was always there to lend a helping hand. Gary was also a member of the Transcona Kinsmen for years and later the K-40 Club. And let us not forget Club Regent and Assiniboine Downs, two of his favourite pastimes. In keeping with Garys wishes, cremation has taken place with private family burial at Transcona Cemetery. The family would like to thank the staff at Park Manor for their tender care. A special thanks to Mark Brunet and Paige Mitchell at Gull Lake for their heroic efforts and support. In lieu of flowers, if friends should wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 301 - 352 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Man., R3B 2H8. "Our memories of you will forever strengthen our lives - until we meet again." Life.... Its so precious, But it can be taken away in a heartbeat. We never realize we take things for granted, Until its gone and truly missed, and theres nothing you can do. Gary was a very thoughtful and giving man, but also my Grandpa. Every time I look up at the stars now, I know hes smiling down on us. And although there has been tough times, and plenty more to come, he will be with us every step of the way. Every tear will be a memory, and every picture will be another. Every smile we share, he will be sharing them with us. People believe that when its your time to go, Its your time to go. You werent born to die, you were born to achieve something. And I truly believe that my Grandfather, has achieved a great deal, and we will never forget him, or his ambitions. Life... Its so precious, But lived on through others. By: Lindsay Trybell xox I Love you Grandpa and I always will. Transcona Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 29, 2000