Obituary of Garry Earle Gatley

Tee off: 15 March 1942 19th Hole: 9 August 2015 Peacefully, and with Candice by his side, passed just 5 short weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He accepted the hand he was dealt with amazing dignity and grace. Predeceased by parents Bessie and Earle Gatley; parents-in-law May and John Sander; and many furry friends who were waiting to greet him across the Rainbow Bridge. Survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Candice (nee Sander); beloved son and only child Kevin; his ever-present four feline companions Dusty, Dallas, Jack, and Mindy; sister Carol (Doug) Tindall; brothers Wayne (Gloria), Lyle (Donna), and Don (Glenna); brothers-in-law Gaylen Sander, and Kevin (Jill) Sander; many, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews all of whom he looked upon with great pride; and many cherished, great and supportive friends. After graduating from Sir Winston Churchill High School in 1960, Garry attended UBC for 1 year after which he set out into the working world. He started at Dairyland driving a delivery truck, then moved to BC Hydro as a meter reader. After many years at Hydro, primarily in the financial sector, Garry became very interested in labour relations from a union perspective. He sought and was successful in securing a position as a business rep with OTEU Local 378 representing, among others, BC Hydro and ICBC employees. Garry thrived in this environment and rose to the challenge of negotiating fair and equitable collective agreements. In this capacity he was also heavily involved in job evaluation. When his career with the OTEU had run its course, Garry moved to a position at Capilano College, then to Langara College where he worked in a labour relations capacity from a management perspective. Garry had an amazing ability to look at situations from both sides – this bode him well throughout his chosen career. Eventually he joined Coast Mountain Bus Company and was the Director of Operations, Burnaby when he retired in 2001. Now he could indulge his passion! Joining the Pitt Meadows Golf Club he played as many as 7 rounds of golf a week – on a per-stroke-basis his green fees were pretty low. On days when the weather didn’t cooperate, bridge was the order of the day. The camaraderie and relationships forged were priceless. Garry spent many years participating in and organizing an annual May golf tournament at the Lakeside Resort in Oliver…a great joy to him. Over the past several years, Garry had the opportunity to go on twice-annual golf vacations in Surprise, Arizona the most recent of which was in February and included brother Wayne and brother-in-law Doug. Garry was a member of both the Vancouver and Golden Ears (formerly Burnaby) Gyro Clubs where at one time he served as president. Many lovely friendships were cultivated during this time. After Candice retired in 2010, she and Garry were able to indulge in some travelling, including a Mediterranean cruise, a Canada New England cruise, and several relaxing Alaskan cruises. Time with friends in San Francisco and Palm Springs was also enjoyed. Time at the cabin with Carol and Doug was precious. Carol says Garry is now organizing the angels and negotiating their first collective agreement. Many thanks to all of our family and friends for your support, flowers, cards, phone calls, and presence during this devastating time. Without you this journey would be unbearable. I miss you and love you Garry more than words can say. Keep whistling Kid. A celebration of Garry’s life will be held at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club, 13615 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, Monday, 14 September at 2:00 P.M. If you are so inclined, donations may be made in memory of Garry to Katie’s Place Animal Shelter in Maple Ridge.