July 24, 1944 - September 27, 2023
Gary Wain Graber
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Gary Wain Graber at the age of 79, on September 27th, 2023, after a year long battle with Cancer. He was able to pass in his own home surrounded by family as was his wish. He leaves behind his loving wife of 57 years, Carol, his daughters Lisa and Roma, his brothers Henry, Alan, Karl and sister Caroline, sister-in-law Colleen (David), sister-in-law Christine (Lawrence), brother-in-law Mikael (Kim), brother-in-law Terry (Lynne) and many nieces and nephews who will miss him greatly. Gary was predeceased by his sons Gary Jr. and Jonathan and his parents Doris and Lloyd Graber.
Gary was a loving husband, a devoted father and a man of unwavering strength, ethics and good humour.
Born on July 24th, 1944, Gary was a shining example of dedication and perseverance. He approached every aspect of life with an unparalleled work ethic, demonstrating time and time again the importance of hard work and determination. Whether it was his professional pursuits (he retired as a truck driver for Consolidated Fastfrate) or his commitment to providing for his family, he always gave his best.
Gary had an infectious sense of humor and his witty remarks never failed to brighten every occasion. He had a unique ability to find humor in any situation, creating unforgettable memories with his loved ones and friends.
Gary's enthusiasm inspired those around him to embrace the spirit of competition and camaraderie. His passion for sports and outdoors was a defining aspect of his life, and he always played to win. He played hockey, football, tennis, racquetball, skiing, water skiing and spent his retirement days golfing and enjoying golf trips with his buddies Bart, Kirk, Rod, Brent, Deryk and others, and the stories they could tell.
Over the years Gary and Carol have had a close relationship with the Turnau family celebrating many occasions with them. He took many hunting trips with his friends Bill, Lorne, Dave and Murray, camped and fished at Gillis Lake with the family and spent over 50 summers at our cabin in Hope, BC. He played tennis and golf with his best friends Gordon and Ellen Poole and chilled on Kawkawa Lake on our family boat. Gary and Carol travelled for 12 years in their fifth wheel trailer to Hemet, California with Bob and Vicki, Gordon and Ellen, and to Saskatchewan with his brother Henry. Experiencing China in 2015 and the Panama Canal in 2018 with his brother Alan was a highlight of Gary's life.
Beyond his role as a husband and father, Gary was a man of great integrity and values. He lived his life by a set of principles that guided his action and interactions, leaving a lasting impact on all those who crossed his path. He reminded us of the importance of honesty, kindness, and respect. He was the anchor that held his loved ones together - always putting his family and friends needs before his own.
Let us not remember him with sorrow but with gratitude for the incredible life he lived. May Gary find eternal peace knowing that his legacy will live on through others. May his memory serve as a kind reminder to embrace life's joys, to cherish our loved ones, and to never waiver in the pursuit of our dreams.
The Graber family would like to extend a special thank you to our dear friend Marian Kreml whose support enabled Gary to be in his own home and the Mission Palliative Care Team.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Graber Foundation (Supporting Cancer Patients) at email: thegraberfoundation@yahoo.com which would be greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring to honour Gary.