Gary John MacFarlane

Obituary

Passed on September 24, 2020

Peacefully at home in Woodlands on September 24, 2020, we sadly grieve the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather Gary John MacFarlane.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Jackie, his children Chris, Andrew, Maryann (Edgar), Leslie, Marcy (Howard) and Fawn (James), his brothers Wayne (Miriam), Glen (Sophie), Gerald (Patti) and sister Melissa (Trever), sisters-in-law Denyse and Karen (David), many nieces and nephews across Canada, U.S.A. and Mexico, grandchildren Roslynn, Emilia, Logan, Judith, Ruby, Edgar, Lance, Benjamin, Johnathan, Natalie, Jack, JaeLynn, and Abby, great grandchildren Elliott, Jasper, Priscilla, and the many foster children that he considered his own over the years.

He was predeceased by his parents Sonny and Kay, brothers John and Warren Marc, cousins Oscar, Joyce, and Susan, and brother-in-law Bruce and many extended family in Manitoba and Ontario too numerous to mention by name but never the less special to him.

Gary was born in Ottawa on May 23, 1946 and lived the life of an “army brat” until his family settled in Winnipeg. He attended St. James Collegiate. During his teen years he developed his love of music and was band leader for several 60’s bands such as “The New Interns” and then later the most prominent being “The Wild Taste”. A talented musician and song writer, he recorded an album “Lights at Last” with his friend Ken. His musical talents provided him opportunities to collaborate with established names in the music scene and earned him recognition in the Manitoba Music Museum. He pursued many interests in his life his favorite being building projects as well as hunting and fishing at his northern cottage. He loved to entertain and bring a laugh by telling stories of his life’s experiences or sharing a joke. Whether he was the worker or the leader, player or coach, he embraced it with passion. Gary will be remembered for his hands and the accomplishments he made with them: the home and cottage he built, the music he created, the hand he lent to many, the hand of guidance, the hand of generosity, and the hand that gave many comfort when needed. Gary had many wonderful friends and acquaintances that he thought of fondly amid his multitude of interests. He was the defender and protector of his family that he cherished. His priority in life was his faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. God will have a purpose for a warrior such as he. No funeral will be held but a family gathering will be held at a later date. Gary wished to be cremated. We love you, we miss you, waiting until we are together again.

Many thanks to family and friends who have been so compassionate and helpful with meals and support in our time of need. You eased our burden. The numerous emails, posts, cards, and letters of remembrance of Gary were wonderful and a thank you cannot express the appreciation.

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