Gary William Mandryk, age 64, passed away peacefully after a courageous health battle, surrounded by his family at Peter Laugheed Centre on Saturday, February 11, 2017.
Gary was born in Toronto, Ontario on September 14, 1952. A young Gary and his parents lived in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba for two years to pursue a life of farming,before returning to Ontario where he lived for the remainder of his youth. While growing up in the metropolis of Toronto, Gary returned to his Manitoba roots and love of farming, fishing and hunting every summer. Gary often reminisced about his adventures with his father, uncles, cousins and grandparents, the midnight frolics and lessons learned over making “a batch”.
As a child, Gary was known for his keen intelligence and athletic abilities. He was the recipient of many academic awards, and a high school All-Star football player. After high school, Gary continued his education at Humber College.
Gary was known across Canada as an excellent businessman; his success a culmination of his vast experiences in ironwork, the insurance industry, private security, construction, as an entrepreneur and as a safety consultant. Gary was perhaps best known as the owner of Great Northern Truck Wash in Calgary, Alberta. His employees always described Gary as an employer who became a friend, someone who was always willing to lend a hand, and an advance, to those who needed it. He was a huge proponent of self-improvement and encouraged all those who worked for him to gain more schooling, experience and to find their passion. A former customer of Great Northern said, “Trucks from all across the continent would come to his door for a great wash, a drink, great advice, but most of all the friendship that was offered to all”.
In December of 1976, Gary met the love of his life, Jacqueline Guthrie. After a nine month romance the couple was engaged. Gary and Jacky were married in Toronto on May 6, 1978. The newlyweds spent their first two years in Winnipeg, Manitoba with many friends and family, until relocating to Calgary in September of 1980.
The move to Alberta brought many new opportunities, friendships and the growth of their family. Gary became actively involved rodeo. He was a volunteer for many years with the Sundre Pro Rodeo, where he could be found tending bar, visiting with the real cowboys and listening to the old-timer stories. He loved to tell his own tales of “yahooing” at the Calgary Stampede in his younger years.
In 1981, their daughter Victoria Helen was born. The family continued to grow with the birth of Laura Eve in 1985. Gary was a devoted father, celebrating his children’s academic, athletic and dance accomplishments. He instilled a desire in his daughters to always do their best, to never settle for mediocrity and to put family before all else. In 2010 and 2011 the Mandryk family grew again with the marriages of Michael Lozinski to Victoria, and Tyler Grandan to Laura. Gary loved his sons (never son-in-laws) with his whole heart, and supported them fully in all their pursuits. The family of six passed many family Sundays watching NFL football, playing Rumoli and working together.
In February 2014, Gary’s pride grew tenfold, as he became Gido to Talayna Abigail. Affectionately known as GG to Talayna, the two had many mini adventures together. His namesake, Cole Garrison, was born June 2016. Gary made the most of every minute he had with his two partners, spoiling them with toys and gifts, but most importantly all his love and devotion. Not a day went by that he did not ask after his grandchildren and always put their welfare above all else.
Gary was predeceased by his father and mother, Harry and Olga Mandryk. He is survived by his wife Jacky, his daughter Laura and son-in-law Tyler, daughter Victoria and son-in-law Michael, granddaughter Talayna and grandson Cole.
As per Gary’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date in March. His vision was for his family and friends to come together, not to shed tears, but to toast to his memory, tell their fondest stories and remember him with the same enduring loyalty he had always shown others.
Holding you
I held everything
For a moment
Wasn’t I a king
But if I’d only known
How the king would fall
Hey who’s to say
You know I might have changed it all
And now
I’m glad I didn’t know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives
Are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I’d have had to miss
The dance

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gary William Mandryk – February 11th, 2017.source

avis deces Gary William Mandryk – February 11th, 2017- avis mortuaire Gary William Mandryk – February 11th, 2017