Obituary of Gary Rice
Robert Gary Rice
It is with broken hearts that the family of the late Gary Rice, announce his passing on April 30th, 2021 at the Health Science Centre, St. John’s, NL @ the age of 60. Gary is predeceased by his parents Stan Rice, Dawn (Lane) Rice; wife Joanne (Adey) Rice; nephew Chad Rice and fur baby Licorice.
Left with precious memories are his wife Chrissy; sons Jeremy (Blake); Jamie (Ashley); stepdaughter Brittany (Jamie) and grandson Dodger (DJ); siblings: Max (Debbie); Jeff (Cathy); Beverley (Wince); Nellie (George); Nicole (Brad) as well as a large number of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Gary was born and raised in Windsor and spent his early years playing street hockey, softball, fishing or just hanging with his buddies, whenever he had the opportunity or when he wasn’t helping out in the family store. After high school, Gary hitchhiked to the mainland where he worked in a lumberyard until finding his way home again, to work with his dad.
As a young man Gary met and married Joanne. Together they raised two wonderful boys, Jeremy and Jamie who were the light of his life.
Gary worked with his father in law & special friend, Lloyd Adey, selling automotive parts. He later became the distributor for the Downhomer and the NL Sportsman, all while continuing to work the family business, Rice’s Convenience on King Street. He eventually purchased the store from his parents and built it into a successful business for his family. Gary later found a new passion and worked as a carpenter in NL & Lab as well as Iqaluit.
In 2008 Gary met Chrissy. Gary often said “some people don’t find happiness once in lifetime, I was blessed enough to find it twice.” With this blended family, Gary gained a beautiful stepdaughter, Brittany.
After Gary’s first heart surgery, Gary and Chrissy created their own little piece of Heaven, their cottage at Little Red Indian Falls. Here he spent countless hours enjoying friends, a game of cards, darts, fishing, hunting, berry picking, cutting wood, riding quad, snowmobiling or just enjoying the great outdoors … always being shadowed by his little fur baby, Holly.
Gary also loved to travel. He enjoyed umpiring softball, Curling, Darts and always found time to chat/tell stories or have a few laughs with family and friends.
In November 2020 Gary became the proud Grandpa to sweet little Dodger James (DJ). Due to his failing health and COVID restrictions he was unable to fly to Edmonton to meet DJ in person. However he spent many hours getting to know him through FaceTime. This brought Gary hours of pleasure.
Gary was very proud of his heritage. He was proud of his 3 children and their accomplishments. When his children were happy, Gary was happy.
Rest easy Gary, Dad, Grandpa, Poppa G. You loved us lots and taught us well! We will love you always!
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the visitation will be for family only. Service will be held at the Windsor Pentecostal Church on Thursday at 2 PM by invitation only.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of the wonderful nursing staff at both the Health Science Centre and C.N.R.H.C. for their care and compassion towards Gary during his illness. Also to our wonderful friends and extended family for all your love and support during this difficult time.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Gary
Rice 1960 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Grand-Falls-Windsor, Province: T-N
Please. accept my condolences Chrissy on the passing of your beloved Gary!My thoughts and prayers are with you all!