It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our great friend, Gary Smith. John Gary Smith, known to all as Gary, was born on September 14, 1965 in Baden-Soellingen Germany. He passed away at Victoria General Hospital on May 14, 2022. Gary is survived by his son Daniel Smith and Daniel’s mom Kelly Dunsdon, both of Victoria, as well as his brothers Jim, Christopher and Michael, who reside in Ottawa.
Gary grew up in Ottawa where one of his first jobs as a kid was picking weeds from the driveway of Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Brian Dickson. Gary decided to study political science at UVic. After earning his degree in 1992, he lived and worked in Toronto and Ottawa and then settled down in Victoria in 1998. Gary had a life-long passion for learning, eventually earning his MBA, LLB and assorted professional designations. He often spent time at the law library and loved to debate the issues of the day at the pub with his friends. Gary spent his career in the insurance industry where he was a well liked and respected colleague, but those who knew him would say he missed his true calling as a comedian and writer. For Gary was quirky, bright, sometimes offensive, and always funny. And at his core, a kind man who cared about people. The love of Gary’s life was his son Daniel and he always kept Daniel’s interests in focus no matter what difficulties life presented.
Gary’s ancestral roots are in New Brunswick – a place he spoke of often and wished he could visit more than he did. As he desired, his ashes will return to those roots for all time.
In Victoria, BC a Celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Goward House, located at 2495 Arbutus Road.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John “Gary Smith September 14 1965 – May 14 2022..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique