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Gary Vincent Slesinger Obituary
September 6, 1941 – March 6, 2025.
Gary passed away peacefully in the Good Samaritan Mountainview Village Complex Care, Kelowna following a battle with dementia.
He will be greatly missed by his wife (of 61 years), Carol Slesinger and his loving family – daughters Michelle (Kevin) Chisholm and Laurie (Rod) Barton and adoring grandchildren – Madison (Joshua) Donaldson, David Chisholm, Spencer Barton, Jacob (Laurel) Chisholm and Hannah Chisholm. He also will be remembered by his caring nieces, Marilee (Brian) Woinoski and Susie (Peter) Turgoose plus many wonderful great nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his father, Rudy Slesinger; mother, Mary Slesinger; brother-in-law and sister, Tim and Marj Hodgkinson.
Gary was born and raised in the city of Kelowna with 2 loving parents and his sister 14 years older, who adored him. He met the love of his life, Carol Fumerton, at the Kelowna Memorial Arena in 1962 and they were soon engaged and married at the First United Church in December 1963. After building their house, they lived and raised their family in Glenmore for 58 years before moving to Mountainview Village.
Gary was known as a hard worker and a supportive family man. For his 48-year career, he worked in the forest industry. He started working in 1957 at Simpson’s Sawmill in Kelowna and retired from Tolko plywood plant (on the same site) in 2005. He worked his way up from “the green chain” through various jobs getting his First Aid ticket and then attaining Millwright credentials (from BCIT). His workmates, who knew him as “Hammer”, remember him for his sense of humour and workplace antics. Up until recently, he could be found going out for Tuesday lunch with his retired co-worker friends.
Gary was an involved family man. He always did his best to attend his kids’ school events and band concerts. He spent his summers taking the family to swim meets. He enjoyed watching the grandkids play sports, music and other activities. He enjoyed hockey and loved to take his family to the “Kelowna Rocket’s games”. With his mechanical skills and good work ethic, Gary took meticulous care of his home, yard, garden, and pool. He loved to give “helpful” unsolicited advice about vehicle and home maintenance… and his “theories on life”. He would often visit his daughters’ homes and fix squeaks and change light bulbs etc.
Family was so important that he celebrated his retirement by taking all 11 immediate family members on an unforgettable Disneyland Trip. He really enjoyed all the extended family reunions! He looked forward to the yearly “Perogy Dinner” and many other regular family events. In retirement, he enjoyed much time at home by the pool and he did take his wife on a few memorable adventures including Costa Rica, Hawaii and Mexico.
His one prize procession was a 1970 GTO convertible. He spent many hours having it rebuilt from the ground up and taking it to various car shows – even winning a few awards. His daughters were lucky enough to use it for their weddings. His family is still enjoying taking it to wineries and looking forward to future adventures in his memory.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at 11am at Guisachan House Restaurant – 1060 Cameron Ave., Kelowna, BC.
The family wishes to thank Dr Ketch, Dr Koss, Chaplain Daryl Deklerk and all the staff at Mountainview Village for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to “The Good Samaritan Society” in Gary’s name. You can donate to pastoral care online at: gss.org/ or by calling the Fund Development office at 780-431-3600.
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September 6 1941
March 6 2025
everden rust funeral services & cremation
Death notice for the town of: Kelowna, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Gary Vincent Slesinger September 6 1941
March 6 2025
obituaries notice Gary Vincent Slesinger September 6 1941
March 6 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Vincent Slesinger September 6 1941
March 6 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
