Gary Donald Groulx left this world doing what ultimately made him the happiest... whether he knew it or not... keeping busy at camp with projects and chores. As sad and unexpected as his relatively quick passing was to his closest family and friends, we are grateful that he no longer had to endure living and dealing with progressively aggressive cancer.
We could write literal volumes about Gary's life. Everyone who knew and loved him will miss the absolute unwavering conviction with which he lived his life-everything was black and white-no gray! That pushed and pulled all of the closest people in his life towards his very honest, magnetic and charismatic personality and sense of humour. He certainly knew how to make people smile and laugh.
Gary's work ethic was unmatched. As a young man, he moved from Geraldton to live and work in Thunder Bay. He held various jobs - grocery store, construction, Can-Car, and then 25 years at Erco Worldwide. When the plant closed, he found it too early to retire, so he chose to drive a school bus for several years. Finally, full retirement meant he could spend entire summers at camp, fishing with his good friend Alpo, golfing, building, and enjoying time with the friends he grew up with.
His dedication to his work was only surpassed by his commitment to his family. This was exemplified by Gary priding himself on being one of the least materialistic people anyone has ever met. He didn't burden his life with possessions and saved solely for providing for his wife and children. In the era of cryptocurrency, he considered blueberries and pickerel legal currency.
Up until he could no longer handle highly provoked hip checks from players 20 years younger than him, Gary spent decades on the ice and on the fairways. And even after his most active years in those sports, he was rarely seen without a hockey game or golf tournament on the screen... with the volume muted... because he liked listening to colour commentators about as much as he liked the idea of having to go out and buy new clothes.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Martin and Helen Groulx, and his younger brother Mic, who left us less than a year ago. He is survived by his wife Lidia, children Bryan (Carol), Kris (Nircia) and his years younger, but very close sister Nancy (Nick) (she was recently dubbed his twin), and older brother Rick (Arvalla). His wife, friends and family are all experiencing a profound loss, especially his four cherished grandchildren... Kiara, Adrian, Alex and William, that he was so very proud of. He looked forward to his semi-annual road trips, at times fighting snow-storms, to spend time with them.
Gary did not wish for a formal service, so the best way his many treasured friends and family can honour him is to reminisce with fond laugh-out-loud memories over coffee, beer or “equal parts rye and water”. When you're watching your or someone else's children or grandchildren playing hockey, remember Gary refereeing from the stands. When you're sitting around the campfire or fishing, or in the coffee shop, and someone mentions electric cars - you'll think of Gary! If you have pets, you'll understand why we know Gary is happy to be reunited with his beloved golden retriever, Charlie. Gary had a special connection with animals, from chipmunks at camp, dogs, to the cats he spoiled at home.
The outpouring of love and support we have received from our wonderful families and friends truly makes the grief a little easier to bear.
As expressions of sympathy, should friends desire, donations can be made to the Northern Cancer Fund or Canadian Cancer Society – Prostate Cancer.
