The family of Gary Linquist Sr. (Skinny) are saddened to announce his passing at Bethammi Nursing Home on Thursday, January 23, 2025, at the age of 82.
His childhood was mostly spent in Devlin on the family farm, working and enjoying sports. As a young man he received his mechanic training and license at Abitbi bush camps.
Later, moving to Thunder Bay and working 25 years at Abitbi Provincial Mill until retirement.
Baseball, hockey, and later curling occupied any spare time. He played hockey for the Thunder Bay Twins starting in 1970 winning the Allan Cup as a player in 1974-75. He continued with the team as a trainer equipment manager for many years, making him part of all five Allan Cup wins for Thunder Bay. He was inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and 1995. He received the city of Thunder Bay Achievement Award for contribution to the community of Thunder Bay in 1990, and several other highlights along the way.
There were many years of travel to Japan, Germany, France, Hawaii, Venezuela, Mexico, Newfoundland, the USA and Canada coast to coast. He never turned down a beer with the boys or a chance to go racing or fishing.
Enjoying good health most of his life he was proud to participate in his son and grandsons’ sports and their accomplishments in life. He was a hard worker and expected that from everyone else. Once the work was done, then it was party time.
Predeceased by mother Margaret Weatherbee and stepfather Morley Weatherbee, brother Bob Weatherbee and niece Shayne Weatherbee.
Left with choosing only good memories to cherish are wife of almost 54 years Glenna, son Gary and wife Kristy and grandsons Mitchell and Jack Linquist, brother Jake Weatherbee and wife Barb, sister-in-law Karen Lewis Weatherbee, niece Sara Weatherbee, uncle Dave Cooke, aunts Lois Cawl and Fay Davis as well as many cousins and family in Devlin and Fort Francis.
Many thanks to all the staff at Bethammi Nursing Home from doctor, nursing, laundry, cleaning, physio, dietary, social, bravo to all of you for your patience, compassion and friendships during our Alzheimer journey and ending. Well done. Your thoughtfulness and support has meant so much and is truly appreciated.
Gary was a well-loved guy. He lived a good life and in the end it’s not the years in a life, it is the life in the years. (Right Cookie).
I won’t be far away, if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear all my love around soft and clear encouraging life come on, come on. So, goodbye my family and friends, my life has passed. I loved you all to the very last. Weep not for me but take courage and love each other, for those you love don’t go away, I’ll walk beside you every day.
Cremation has taken place. Friends are invited to join the family to celebrate Gary’s life on Saturday, March 15, 2025 from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Sargent Family Reception Center and from 2-6 p.m. at the Port Arthur Curling Club.
If so desired, in lieu of flowers donations to the St. Joseph’s care group or Alzheimer Society of Canada or charity of your choice is appreciated.
On-line condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
