GARY WALTER STEFANIUK
February 24, 1950 - July 30, 2015
It is with profound sadness and heavy
hearts that we announce the passing of our
beloved Gary at Victoria General Hospital
in Winnipeg on July 30, 2015. Diagnosed
with Pancreatic Cancer, he faced his
illness with quiet dignity and courage.
Gary was predeceased by his mother Evelyn,
father Walter, sister Opal and
brother-in-law Ben Radchuk. Left to mourn
his passing and lovingly cherish his
memory are his sister Norma Kahn of West
Bloomfield, Michigan, cousins and extended
family coast-to-coast, longtime friends,
bandmates and work colleagues.
Gary was born in St. Boniface on February
24, 1950, the youngest of three children.
He was raised in Transcona where he
graduated from High School. An
accomplished bass guitarist, Gary pursued
his passion for music throughout high
school playing in bands: The Wild Things,
The Lackies, The Saffron and The Musical
Odyssey to name a few.
In the early 70's Gary traveled playing
music in many groups including Harry Dumas
and the Afro-Saxons, The New Canadian
Mystics, and Bus. Gary performed locally
and country wide. He recorded albums with
Graham Shaw and the Sincere Serenaders on
Capitol Records (1980) and CBS Records
Canada (1981). Gary was featured with
Brent Parkin and the Stingers on the Jimmy
King Show on CKND TV (1983) and the
Sincere Serenaders reunion gigs at the
Winnipeg Casino (2010), and the Winnipeg
Convention Centre "Bitter Pill Concert"
(2011). Gary's played in July 2012 on
Corydon Avenue with The Unwinders and as
always Gary was "in the pocket" Playing
Great! Gary played with the Sincere
Serenaders at the Bill Merritt memorial
Thursday, April 24, 2014.
Gary was employed at the Health Sciences
Centre and was a member of The
International Union of Operating Engineers
until health issues forced his early
retirement. Home and family were the
cornerstones of Gary's life. Gary was a
loving brother and a devoted son whose
empathy knew no bounds. He was our rock
and pillar of strength in his caring
support of our family's well being
throughout the years.
Gary's sweet smile, gentle demeanor and
cherished presence in our family enriched
our lives with his comforting love and
concern. Gary's heartfelt, enduring
devotion to our family was extraordinary.
We will forever treasure his beloved
memory and the special close-knit family
bond we shared. Gary was an avid herb
gardener and an excellent cook who
welcomed hosting family gatherings as Chef
and Official Photographer. He lived
according to the high standards he set for
himself, without judgement of others, true
to his ethical beliefs and strong sense of
duty. Gary's exceptional character is his
legacy. The values he placed on sound
nutritional philosophies and holistic
health guidelines were reflected in his
personal lifestyle.
Gary's love of music extended well beyond
guitar and covered many genres of music
including a wide range of musicians and
artists. He enjoyed collecting guitars,
recording music, performing and
collaborating in jam sessions and the odd
Gig with his former band mates in "Jack's
Right Band" at The Transcona 50th Reunion
in 2010. Gary enjoyed traveling country
wide, communing with Nature, honing his
culinary skills, and time spent with
family and friends.
Gary was a Nature enthusiast who radiated
a lifelong affinity for all creatures,
large and small, feathered and furred.
Feeding and observing the antics and
activities of neighborhood and park
wildlife gave him great pleasure. Rescue
animals were very dear to Gary's heart,
and he was a staunch supporter of animal
shelters in his pet adoptions and generous
donations. Nurturing his feline pets and
Gary's affectionate rapport with them
filled him with much contentment and joy.
We are enriched by the beautiful memories
of Gary's giving heart and generosity, his
unconditional selflessness and unfailing
loyalty, his compassionate and intuitive
nature, his sensitivity and strength of
character, and his lifelong integrity and
indomitable spirit. Gary will be lovingly
remembered and missed beyond measure by
all who knew him, all who loved him, and
all whose lives he touched. How he lived
his life will always inspire us to live
with grace and acceptance, and love with
the fullest of hearts.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves memories no one can steal"
Our deepest gratitude is extended to the
doctors and staff at St. Boniface
Hospital, Winnipeg's Health Sciences
Centre, Victoria General Hospital and
CancerCare Manitoba for their support in
honouring Gary's health care wishes.
Memorial donations in Gary's name may be
made to an animal rescue shelter
organization of your choice. In keeping
with Gary's wishes, cremation has taken
place. Interment and a private family
service will be held at Transcona
Cemetery, 5014 Dugald Road. Funeral
arrangements in care of Wheeler Funeral
Home, 1800 Day Street, Winnipeg.
"Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday, ever close
in our hearts,
So loved, So missed, So very dear."
As
published in Winnipeg Free Press on
August 15, 2015
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