After a long battle with cancer, Gary passed away at the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) on Saturday October 7th, 2023, with his loving wife, Hazel, by his side.
Gary was an aerospace engineer before serving as a police officer with the Ontario Provincial Police for 30 years; upon retiring he was presented with the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, an award issued by the Governor General of Canada, and the Commissioner’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
Gary was a devoted husband to Hazel, brother-in-law to Don & Ken Anderson, uncle to Freddie & Tom Anderson, godfather to Michaela & Caden Markle and a wonderful friend and mentor to many. All will miss Gary’s infectious laughter, dry sense of humour, delicious cooking and warm-hearted companionship.
Hazel would like to thank Gary’s OPP colleagues for their unwavering support and friendship, culminating in a wonderful celebration of his achievements at his retirement party in July.
Thanks are also extended to all the medical and support staff at OSMH for the wonderful care Gary received in the last months and nurse, Darlene, for her compassionate presence at the end.
Special thanks to Hazel & Gary’s adopted family, Tamah & Craig Markle, who walked the painful journey with them, hand-in-hand.
Gary was the surviving child of Sam & Nan O’Brien; his sister, Janice and brother, Kenneth, died at a young age of cystic fibrosis. Gary will be laid to rest with his beloved family, in Toronto. The internment of Gary’s ashes will follow at a later date at a private family service.
In memory of Gary, please consider a donation to the OSMH Foundation osmhfoundation.ca/in-memory-honour-or-thanks
Arrangements entrusted to the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595
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