It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our great friend, Gary Smith. John Gary Smith, known to all as Gary, was born on September 14, 1965 in Baden-Soellingen Germany. He passed away at Victoria General Hospital on May 14, 2022. Gary is survived by his son Daniel Smith and Daniel’s mom Kelly Dunsdon, both of Victoria, as well as his brothers Jim, Christopher and Michael, who reside in Ottawa.
Gary grew up in Ottawa where one of his first jobs as a kid was picking weeds from the driveway of Supreme Court of Canada Chief Justice Brian Dickson. Gary decided to study political science at
UVic. After earning his degree in 1992, he lived and worked in Toronto and Ottawa and then settled down in Victoria in 1998. Gary had a life-long passion for learning, eventually earning his MBA, LLB and assorted professional designations. He often spent time at the law library and loved to debate the issues of the day at the pub with his friends. Gary spent his career in the insurance industry where he was a well liked and respected colleague, but those who knew him would say he missed his true calling as a comedian and writer. For Gary was quirky, bright, sometimes offensive, and always funny. And at his core, a kind man who cared about people. The love of Gary’s life was his son Daniel and he always kept Daniel’s interests in focus no matter what difficulties life presented.
Gary’s ancestral roots are in New Brunswick – a place he spoke of often and wished he could visit more than he did. As he desired, his ashes will return to those roots for all time.
In Victoria, BC a Celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Goward House, located at 2495 Arbutus Road.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lisa Milton
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Delarain Fisher I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working on the same team as Gary for years. His wit expertise and and laughter made insurance fun. He is very missed
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Steven Hawley I am so sorry for your loss. I spent many years working on the same team as Gary and always loved his laughter. Being able to chat with him on a regular basis was a consistent highlight.
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Amanda Robinson Gary was one of my favourite people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He truly was one of a kind. I’ll miss him, but I am also so, so, so grateful to have crossed paths with him, even for a short period. He really was a great friend.
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Kismet Bhandar Hello Dan and Family,
I had the great pleasure to work with Gary since 2000. He was my instructing client on claims and we always had a hoot travelling together on the Island to various legal proceedings. He spoke of you, Dan, with great pride during any of our breaks from the business. He was kind, generous and a consummate professional. In any social gathering, we always made sure to make time to connect and catch up. I am so sorry that I will not be able to attend the service so that I could express my condolences in person and hear more of Gary’s exceptional life.
Kismet – Carfra Lawton LLP
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Tina Voak My deepest condolences on your loss, Gary was a wonderful co-worker, a very kind person and a pleasure to work with. He will be greatly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to all of Gary’s family on his untimely passing. I worked with him for several years and always enjoyed his cheerful demeanor and sense of humour. He will be missed.