1953
2017
COLLIER, Gary James
May 11, 1953 - July 14, 2017
Gary James Collier, age 64, of Whitby Ontario, passed away suddenly on July 14, 2017. Gary was the son of Ward Collier, (Oshawa) and the late Inez Collier. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Lana (Whitby), and his son, Jason and daughter-in-law, Stacey (Courtice) as well as his sisters, Shelley (Frank, Toronto) and Marilyn, (Dartmouth, N.S).Gary was born in Nova Scotia and grew up in the town of Seaforth. He attended Dalhousie University and the Technical University of Nova Scotia, where he earned a B.Sc. and a B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering. While in university, Gary spent time out on the ocean fishing with his grandfather, earning enough money to cover his tuition and purchase an engagement ring for Lana. After graduation, Gary moved to Ontario and began his career in the mobile radio industry, specializing in mobile communications for emergency services. Gary worked for several companies before ending his career with Bell Mobility Radio where he mentored several young engineers, seeing them through to the completion of their degrees. The highlight of his career was designing and implementing the mobile radio service for the volunteers at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, B.C. Gary was an outgoing, friendly, and gentle man, who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who asked and even some who didn't. He was meticulous and careful in all his endeavours (you should have seen him coil a rope!) making it beneficial to have Gary on your team. He was dedicated to whatever task he undertook, and was determined to see it through to completion. Gary was a rare soul whose honesty and integrity were never called into question. Gary was a long-time volunteer with Skate Canada, where he led a team of music providers for skating events mainly in Eastern Ontario. His team became a second family and they have remained a close-knit group of friends. In his free time, Gary was "Mr. Fix-It" for his family and friends, undertaking whatever had to be done and always giving it his best. His patience was second to none and the topic of many family stories. Over the years, Gary developed an avid enjoyment of travel. He and Lana visited many countries, and always enjoyed learning about new cultures and lifestyles, making new friends and enjoying the company of old friends. Family was foremost in Gary's priorities. His wife, who was the love of his life, and his son, whom he was so very proud of, were most precious to him. He always felt blessed to have so many friends whom he cherished dearly. Gary will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those whose lives he touched. Visitation will be held at OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Wednesday, July 19th from 6 – 9 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Chapel on Thursday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow at Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Diabetes Association, or a charity of your choice
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Sponsored by Oshawa Funeral Home.
31 Entries
December 11, 2017
Kathleen Doucette
Very sorry for this sad loss. I lived in Seaforth and family members are still there.
July 21, 2017
Jan
Gary was the lead MusicTechnician for Eastern Ontario for a number of years. Many people - including myself had the privilege of working with him and his team at our events. I was fortunate to sit with Gary and Lana at the last Eastern Ontario Section AGM in May - we had good fun reminiscing about all the fun we had had over the years at our competitions.
Jan Armitage
July 21, 2017
Lana, our thoughts are with you and your family. May the wonderful memories of all you have shared over the years help you during this difficult time.
Heather and Bob Tutching
July 20, 2017
Emery Leger
Our Deepest Sympathy from all of us at the Skate Canada Service Center in Ottawa
July 20, 2017
Mario Presta
Very saddened to hear about Gary's passing. I've had the pleasure of working with Gary while he worked at Motorola and more recently during the Vancouver Olympics.Gary was such a consummate professional and very classy guy. The public safety community has lost a great supporter and friend.
July 20, 2017
Chris & Jill Briggs
Lana, our sincere condolences to you and your family, we have such happy memories of when we first met you and Gary whilst on holiday in Barbados and subsequently when you so kindly invited us to stay with you. Gary was a lovely man and we are thinking of you at this sad time.
July 20, 2017
Cathy Copeland
Gary was always a pleasure to work with when he would lend us a hand at skating events in COS. My condolences to the Collier family.
July 20, 2017
Donna Bierko
Lana and Jason,
I am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I will miss the many conversations that I had with him at competitions across the Section. I always looked forward to his cheery smile and words of wisdom. I hope that the many wonderful memories that you have of Gary will hope to ease the pain you are feeling now. Heaven is lucky to be getting another angel.
July 19, 2017
Walter, Mary Rosita Blanchard
Lana, Jason and Stacy we are so saddened to hear about Gary. We are so glad we saw you a couple of summers ago when Aunt Frances was still here. We give our love and prayers . Hope you received the note at funeral home from Joanne(Walters wife) . All our love from Walter, Mary and Rosita Blanchard contact us when you can .
July 19, 2017
William Hawks
Lana I was totally shocked to see your Facebook posting of Gary's passing as I really enjoyed working with Gary in the many skating events and I had no doubt that I was leaving the team in the best hands possible when I left. I am very sad that he is no longer with us and can't imagine your pain and loss. God Bless you and yours in this terrible time of grief and loss. Bill Hawks
July 19, 2017
Lana, so sorry to hear of Gary's passing, will keep you & Jason in our thoughts and prayers. Nancy & Gary (Eastern Passage)
July 19, 2017
Troy, Janice and Family
Lana, Jason and Stacey, we were shocked to hear of Gary's passing. Wish we could be there in person, but know that our hearts are with you.
July 19, 2017
Lori Jessome-Coulson
Lana,
I am so sorry to hear about Gary's sudden passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Lori Jessome-Coulson and family.
July 19, 2017
Richard Courdin
Gary was always a bright light at skating competitions his expertise will be missed.
July 19, 2017
Laurie Jenkins
I was so sorry to hear about Gary's Passing. I had the pleasure of working with him at Bell Mobility Radio. He always had a big smile for me and took the time to ask about what was going on in my life. He often talked about his time spent at the arena with Jason and there wasn't a prouder Father. Family meant everything to him. He had a kind and generous heart. He will truly be missed.
Laurie Jenkins
July 19, 2017
Mike and Lynda DeMont
Lana, we were so sorry to hear about Gary.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
July 18, 2017
Sending my deepest sympathy and prayers to Lana and family! God Bless! Debbie Kennedy(Dauphinee) Cow Bay,N.S.
July 18, 2017
Ivan and Eileen Romkey
Very sorry to hear about this, our thoughts and prayers are with you Lana, and your family.
July 18, 2017
Robert Millett
Sorry to hear about Gary
He was a great friend to all
We will miss him
My condolences to all the family .
July 18, 2017
Kim Calder
Sorry to hear of the passing of Gary. Thoughts and prayer to the Collier family. He will be truly missed.
July 18, 2017
Verona Crowell Leslie
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I remember him especially, when I was a young child attending the same one room school in Seaforth along with his sister my dear friend Marilyn where his mom was our teacher. I was five and he was six. We continued attending school together up until he graduated from high school. Much too young to have left this world. My sincere condolences to all.
July 18, 2017
dawn conrad
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
July 18, 2017
Don and Anne White
Very sad and sorry to hear this. Our deepest condolences, Lana and family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
July 18, 2017
So very sad to hear your news. Thinking about you, Jason and Stacey. Sending our thoughts and prayers to you. God Bless.
Mark and Cathy Godding
July 18, 2017
Marilyn Burford
Am in shock at the news. My sincere condolences to Lana, Jason and Stacy. Doubly glad we had that get together two summers ago. Remembering you in my prayers.
July 18, 2017
John Ferguson
So sorry to hear you are in our thoughts and prayers
Rev John
July 18, 2017
My deepest condolences to Lana and Jason and to all of his friends and family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers today.
Judy Millett
July 18, 2017
Acquaintance
Judy Scott
Lana and family and your dearest friends,
Although this is a time of great sorrow for all of you, Lana, this is a time for you to reflect on the love that both you and Gary shared for each other, the fun times you had together and with friends, the times of laughter you shared, and those private moments you share together- they are now memories and this is what will hold you together forever. 2Corinthians vs. 3-4 scriptures says: " in times of trials and sorrow, the God of All will comfort us".
Lana, my prayer for you today and for the days to come, is you will find peace.
MAY THE PEACE THAT PASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING BE WITH YOU.
Judy Scott
July 18, 2017
Shirley, Paul and Doug Soley
Lana, Jason and Stacy, we are so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of your family.
July 17, 2017
Susan and Brian Young
We were so terribly saddened to learn of Gary's passing all too soon and suddenly. Gary was a wonderful person and we cherished our friendship that lasted for so many years. Even though so many miles separated us, we felt as close today as we did in high school. He will be forever missed, but the memories will stay with us forever. A life so well lived, but still cut too short. Love and prayers to Lana, Jason, Stacey, Ward, Marilyn, Shelley and all the family.
July 17, 2017
Richard Skwira
Today........ we regrettably and respectfully morn the unexpected death of Gary James Collier. We pray that God be with family, friends and Gary. Gary had such a passion for family, travel and food. He was an endless source of laughter when we worked together at Bell Mobility Radio for several years, sharing a four hour commute to Mississauga daily. And although we have many fond memories that we will forever cherish......you will be sadly missed!
Richard Skwira and Sandra Freer
Showing 1 - 31 of 31 results
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