We Remember

MUNRO, Gary John

January 8, 1944 — January 23, 2025

On January 23, 2025, Gary Munro, father & grandfather, passed away at the age of 81.

Born in New Westminster to Daniel & Cora Munro, Gary was the youngest of 4 sons. Gary was predeceased by his parents; brothers, Willard, Morris & Donald; as well as his wife Beverley Dewar Munro. He is survived by his children, Shannon, Devon, Steve, Mike, and Ken, as well as by Bev’s children, Martin & Raygan, for whom he was a strong father figure. Gary was a proud grandfather to 12 grandchildren. Gary was blessed to have Kim, Andrew, Zoe & Tegan welcome him into their home and provide exceptional care during his final months as he struggled with late-stage idiopathic lung disease.

Gary’s early years were spent in New Westminster and Nanaimo where his father was the gardening instructor and supervisor for juvenile facilities including Brannan Lake Industrial School for Boys. Gary was a member of the Nanaimo Secondary School class of 1962, after which he went on to study accounting.

In 1965, Gary married Donna Eror. They were blessed with the arrival of Shannon and Devon in the years to follow. With the assistance of his father, Daniel, Gary built his family’s home in Ladysmith, which he proudly lived in until 2007. Gary was a longtime employee of Chemainus MacMillan Bloedel Sawmill (later Western Forest Products), where he worked in production as well as a First Aid Supervisor & Superintendent. In the 1970s, Gary was integral in the establishment of the Ladysmith Volunteer Ambulance Service and was the first volunteer unit chief from 1970 to 1974.

Following his divorce, Gary married longtime friend Vivienne Smillie and adopted her three sons. After Viv and Gary went their separate ways, Gary stayed connected to Steve, Mike, & Ken, who all consider him ‘Dad.’ Gary married Beverley Dewar in 1997, and Bev’s children, Martin & Raygan, became part of the family. The Munro household was frequently busy with family dinners and gatherings. Bev & Gary were active members of the Ladysmith United Church and the Ladysmith Eagles Aerie.

Following retirement, Bev & Gary enjoyed a number of years of RV travels across North America, finally settling in Kelowna, where Gary remained. While he was residing in Kelowna, Gary often planned his Vancouver Island visits to coincide with the monthly Chemainus Sawmill Old Farts Breakfasts—a great opportunity to connect with friends.

Gary was grateful for the community surrounding him in Kelowna, including Winfield United Church.

Gary will be missed by family and friends alike. Memories to savour include phone conversation sign-offs such as ‘You’re important people’ and ‘Big hugs to all!’.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

 

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