We Remember
NEALE, Gary Henry
September 9, 1953 — June 22, 2026
On June 22, 2026, our beloved Gary Neale (cherished by family, friends, and every critter who crossed his path) passed away peacefully after suffering a heart attack. He was surrounded by family, love, and well wishes. Gary’s choice to be an organ donor fills the entire Neale family with pride in knowing about all the lives he continues to touch.
Gary is going home to his treasured father, Albert James “Jim” Neale; mother, Margaret “Peggy” Neale; brothers Jack Neale and Bob Neale; nephews Craig Renaud and Troy Neale; and brother-in-law, Mike McLellan, Sr.
Left to share memories of him are his wife, Sherrie Schrama, with whom he spent the last 19 years; his brother James “Buster” Neale and sister-in-law Donna; sister Mary Renaud and brother-in-law George; and his sister Dawn McLellan; as well as his 11 nieces and nephews; his 19 great-nieces and -nephews; and his great-great-nieces and -nephews of whom there are at least nine. Gary loved all of his nieces and nephews and was proud of each and every one. He was a big kid with them all.
Gary was born into a large, close-knit family in Kimberley, BC, the fifth of six children. He loved all sports, especially soccer and hockey. As a young boy, he spent the harsh winters walking to school, ‘uphill both ways’. Summers were spent fishing Cherry Creek or hitching a ride to Radium Hot Springs for days of fun in the pool. The Neale clan enjoyed spending time together playing cards, gathering for family reunions, and playing golf. Gary was charged with looking after his baby sister, Dawn, and sometimes he was reluctant to get Dawn home by curfew, having gotten heavily involved in a game of 8–Ball at the local pub. Somehow he always managed to avoid getting in trouble with their beloved mother. His love of cribbage was fueled by his toughest opponent – his mom. He played with her every chance he got.
After graduation, he spent a brief time in the Army. When he returned home, he decided he did not want to work in the Sullivan Mines, so he packed his bags and headed to Edmonton, AB to find his fortune. He retired from Workmen’s Compensation in the early 1990’s.
After retirement, Gary volunteered to fundraise for Crohn’s and Colitis, taught conversational English to Japanese students at the local college, played golf, and played bridge at the local senior center. He also played Texas Hold’em online. And, hat’s how he met the love of his life, Sherrie. She was living in Baltimore at the time, but they decided to settle in BC. He always wanted to live in the Okanagan, so they moved to Penticton in 2010.
He found his happy place at Yellow Lake. He met many good friends on the dock and enjoyed going fishing almost every day, even if he only drowned a worm. Gary made friends easily and was surrounded by good neighbours. He enjoyed bringing home his fresh-caught trout to share with his friends and trading gardening tips.
A special shout-out to all the little critters who crossed his path and offered wagging tails, cuddles, and kisses. And to his beloved fur baby, Pumpkin, who slept in his arms all night. A special thank-you goes to Dr. Tamara Kornelsen and her staff for the loving care they gave Gary for over 10 years.
Memorial Donations in memory of Gary may be sent to BC SPCA and Critter Aid.
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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BC SPCA and Critter Aid Link: spca.bc.ca, critteraid.org
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