October 4, 1956 – May 17, 2024
Gary was born in Estevan, SK to Gordon and Dorrie Wood. The family later moved to Drumheller, AB, and then Nelson, BC—a place that Gary loved, where he made many friends, and where he graduated from high school. Gary and Gord were closely bonded through their shared love of hockey. Gord coached and refereed. Gary played at the Junior A level for the Estevan Bruins, and then for the Nelson Junior Maple Leafs. Later, Gary coached peewees in Estevan and Duncan. Occasionally, Gary and Gord shared the ice, where they made a formidable team—“the Wood Machine”—Gord 6’5” and Gary 6,’ charging down the ice together on a power play put fear in the hearts of the opposing team. After Nelson, Gary’s parents continued to move West, first to Victoria, BC, then retiring in the Comox Valley. Gary soon followed. He became a Certified Meat Cutter, working in Campbell River for several years, and then moved down Island, where he was with Country Grocer for over 20 years, most of those at the Royal Oak location. Along the way, he met Cindy Wilson.
Cindy and Gary dated for two years in the early 1980’s when both were living in Duncan. In 2004, more than 20 years later, they reconnected, became engaged and moved to Shawnigan Lake, where they lived as spouses for many years. Late in 2018, Gary was delighted to discover that he had an adult son, Shawn Kroon (Cai’lin) in Calgary, and a little granddaughter, Isla Mae, who was later joined by sister, Daphne Grace. While physical distance and the pandemic separated them, Gary was so very proud of his successful son and his grandchildren. After hockey (especially watching the Canucks make it to the play offs this year), riding his Kawasaki Vulcan 900 motorcycle around the beautiful Cowichan Valley was Gary’s second greatest passion. He also enjoyed golf and curling, loved the sun and his hot tub, and spent many happy hours in the steam room at the Cowichan Aquatic Centre while Cindy swam laps in the pool. Over the years, Gary and Cindy thoroughly enjoyed many travel adventures, as far afield as Europe, Quebec and Florida.
Gary loved animals, especially cats, and had a succession of beautiful feline companions. His kind landlords, Ash and Shannon Walker, have taken over guardianship of his latest furry companion, Brandy. Gary passed away peacefully on May 17th after several months battling prostate cancer. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, particularly by his mother, Dorrie, his close companion, Cindy, his son, Shawn, and other family members, including a sister, nephews and a niece, and two great-nieces, as well as brothers, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews on Cindy’s side of the family. There will be no service, at Gary’s request. In his honour, please consider making a donation to junior hockey, a cat rescue, or your favourite charity.
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