Gary Ogden

After a courageous battle with cancer, we say goodbye to a husband, father,grandfather, son, brother, uncle and best friend. Gary was diagnosed with MDS in the summer of 2009 and was the successful recipient of a stem-cell transplant that added many valuable years to his life. However, he lost the battle to cancer on ‘Good Friday’ March 29, 2013.

Gary met the love of his life, 19 years ago. Mary was an instant fit into his life and immediately connected with his extended family, as did he with hers. Gary and Mary cherished life at the cabin on Lake Despair. The cabin was an escape filled with laughter, shared games of cards, walks around the island, and great family memories. During those quieter times he enjoyed the early morning sunrise, coffee with Baileys, and walks with Mesha around the island. The weekdays also provided the three musketeers, Gary, Ron and Dale, time to plan projects, haul gravel, tend to gardens and cook each other great meals. Getting to the cabin could never come soon enough. He would break ice in early spring and get chased off the island in late fall.

Gary cherished family time. With his easy going and outlandish personality, he was always the center of attention. If you have ever known Gary you would also know that he lived to be the life of the party. Whether it was to generate a laugh, to tell a funny story, share a memory or make someone smile, he always made others around him feel happy and special.

Gary was born in Fort Frances December 15th, 1946 to Meryle (Strachan) and Ed Ogden. He lived within Northwestern Ontario all his life. Gary worked as a Crane Operator within the Local 793 until his retirement in 2008. He spent many hardworking years on the road and made great lifelong friends along the way. Gary’s big personality and even bigger heart will leave a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Gary will be sincerely missed by his wife, Mary Svir-Ogden,his mother Meryle Ogden, his son Leroy (Marilyn), his daughters, Kristine (Jerry) and Melissa (Kim), and stepson Michael (Tammy), and his grandchildren Karrah, Kassidy, Brett, Kaitlin, Shane and Kyle. He will be forever remembered by his sisters Darlene Lefebvre (Bruno) and Sandi Bridgeman (Ron). Sandi and Gary shared a special and unbreakable bond. Also left to remember him is his brother Stancey (Robbie). Gary had many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; Marc Lefebvre (Sheila), Guy Lefebvre (Mylene, Jacob and Adam), Karen Lefebvre (Mike), Dana Bridgeman Cross (Pat, Piper, Blaire and Molly), Heather Bridgeman, Scott Bridgeman (Renee), Stancey Ogden (Dee, Maiya and Liam), and Mandi Sivonen (John). Special extended family, his sister-in-laws Sue Napper (DeWayne, Stacey, Heidi, Rick, Sela, Hannah and Emma), Kim Mincey (Joshua, Sterling, Matthew, Francesca and DeWayne), Lisa Golden (Chad, Austin and Brianna) and brother-in-law Donny Svir.

Gary was predeceased by his daughter Denise Ogden, his father Edward Ogden and his brother-in-law Raymond Lefebvre.

A special thank you to Dr. Johnstone and the nursing staff of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Dr. Hans Messner and nursing staff of Princess Margaret Hospital and the staff ofPrincess Margaret Lodge in Toronto for exceptional care for which Gary and family appreciate so much.

As per Gary's request, there will be no funeral service but there will be a 'celebration of life' at the cabin in the summer. If friends so desire, donations can be made to Princess Margaret Hospital or Princess Margaret Lodge in Toronto, c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, 600 Reid Avenue, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.