Gaby Oliver

March 24, 1936 (Airdrie, Scotland) – December 8, 2018 (Toronto, Canada)

Surrounded by family and holding his beloved wife Liz’ hand, Gaby passed away peacefully as the snow fell on the trees outside his window at Seven Oaks in the early morning of December 8, 2018.

Gaby will be greatly missed and remembered lovingly by his four children; Louise, Tony (Patty-Sue), Clare (Kevin) and Mark, as well as his eight grandchildren; Declan, Connor, Tierney, Abby, Owen, Riley, Aleah and Liam.

Predeceased by his parents Hugh and Theresa Oliver and his older brother Alex. He will be missed by his two sisters Mary (Scotland) and Irene, sisters in law Rose Oliver and Moira (Peter) Gazzola, brother in law Charles (Marjorie) McCowie (Australia) and his many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Gaby and Liz began their love affair on November 3, 1959 at a Glasgow University Archbishop’s Reception where they danced together for the first time and continued for the next 59 years. They were married on July 3, 1963 in Scotland and began their married life in Belfast Northern Ireland where they had Louise and Tony, then returned to Scotland in 1966, settling in East Kilbride where they had Clare and Mark. In 1974 the family immigrated to Canada and made Toronto their home.

Gaby’s career as a Professional Engineer spanned 44 years and 3 countries working in Scotland (British Rail and East Kilbride Town Council), Northern Ireland (Housing Trust) and Canada (Durham Region). He retired from Durham Region after 25 happy years of service and fond memories of the many good people he met.

Both Gaby and Liz were very involved with St. Barnabas and St. Joseph’s Catholic Church as lectors and organized marriage preparation courses and presented “communication and conflict resolution” seminars for over 20 years. They were also passionate about lakefront issues and were Executives on the West Rouge Community Association.

Gaby was an avid sportsman. He was the senior champion of track and field at Our Lady’s High and a cross-country champion for the Airdrie Harriers. Soccer was also a passion. He loved watching and coaching his children and grandchildren playing soccer and even became Vice President of the National Youth Soccer League and Chair of the Ontario Soccer Association Discipline Committee. He enjoyed watching British soccer on Saturday mornings, especially Celtic.

He had a lifelong passion for Jazz and dancing. A special thrill for him was when Sarah Vaughan reached out of her car window after a concert at Ontario Place and handed him a red rose.

While he enjoyed trips to France, Spain, Mexico and the Scottish Highlands, in his later years he especially enjoyed his annual trip relaxing on the beach at The Breakers in Cobourg where he had many memorable times with his family and new friends.

For all of Gaby’s accomplishments he was essentially a family man and lived a full and happy life, leaving us all with beautiful memories.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to all the health care team members at Seven Oaks for the tremendous care and compassion they provided over the past 5 ½ years to Gaby and support to Liz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 20, 2018 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Giffin-Mack Funeral Home, 4115 Lawrence Avenue E, Scarborough, M1E 2S2. A funeral mass will take place on Friday December 21, 2018 at 11:00 am at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 200 Morrish Road, Scarborough, M1C 1E8.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, Seven Oaks or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.