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Gary MAAVARA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gary MAAVARA
81 Entries
Heidi Kucher
July 28, 2021
Gary is a shining example of a life well lived. He was generous with his time, curious about everything, had an impressive wealth of knowledge across a broad range of topics and was a gifted storyteller. He loved his family and friends, passing along one of his many anecdotes each time we met. He always made me feel appreciated, never missing an opportunity to say thank you. Among my treasured possessions is a framed Maavara original, a gift that will make me smile and think of him each time I see it. He is missed and will not be forgotten. Condolences to the entire Maavara family and his many friends.
Taylor Maavara
July 25, 2021
Carolyn Jin
July 2, 2021
Dear, Lisa, I spent sometime to put together an article to be in memory of Gary. I am not good at writing, but I hope you can feel my heart. My deepest condolence to. you and your family.
Carolyn Jin
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You are Never Really Gone
From Carolyn Jin
Last Thursday, I woke up to snow in the morning. I have never seen snowflakes this big at the end of May! The next day, I saw the obituary of my friend, Gary, in the Globe and Mail. He died of cancer on May 24, 2021. These snowflakes were actually telling me he was gone.
Gary and I met 13 years ago at Banff, Alberta. Gary was an EVP (Executive Vice President) of Corus and sat on the board of the Banff TV/Film Festival. I was a stranger with an unknown Chinese TV network. For me, he was a media tycoon and someone that everyone in the industry looked up to. I came across a panel discussion with an audience of 200 at the Banff TV Festival where Gary was the guest speaker. He talked about the digital trend of the industry and how the Canadian networks should prepare for it. After the session, many peers lined up to shake hands with him. I was the last one, there was just him and I in the hall.
I introduced myself and he suggested we get lunch together so I could tell him more about the Chinese TV network I was with. It was quite surprising to me that he wanted to spend time learning about a network run by an ethnic minority . At lunch, I was quite amazed that he drew a chart on the napkin to show me the corporate structure of Corus.
His humility, humor, and knowledge impressed me. I was deeply touched. He asked for my feedback on the Banff festival. Such a humble character defined who he was instead of his title. Many years later, I still remember this lunch.
In 2011, I moved to Manhattan. Gary and I still kept in touch via email. He often came to Manhattan to meet the executives of major networks. In the summer, he told me that he was coming again and would stay 18 hours in Manhattan so he may have time to visit our head office. Right after he got off the plane, he took a taxi directly to our office. I greeted him in the meeting room. I was very excited to tell him about my dream and why I gave up a promising profession at PriceWaterhouseCoopers to pursue a career in the media industry.
I came from a country where truth is censored and people are brainwashed. Media is not just a messenger, it is the blood for information. This is something much bigger than my personal achievement. He listened very seriously. After a long silence, he said he would introduce me to his friends at Fox News and CNBC . I think he realized how courageous I was to take on such fights. I introduced him to our CEO and also gave him a tour. He came to understand the mission of our company and how we began with this incredible journey. We became true friends from that day on.
I came back to Toronto for a short visit later in the year. Gary invited me to his new office building. This is a building located at Lakeshore, Ontario with stunning views of beautiful water. It is probably the most beautiful office building in town. I invited my friend Melanie to go with me. Gary was very happy to see us. He gave us a tour of the new building visually, office by office, floor by floor. For the first time, I had the opportunity to observe how a major TV group operated. It was very impressive.
I was so grateful for an EVP of the largest TV network to take an hour from his busy schedule giving us a tour of his office. He was such a nice man that cared about others and was always willing to mentor new people. We sat in the big meeting room after the tour. He asked a lot of questions about how we ran a Chinese TV network in Canada. When we left, he gave Melanie a few kids books. After Gary passed, I constantly reminisced about this tour .
A few years later in 2014, I moved back to Toronto. I left the media industry and decided to go back to the finance sector. Now I am an investment banker. I have not seen Gary for a few years. In May 2017, I was planning to host a Cartier cocktail party. I had thought about Gary and put his name on my invitation list. One week before the party, I received Gary’s reply. For the first time, he told me that he was diagnosed with cancer. He said he had been battling with cancer for a few months in the hospital and was now back home. So he said he would try his best to come to my party, but his energy is short, therefore he can not stay long. My goodness, I was so shocked.
Gary showed up early that day. I could hardly recognize him. The side-effects after the radiation treatment made him look so pale and he had lost so much hair. I introduced him to my best friend and some other guests. He seemed so happy and joyful . He left right after my welcome remarks. Early morning the second day, he sent me a short note saying that he was so proud of me and I must have done a good job on the research of Cartier’s history.
He invited me for lunch with his wife so that we could catch up. This was the first time I met his wife. Lisa was a very quiet and pretty woman. I invited Melanie to lunch too. We had a very joyful lunch. He shared with us stories of his daughter and son. What a loving family.
A year later, I sent an email to Gary to see how things were going. He suggested we have lunch so we could chat . We met at the Keg downtown. I was so happy to see him again. He looked healthy and energetic at the time. It seemed he recovered pretty well. He told me that he started a car racing platform. Racing, after all, was his passion and dream. He had such a talent in business. I had no doubt about his success. He also gave me some advice on how to deal with Bay Street bankers. I mentioned my friend David who was a Canadian champion many years ago. It turned out that they knew each other. It is such a small world.
I arranged a lunch with David and Gary as well as Cam,David’s brother, at Little Antony, an Italian restaurant. Both David and Gary were very excited to see each other again after 40 years. I could not believe this gathering was so meaningful to both of them. I felt so lucky that I was able to arrange such a gathering before Gary’s passing. Sometimes, you just realize that the most important things in life are family and friends. These are the things that we hold so dearly.
We said hi to each other at Thanksgiving and New Year, but never had the chance to meet because of the pandemic. Last year, I sent him an email to say hi and also check how he was doing with the pandemic unfolding. He said hopefully when everything calms down, we can meet and catch up. In the email, he sent me his new article “Some thoughts about living with cancer”. He also told me that he started a new treatment and he remains happy and optimistic. If it was not for the COVID-19 lockdown, we would have had the chance to meet so I could teach him traditional Chinese meditation which might help him in treating cancer. I regret that so much.
Last week, when I had a virtual meeting with my friend in the US, a TV producer, I thought I should introduce Gary to her so that we can hear his advice on a few things. When I googled Gary’s biography for her, I accidentally found the obituary of Gary in the Globe and Mail. I was so shocked and extremely upset. If I did not google for his biography, I would not know he is gone. I am grateful that I did not miss this important moment to send my condolences to Lisa.
The legacy Gary left will inspire me to better myself. It encourages me to work hard and always consider others. He is remembered not only because of how he achieved in business, but also how he cared about others.
Life is like a one-way train ticket, you never know who will take on the journey. Meeting Gary was a blessing and the most inspiring part of my life.
Gary, you will be missed by us all. I will carry on your humility and consideration to the people around me. Gary, you are never really gone!
Donna Wowk
June 22, 2021
Gary and I were friends in law school. Although we only saw each other a few times in the past many years (I did not know about his cancer diagnosis and wish I had as I would have liked to reach out), I've thought about him from time to time. As so many others have said below, he was a wonderful person- warm, thoughtful, humble and with a fabulous sense of humour. My sympathies to Lisa, Taylor, Scott and Alec who who will feel his loss the deepest.
Eva Varangu
June 17, 2021
Dear Lisa and family - sending you big hugs. Gary was a special person, a beacon, a great storyteller, and so very supportive. I am grateful to have known him - if only for a short while, - for the warm company and dinners at your home and for his friendship. He was one of the first to call me when my husband died and it was appreciated. Then there was the big kid Gary. Years ago I told him about an event where the President of Estonia would be attending. Gary very much wanted to meet him and get this President’s autograph - and of course he did. Later he chuckled as he told me that President Ilves’ autograph impressed his family more than many of the other celebrities he would have met during his memorable career. I will miss him.
Bruce Leslie
June 10, 2021
I worked with Gary during his time with CanWest both in Toronto and Winnipeg and he was a supportive mentor and coach and always brought a smile to the work place. My deepest condolences to the family as he will be greatly missed.
Doug Spence
June 6, 2021
My condolences to Gary's family. I worked with Gary at Corus and appreciated his wit and wisdom. He was generous with his time and was a great mentor to me and others. So sad to hear of his passing.
Rita Shelton Deverell
June 3, 2021
To Lisa and Gary's Family: What a deep loss to you, and to many in wider circles. Prayers and thoughts are with you. We still cherish the beautiful teapot you gave us in Winnipeg, which Gary thoughtfully sent to my office. Rita S. Deverell
Pat Fream
June 2, 2021
To Gary's family, all of us at Wellspring Calgary are deeply saddened at the profound loss of this magnificent man. We offer our heartful condolence, and abiding gratitude for the stories and wisdom Gary shared with us and others in the Wellspring family who were deeply touched and inspired by him.
Tom Scott
June 1, 2021
Gary was one of those people in life you cross paths with and are left feeling very fortunate. His essay on life with cancer meant a lot to me and to those that I shared it with. What a great guy.
Bev Oda
June 1, 2021
Gary was an integral part of the broadcasting system at a crucial time of growth and the introduction of new Canadian services. He was a person of great integrity, humour and warmth. When with Gary and a talking to him you felt a deep personal sense of a true gentle man that cared so much about people and colleagues. His photographs were inspiring and will be missed as every picture reflected his special inner self. You will be missed my friend and remembered with fondness. My condolences to his family.
Chris Kapalowski
May 31, 2021
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Gary's family and friends. He was one good man. A wonderful, kind man, colleague, mentor. So talented and so funny - however he applied his talents. May he rest in eternal peace.
Greg O'Brien
May 31, 2021
Gary was one of the smartest people I've ever met. Such a great guy. Here's something we published. https://cartt.ca/obituary-gary-maavara-a-friend-to-all/
Hoda Elatawi
May 31, 2021
Gary will be missed by so many people in the industry and across the country, and very much by mehe was a steady friend, always ready to give counsel if needed, or just to listen. His passion and compassion were an inspiration. The industry, the country and his countless friends will feel this great loss. My deepest condolences to all of Gary’s family.
Suzanne Dennison
May 31, 2021
Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alex and Mariitta, Michel and family - our hearts go out to you all. There really are no words to sufficiently convey our sorrow at your loss and so painfully close to that of Jack.
Gary was my oldest friend, often a colleague and a smart, truly kind and thoughtful person. He was someone we looked forward to being with and a fixture in our family. In recent years our long lunches turned more often into phone calls while Gary sat waiting for treatment somewhere and the remembrance of these conversations fills me with a sad warmth.
Lisa, as a family, we are all grateful that you Gary were able to join us in recent celebrations as often as you have - even when circumstances forced us to keep distanced or virtual.
May the many shared memories and amazing 'Maavara' stories help you all through these difficult times. Our love to you all - Suzanne Denison and Peter Cauchi, Lauren Broder and Erin Runyeon
Suzanne Dennison
May 31, 2021
Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alex and Mariitta, Michel and family - our hearts go out to you all. There really are no words to sufficiently convey our sorrow at your loss and so painfully close to that of Jack.
Gary was my oldest friend, often a colleague and a smart, truly kind and thoughtful person. He was someone we looked forward to being with and a fixture in our family. In recent years our long lunches turned more often into phone calls while Gary sat waiting for treatment somewhere and the remembrance of these conversations fills me with a sad warmth.
Lisa, as a family, we are all grateful that you Gary were able to join us in recent celebrations as often as you have - even when circumstances forced us to keep distanced or virtual. He will be missed.
May the many shared memories and amazing 'Maavara' stories help you through these difficult times. Our love to you all - Suzanne Denison and Peter Cauchi, Lauren Broder and Erin Runyeon
Pierre Morrissette
May 31, 2021
Gary was a great guy. He was also a leader in his industry. I offer my condolences to the entire Maavara family. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.
David Yorke
May 31, 2021
Gary was a well-respected legal mind, friend and advisor to Umpires Media. I first met Gary many years ago when I was a consultant to David Harrison and HYPN Media Management. Apart from his wonderful legal mind, Gary was accomplished in many fields of communications and TV production and had a passion for baseball that included an advisory roll to the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame. We at Umpires Media will miss his presence.
Susan Ormiston
May 30, 2021
So sad to hear this - Gary was a gentleman, wise counsel, friend, port in a storm at CTV, one of the 'good guys'. I'm so sorry. Susan Ormiston
Joan Prowse
May 30, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. He was a special human being as you all know, so generous with his time and knowledge. I also know he was a humanitarian and I respected him greatly for all he achieved and was willing to share. I loved his photography and his zest for life. I will miss him very much.
Al Mackay
May 30, 2021
As a member of the executive team at CJOH TV in Ottawa, I had the privilege of knowing and working with Gary during his time at Borden Elliott and then at CTV.
He was a delight to work with in both capacities- whip smart, always on point mixed in with a wry sense of humour.
Gary always made time to check in with our CJOH crew whenever in town for crtc business...leading to many dinners with John Beveridge, Bryn Matthews and myself where we shared opinions on the broadcasting business and life.
He was a good friend and will be sorely missed. As a mutual friend Keith Campbell always said at the end of a chat or phone call...God Bless, Gary.
Rose Mangone
May 30, 2021
My condolences to Lisa and family. This is such sad news. I had been corresponding with Gary on and off — congratulating him on some of the stunning photos he took and generously posted for all of us to enjoy.
I first met Gary when he was at CTV and I was at Alliance Communications. He was always generous with his compliments and invaluable advice. On a particular Banff Television Festival he was a keynote speaker and I was part of the audience listening to one of his impassioned speeches regarding the Canadian TV landscape and how we should take pride and ownership of the great product Canadian filmmakers were making.
I was amazed to hear him mention my work at Alliance (mostly due to Robert Pantos’ vision). He was referring to the first marketing and promotional collaboration between producers and Canadian networks on launching a national campaign advertising the broadcast dates and networks shows were airing.
The campaign garnered a great deal of attention and success for everyone involved but more importantly it created a precedent for our industry.
I and many others will miss him.
Glen Dickout
May 29, 2021
Our sincere condolences to the Maavara Family,
Gary was always up for adventure with camera in hand and we both enjoyed our many trips aboard the tug boats and the opportunity to push the sugar boats in that would arrive on regular schedule at the slip next to Corus on the Lake. Also his passion for the Canadian Armed Forces when the Canadian Frigate HMCS Ville de Quebec #332 arrived at Corus, plus the opportunity to display his pet project of the LAV III Monument Program at Corus.
Gary will be missed by all forever but not forgotten.
Nothing much was left off his bucket list.
The Dickouts Glen, Judy & Kevin
kathy
May 29, 2021
Lisa and fam, we feel so fortunate to have had Gary in our lives. His kindness, empathy and support: forever remembered and appreciated. Our hearts to out to you. Kathy Kastner and Marvin Berns
Len Asper
May 29, 2021
I worked with Gary for many years and knew him from the media industry before that. Not only was he brilliant and savvy, he was one of the most thoughtful, caring and special people I have known. He topped that off with an understated but terrific sense of humour. He brought passion and an analytical mind to everything he did. People cared about him and wanted him to win because he was such an overall great guy.
My deepest condolences to the family. We will all miss him.
Heather Suttie
May 29, 2021
Gary was a remarkable man, and I cherished our long friendship that spanned broadcasting and law. A multi-faceted people person, he was both interesting and interested, and while he could converse easily on many subjects and at various depths, he appreciated the stillness of a pause and quiet reflection. And he was fun: a quality that bubbled up in a profile article where the word “fun” appears seven times, six of which are within his quotes. This says a lot about Gary and how he looked at life. https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/news/general/profile-making-a-difference/267166
Lisa, Taylor, Scott, and Alec, you were his brightest lights and greatest loves, and he spoke of each of you often with both pride and respect. You and his loved ones were so blessed to have the “fun” Gary Maavara in your lives. Thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.
Mary Margaret Fox
May 29, 2021
Dear Lisa and family
It has been many years since Gary and worked together at Borden and Elliot ( now BLG) , Gary's work having been primarily with with John Hylton and Ted Ayers, but I remember him as a wonderful and supportive colleague, an innovative thinker and a real team player.
It was B&E's loss when he left to pursue what would eventually become his storied career.
Best wishes at this sad time!
MaryMargaret
Carolyn Jin
May 28, 2021
Dear Lisa, My condolences to you and your family. We had lunch together at an Italian restaurant in Lawrence five years ago. I know Gary for 13 years. Gary was a good friend and very nice man. We will miss him so much!
Carolyn Jin and Melanie Jiang
Carolyn Jin
May 28, 2021
My condolences to Gary and his family. Gary was a good friend and very nice man. We will miss him so much! Carolyn Jin and Melanie Jiang
Mickey Jawa
May 28, 2021
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the Maavara family, and to anyone that had the privilege of knowing him as a friend. Blessed with an amazingly brilliant mind, a great personality, an ever-present sense of humour, and a unique ability to engage everyone he met, Gary was a truly great person and will be remembered as such. He made the world, and those of us he touched much better.
Hans & Helga Gerhardt
May 28, 2021
dear Lisa; I got to know Gary many years ago while he was at CTV. What a life he lived! I had the pleasure to reconnect with him while sporadically and lately via phone at your home. I will always remember Gary as this bright, successful businessman, polite, passionate and ever willing to help. May he RIP. my sincere condolences to you and your family, Hans Gerhardt
Brent Bernie
May 28, 2021
Gary was the consummate gentlemen. It’s no surprise that people knew him from all corners of the world as he always treated suppliers with respect and dignity. He was one or the few lawyers I ever met who understood that legal hurdles should not hinder business from moving forward. My sincere condolences to Lisa and his entire family. Hold on to the memories as they will always be yours.
Bill Roberts
May 28, 2021
Gary Maavara was a thoughtful friend to all, a generous mentor to many, and a friend one could count on.
Our shared experiences in broadcasting and on Grand Canyon trails were among life’s best moments.
We’ve lost one of the very best.
Tricia Kraniauskas
May 28, 2021
Lisa and Family,
Words can’t express how saddened I was to hear of the loss of your husband Gary. My heart is with you in your families time of sorrow, and I wish you peace and strength during this difficult time.
David Harrison
May 28, 2021
What a tragic loss. Gary was a fine person and a lot of fun. He worked with our company (HYPN) while he attended law school and got an early exposure to the wonderful world of media. So sad for Lisa and the family particularly as they suffered the loss of Jack such a short time ago.
Just before the virus struck Gary and Lisa took my wife Erica and me for lunch and Gary gave us one of his beautiful bird photos. I am sure he did it as way we would be able to remember him as he was pretty fatalistic about his condition. Our company worked with Gary on many projects and one major one was the CTV PayTV application in the mid eighties. We stayed in touch through all his different executive roles. In the later years we were able to get together from time to time along with his mentor John Hylton. Condolences to Lisa and the family.
David Harrison and Erica Fischer
Jeremy Wilson
May 28, 2021
I was very sad to hear the news of Gary's passing. He put up a great fight. I met Gary when he joined Corus and had the pleasure of working with him over the years, but really got to know him through the many lunches we all shared together at CQ. When I think of Gary, I remember how proud he was of his children, his passion for photography, and his love of baseball. But perhaps more than anything else, I remember someone who really just loved being with other people, and there didn't seem to be anyone that Gary didn't know. He was just a really good person.
My condolences to Lisa, Scott, Taylor and Alec; Gary spoke of you often.
Andrew McRae
May 28, 2021
Sincere condolences to Gary's family.
Neal
May 28, 2021
To the Maavara family, our deepest condolences for your loss from myself and my wife Carmina. We both had the opportunity to work with or for Gary at Corus and have spent the week reminiscing on our conversations, our mutual love of photography, and how he did not hesitate for a second to spend time with me to provide guidance when I started my own company. Our story is just one of probably thousands when it comes to the generosity of Gary to share his knowledge, experience, and wisdom. We are so sorry for your loss.
Darren Salvis
May 28, 2021
Gary was a good friend of my father, John. I have seen and visited with him briefly over the many years since we moved to West Mississauga. I really appreciated how he gave me and my father tickets to a volleyball tournament for the Pam Am Games in 2015. My condolences to you, Lisa and your family.
Lorena Prakash
May 27, 2021
Gary was an inspiration to all who met him. We met while working at CanWest Global and then years later we both ended up at Corus Entertainment. He was not only a mentor through the twists and turns that careers often take, but also a trusted friend throughout the years. His kindness and valued friendship will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
My deepest condolences to Lisa and the family.
Dale
May 27, 2021
To the Maavara family - my sincere condolences. I had the pleasure of working for Gary for a number of years and I learned from a master. How to treat people, how to work with others, and how to get things done. I am forever grateful for his knowledge, wisdom and insights. And I will never forgot my cross-country journey with him traveling from city to city on his goodbye-work tour. Moments of deep reflection, observations of how deep his relationships were with people across our nation, and, of course, hilarity. A real treasure. Peace be with you.
Dale
Anni Pulkki
May 27, 2021
What a guy! Always with a smile and quick to wit. I will miss you, kaveri! ❤
Randy Witten
May 27, 2021
Dear Lisa and family. My condolences to you on your loss. As you know, Gary and I worked very closely together for many years at Corus. And after that, we officially transitioned our relationship from colleagues to friends. Among the things that I valued most about Gary were his deep knowledge about so many things, gravitas, sense of humour, and loyalty. We also got to share some great business dinners in NY, Montreal and of course Toronto, and shared an appreciation for jazz and photography (although, of course, "appreciation" is a gross understatement when it comes to photography and Gary). I will miss him.
Lloyd Robertson
May 27, 2021
To Lisa & family:
It is too sad that this should come so soon after my friend Jack's death, but I know that it brings an end to a long period of suffering. Gary was always kind and helpful and a gentleman at every turn. I truly appreciated out CTV times together.
Condolences to all.
Hugh Nugent
May 27, 2021
I went to Verdun High School with Gary. I remember the days at the Verdun/LaSalle YMCA and CPYA, where even in our youth Gary showed exceptional leadership and was very well respected.
I cannot imagine what his family is going through.
He will always be remembered by those that he met. One of a kind person.
My deepest condolences and sympathies.
Paul Engel & Lillian Campbell
May 27, 2021
In this moment of deepest loss, our heartfelt condolences extend to the Maavara Family: Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alec and Mauritta and Michel; and, to the numerous colleagues and far-flung friends who have been graced by his intellect, curiosity and unbounded spirit. Gary was my oldest, read: longest living friend; and, no matter the intervening years, whenever we met or spoke it was always like we had never been apart...a truly special and magical experience, one that only strengthened over time. Gary will be sorely missed but also deeply remembered in our hearts and payers.
Paul Engel & Lillian Campbell
Montreal
Paul Engel & Lillian Campbell
May 27, 2021
Our most sincere condolences are offered to the Maavara family: Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alec, Mauritta and Michel. As you are aware, Gary was a dear friend, my oldest, read: longest lived friend; and, what a life fulfilled it has been. A more courageous adventurous spirit you would be hard pressed to find...ethical to the core; joyous and uplifting; curious and generous without compromise. We met in our youth in those formative days, photography, media, communications and a love of exploring the great outdoors honed our twin spirits. Together, we climbed the Long trail from the Mass. border to the other side of Jay Peak and again, another time, along the shores of Narragansett Bay in search of shadows and reflections in tide pools. Reconnecting over the years seemed almost effortless, almost like the passage of time was immaterial...and now it is. With much love we will continue to hold Gary dear to our hearts, as in some small way, we share your infinite loss.
Much love and sweet memories abound...
Paul Engel and Lillian Campbell
Norm Bolen
May 27, 2021
Condolences to Gary’s family and all who knew him. He was a kind and generous man with a sharp sense of humour. He had public policy views that often differed from mine but he never let that get in the way of our friendship. I will miss his sharp wit, his insightfulness and his lifelong commitment to collegiality.
Sidney M Cohen
May 27, 2021
To the Maavara family, Susan and I extend our sincere condolences. Gary worked with me way back at CFCF and again at CTV and was always a perfect gentleman and colleague. My his memory be a blessing.
Ellen Valter
May 27, 2021
Dear Lisa and family, my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Gary was such a gregarious, knowledgeable, curious, generous man, that Canada, Finland, Estonia - the world is a poorer place without him. I am grateful for the time we shared together at your home around the dinner table, in Estonia, at media law events. He will be greatly missed yet fondly remembered. Puhka rahus, armas Gary.
Susie Kessler
May 27, 2021
I had the pleasure of working with Gary in the early days, late 70's, at CFCF in Montreal. We both worked on game shows - The Mad Dash and What's My Line. Gary was smart and funny and the consummate gentleman - in the VERY macho world of 70's broadcasting! He was a sweetheart. He was also young and tall and very skinny. In fact, we always used to joke that it looked like he had left the hanger in when he was wearing his jacket.
We stayed in touch as our paths diverged, and met up for dinner years later when I was living in NYC. He was everyone's friend. Rest in peace my friend. Susie Kessler
Michael Martin
May 27, 2021
We have all lost a good friend. From my perspective, Gary has been someone that I connected with every week for many years. He has been a fun, smart, and interesting person who made my life better. We shared many interests in photography, cars, Formula 1, and all things to do with science and our world around us. We met in the broadcasting world, but our friendship evolved far past work to a personal one that has last over three decades. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to Gary's family and other friends.
Jannat Hamid
May 27, 2021
I feel the loss of a true friend. My thoughts and prayers for the family, of which he spoke so proudly of.
Daniel Freedman
May 27, 2021
I am so sorry at the sad news.
I worked with Gary very early in his career at CFCF-12 in Montreal, even before he went to law school.
We both wrote game show questions and everyone knew, even then, that Gary was destined for great things.
Our paths crossed occasionally in the decades that followed. Gary was always generous with his time and advice.
Gary was one of the good guys.
He touched many lives.
And he was taken from us far too soon.
Peter O'Neill
May 27, 2021
To you Lisa, Taylor, Scott and Alex and the Maavara family - my sincere condolences. It was a privilege working with Gary over so many years at CTV....
Duncan MacFarlane
May 27, 2021
Gary and I were good friends at VHS. We corresponded over the years but, like many, lost track later in life. We reconnected when Gary found an old postcard that I had sent him from Europe, many years ago. We connected through Facebook ( there are some good things about it ! ). We laughed about that. We met up a few time sin Calgary when he was there with Corus on business. Talking photography and old times was a pleasure. I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Gary left his mark on the world and all who met him. Love to you all.
Philippe
May 27, 2021
I had the pleasure to meet Gary through his daughter Taylor. I will fondly remember him as an extraordinary and generous man with many interests and many great stories. Without Gary, the world loses some of its magic. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Gaby Warren
May 27, 2021
Lisa, my thoughts are with you and your family. It was an honour to be a friend of such an exemplary person.
Bradley Fortner
May 27, 2021
Gary always made himself readily available to share his experiences with the industries he served in. A great help to his fellow colleagues and students studying in the field of Broadcasting. We'll miss him.
Sara Lanthier
May 27, 2021
I was so sorry to hear about Gary's passing. I loved getting to know his dry humour and big heart while working at Corus. I had an amazing 'what should I do with my life' meeting with Gary - and he truly changed my direction. I realized my goals were not focused at work..but we're focused on my family. I changed jobs, moved cities and toasted Gary with a big pint in London, England when I took my son there on an adventure. Thank you for sharing him with us.
May 27, 2021
My deepest sympathy to Lisa and the family. In addition to all the accomplishments and love of life he imparted to any who knew him, Gary was also a treasured and deeply respected early board member of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre. He even left and then returned a few years later.
His humanity, generosity and kindness benefitted all of us in the arts community and will live on in memory!
Heartfelt condolences!
Joysanne Sidimus,M.S.M.
Founder, DTRC
Katharine
May 27, 2021
My deepest condolences to Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alec and the rest of the Maavara family. As a close friend of Taylor's, I spent a lot of time at the Maavara home as a teenager and appreciated many insightful and interesting dinner table conversations with Gary. Later, he gave me my first meaningful summer job and was a wonderful mentor during a pivotal early stage of my career. He will be truly missed by many.
Mark Le Blanc
May 27, 2021
My condolences to the Maavara family, and to all those that knew him as a friend. He was a genuinely great person and will be remembered as such. We need more like him.
Michael Bachmann
May 27, 2021
My deepest condolences to Garys family. I can only imagine how great a man he was to all of you because he was that great a man to me and I only knew him through our business partnerships. I felt like I was talking to an old friend every time I met him. Great man, be proud and remember all the good things, god bless.
Sue Buchanan
May 27, 2021
A Gentleman larger than life - it was an honor and pleasure to be involved in Gary's journey at PMH (as his clinical trials RN). We loved nothing more than spending those extra 10, 20, 30 minutes listening to Gary's fascinating stories - we always made time for him. Sending heartfelt condolences to you Lisa, and to your family.
Bruce McLeod
May 27, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Gary's family, and all who knew him. Gary was one of a kind. A person who, as soon as one met him, could not help but like him. He will be very missed, for his many talents, but most of all for his humanity.
Jon de la Mothe
May 27, 2021
My condolences to Gary's family, and to everyone close to him. Gary was an incredible man who had a huge impact on my life and career. So many of my beliefs and actions today were shaped by him. RIP Gary.
Bryan
May 27, 2021
A wonderful man, mentor and fellow Motorsport fanatic. Best memories will be launching CanWest Interactive with him runningnGlobalTV.com - and of course best one - bumping into him at the 12 hours of Sebring sports car race 2019 - pouring rain - camera in hand. Hardcore fan. You will be missed - thank you for the memories Gary - Bryan Press
Gary Smith
May 27, 2021
My sincere condolences to Lisa, Taylor, Scott, Alec and the rest of Gary's family. I first met Gary through business but our relationship rapidly became one of friendship based on our shared interests in hiking and motorsport. Gary was a person to admire: erudite, caring, creative, generous and fun to be around. I will miss him.
Eric & Mariah Story
May 26, 2021
We’re both terribly sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. To everyone in the Maavara family, we have you all in our hearts and prayers.
Cheryl Fullerton
May 26, 2021
Offering my most heartfelt condolences to Gary's family. Interesting, funny, thoughtful, caring, creative. I feel blessed for having had the opportunity to see up close how whole-heartedly he cared about so many things. I keep one of his bird photos at my desk and it reminds me daily to live in open anticipation for moments of beauty and freedom all around us. CF
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