Gary TALBOT

Gary passed away peacefully, on March 31, 2024, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC. He was in the company of family and friends. Gary was most thankful to have recently enjoyed hearing best wishes, shared memories, and a witticism or two from friends across Canada. Born and raised in Ontario, Canada, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from University of Guelph, and along the way earned qualifications as a high school teacher. Gary's career in business and teaching spanned Ontario, Saskatchewan and BC, but also included a term in Bermuda. He was a genuine believer that the gift of a formal education would enhance the lives of his high school / college students… Gary was most satisfied teaching those students who rose up to apply his standard of work ethic. His recollections suggest friends and experiences in Yorkton, SK, best reflect this. Gary was grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference for those he taught. Of course, Gary made lifelong friends at every career stop along the way. Recognized by all as a gentle soul. Gary demonstrated a remarkable intelligence, uncompromising integrity, and steadfast determination in support of his family and friends throughout his lifetime. We are all blessed to have shared time with him. A loving son, brother, and uncle. Gary was unfailingly loyal to his family and friends. His care for his parents, Tom and Winifred, in their later years, was an exceptional gift to them. As an older brother, he provided guidance from learning to tie shoes, driving a car and attending college, through to dealing with life's challenges over the decades. Gary thoughtfully and compassionately embraced the brotherly responsibility to always be there, a strong, unjudgmental back up, including through a few sibling self-imposed misadventures. For his younger brother, it has been a blessing to have shared life and times with him and to be nearby him during recent years. Unquestionably a privilege to reciprocate and support him during this stage of his life as he did so marvellously well for me in earlier days. There were a wonderful few weeks last summer when together, we built a fence around his vegetable garden at his Duncan, BC, "Five Ache-rs" property to protect his harvest from the deer and rabbits. It was fun and creative, with Gary getting great satisfaction from utilizing some of the various building supplies he had accumulated… just in case he might need them one day. The plan was he would plant another garden this year. This has truly been the strongest, most enduring brotherly friendship anyone could imagine or hope for. A steady influence as an uncle, his guidance was consistent in its theme – trust your intuition, work hard, and make time for the ones you love. Rarely one to reach out, but always available, he kept his words short and ripe with substance. A beloved character who enjoyed nothing more than to share a laugh, lend a thought, or play arm-chair GM while discussing our favourite sports teams. Time shared walking the dogs and sifting through the names and faces of Talbot family history will forever be held closely. Gary is fondly remembered for passing on his belief in the power of education, for emphasizing its importance, and for actively supporting family academic endeavors. He showed unwavering support, a contribution that undoubtedly made a positive difference, and for which all are immensely grateful. His home in Brentwood Bay will always be warmly remembered for the shared family stories, told with meticulous attention to detail and spectacular knowledge of our culture and heritage that were passed on. The memory of those moments spent together are held precious in his absence. Gary's four legged friends were a wonderful part of his family. From his youth in Guelph, ON, and throughout his life, walking the dog was a central part of his day. He and his friends of the Ontario era recently recalled hunting trips on rural family land with the dogs on sunny autumn days. His dog walker cohorts in Victoria are pleased to know his most recent furry friend has been taken in by a friend in Duncan, BC… in his last hours Gary learned of this with a great sense of comfort and thanks. Travelling was significant for Gary, especially in Europe. He remained in touch with the UK side of the family and regularly recounted stories from his time with them. It is a trait that has caught on in the family, as his niece and nephew also frequently travel internationally. In his later years, Gary determinedly and courageously held off several brushes with cancer, until this last battle. Victoria, BC's medical system served him well. Many tried to help him reach his goal of a few more summers at his happy place in Duncan. They listened to his plans of growing vegetables, cutting back brush, and visiting with friends just down the road or in nearby Maple Bay by the Ocean. Most recently, staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria were very professional and compassionate when his prognosis denied him this option. Gary courageously and with great determination asked for and was granted the MAID process. Once decided, Gary was very insistent staff proceed as promptly as possible. There was just enough time to review emails, voicemails, enjoy a couple of personal visits and a few special phone calls during Gary's last days and hours. Much reminiscing, hugging, and joking took place right to the very last. He was so grateful for all his friends and thankful for those who joined and him in this journey. Cremation for Gary has taken place on Sunday, April 7th. He will join his parents at Ross Bay Cemetery in Victoria, BC, later this year with family in attendance. In remembrance of Gary, charitable donations could be made to Victoria Hospital Foundation Wilson Block,1952 Bay St., Victoria V8R 1J8 (charitable #10793 5637 RR0001).