Gary Onstad

1935 - 2022

Gary Onstad March 4, 1935 - Oct 4, 2022 Gary was born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, a landscape he returned to over and over, literally and in the snow-deep dreams of his last months. Gary's life spanned nearly a century of dizzying change - in his childhood, farm kids arrived at school on ponies. The youngest of the four Onstad siblings raised in the big house on Bison Avenue by Alice, a U of S graduate at a time when post-secondary education for women was a rarity, and Albert, a prominent community member whose preternatural calm and fundamental generousity Gary would inherit. Gary is predeceased by brothers Burton (survived by Greta and son, Steven), and Jack (survived by Gloria and children Barb, Bryan and Jim). Survived by sister Donna (children Jack, Lynn, Kelly, Mark and Scott). Young Gary was athletic and mischievous, a self-taught trumpet player (in the jazz band, he stood next to Jack, partner-in-crime). He credited Weyburn with a lifelong passion for both music and progressive politics: Tommy Douglas was Gary's MP. Though he earned a BComm, University of Alberta, 1957 and LLB, UBC, 1960, Gary never practiced law, instead catching the currents of the 60s to London, teaching at the Bacon School for Boys. The London years instilled a love of travel (stops included Namibia, China, Nicaragua, Italy) and the arts, especially opera. In London, at the Chepstow Pub, he met Cindy, who became his wife of nearly 60 years, a life force well matched for his, and source of adventure and strength. They built a life in Vancouver where Gary was a relentless advocate for public education, serving as a trustee on the Vancouver School Board. In the classroom, Gary was a passionate teacher of history, politics, law - students stayed in touch into adulthood. He was prone to a political rant but not to cynicism, holding firm that things should be better, and protest and public service were the way. He was kind, stubborn, unflappable, with an easy laugh and a great sense of humour. He had the rare gift of listening closely, making others feel heard, and seen. Also, he played hockey into his 70s - and was a hellion on the ice. He will be deeply missed by Cindy, his son Pat (Becky) and grandchildren, Peyton, Owen and Abby, and daughter, Katrina (Julian), and grandchildren Judah and Mia. We loved him very much. Gary died at home, peacefully, after a long decline, with MAID. No service for now but to his beloved community of friends and family, please raise a glass (he would!) and share a story. Donations, if desired, to the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.