GARRY GATLEY

GATLEY, Garry Earle
Tee off: March 15, 1942
19th Hole: August 9, 2015
Peacefully, and with Candice by his side, passed just 5 short weeks after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He accepted the hand he was dealt with amazing dignity and grace. Predeceased by parents Bessie and Earle Gatley; parents-in-law May and John Sander; and many furry friends who were waiting across the Rainbow Bridge to greet him. Survived by Candice (nee Sander) his devoted wife of 32 years; beloved son and only child Kevin; his ever-present four feline companions Dusty, Dallas, Jack, and Mindy; sister Carol (Doug) Tindall; brothers Wayne (Gloria), Lyle (Donna), and Don (Glenna); brothers-in-law Gaylen Sander, and Kevin (Jill) Sander; many, many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews all of whom he looked upon with great pride; and many cherished and supportive friends. After graduating from Sir Winston Churchill High School in 1960, Garry attended UBC for 1 year after which he joined the working world. He started at Dairyland driving a delivery truck, then moved to BC Hydro as a meter reader. After many years at Hydro, primarily in the financial sector, Garry became very interested in labour relations from a union perspective. He sought and was successful in securing a position as a business rep with OTEU Local 378 representing, among others, BC Hydro and ICBC employees. Garry thrived in this environment and rose to the challenge of negotiating fair and equitable collective agreements. In this capacity he was also heavily involved in job evaluation. When his career with the OTEU had run its course, Garry moved to a position at Capilano College, then to Langara College where he worked in a labour relations capacity from a management perspective. Garry had an amazing ability to observe situations from both sides. This bode him well throughout his chosen career. Eventually he joined Coast Mountain Bus Company and was the Director of Operations, Burnaby when he retired in 2001. Now he could indulge his passion! Joining the Pitt Meadows Golf Club he played as many as 7 rounds of golf a week. On a prorated basis his green fees were pretty low. On days when the weather didn't cooperate, Bridge was the order of the day. The camaraderie and relationships forged were priceless. Garry spent many years participating in and organizing an annual May golf tournament at the Lakeside Resort in Oliver…a great joy to him. Thanks to Mark's hospitality Garry had the opportunity over the past few years to go on twice-annual golf vacations in Surprise, Arizona. The most recent trip was in February with brother Wayne and brother-in-law Doug. Garry was a member of both the Vancouver and Golden Ears Gyro Clubs where at one time he served as president. Many lovely friendships were cultivated during this time. After Candice retired in 2010, she and Garry were able to indulge in some travelling, including a Mediterranean cruise, a Canada-New England cruise, and several relaxing Alaskan cruises. Time with friends in San Francisco and Palm Springs was also enjoyed. Time at the cabin with Carol and Doug was precious. Carol says Garry is now organizing the angels and negotiating their first collective agreement. Many thanks to all of our family and friends for your support, emails, flowers, cards, phone calls, and presence during this devastating time. Without you this journey would be unbearable. I miss you and love you Garry more than words can say. Keep whistling Kid. A celebration of Garry's life will be held at the Pitt Meadows Golf Club, 13615 Harris Road, Pitt Meadows, BC, Monday, September 14 at 2:00 p.m. If you are so inclined donations may be made in memory of Garry to Katie's Place Animal Shelter in Maple Ridge. Messages of condolence may be left at www.arbutusfuneralservice.com.