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Gary WOOLSEY Obituary
B.A., B.Th., D.D.
March 16, 1942 - Brantford, ON
October 18, 2013 - Calgary, AB
Gary, beloved husband of Marie of Calgary, passed away on October 18, 2013 at the age of 71 years. Born in Brantford, ON, March 16, 1942, Gary graduated in Theology from Huron College in London, ON, in 1967. As a Priest-pilot, based out of Kenora and Big Trout Lake, ON, he ministered to twenty-five remote native villages in northern Ontario and Manitoba; as Priest, he served in Norway House and Churchill, MB; and as the Bishop of Athabasca, based in Peace River, he oversaw twenty parishes in northern Alberta. Gary rounded out his 35 years of ministry as rector of St Peter's Anglican Church in Calgary, AB. After his retirement in 2002, he continued to lead conferences and retreats as well as taking on the role of National Director of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer. For the past 11 years he has been attending St. Martin's Anglican Church in Calgary, as well as helping out wherever needed. During his eight months in Southwood Hospice, Gary completed two writing projects and saw them both published. 'On a Wing and a Prayer' is a book of motorcycle meditations, stemming from his great love of motorcycle touring. 'Meditations From a Hospice Bed' follows his own journey from brain surgery to disability in hospice care. Both draw on his 35 years of experience in ministry. Gary will be missed by his family and many friends at St Martin's and St Peter's Anglican Churches, in the Chinook Wings Motorcycle Club, and by many others whose lives he has touched. Gary is survived by his wife and soul mate of 46 years, Marie (nee Tooker); children Todd (Terri) of Fairview, TN, Kathleen of Norway House, MB, Drew (Heather) of Calgary, AB, Tina of Kamloops, BC; grandchildren Shane, Leo, Chad, Peter, and Jordan Woolsey, Alyssa Craddock; great grandchildren Derrell, Skyla and Nyla; sister Diane Bray (Ron) of Brantford, ON; sisters-in-law Jane McCurdy of Dundas, ON, Rose Roach (Daryl) of Burlington, ON, as well as many nieces and nephews. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY'S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, October 21, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and again in the evening from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Peter's Anglican Church (903 - 75 Avenue S.W.) on Tuesday, October 22, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Our thanks to the staff in the Neurology Units at the Foothills hospital, the Palliative Care Team at the Foothills and the entire staff at the Southwood Hospice, who made Gary's stay comfortable and even enjoyable. We will be forever grateful. In living memory of Rt. Rev. Gary Woolsey, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gary WOOLSEY
27 Entries
Janet Jones
December 19, 2013
Dear Marie,
Was reading the Anglican Journal yesterday, and was shocked to see the article about Gary's death there. He was a very special person, and you lost him far too soon. Have fond memories of those ACW Conferences at Falher, with both you and Gary there. I was living in Grande Prairie at that time. My prayers & thoughts are with you, Marie, as you continue life's journey on your own.
Janet Jones, Nelson, BC
Sandra O'Neill-Brown
November 7, 2013
Gary brought light to St. Gabriel's at a very dark time. May light perpetual shine upon him.
Rennels, Harrison, McCafferty Family
October 30, 2013
Dear Marie and family,
Having just learned of Bishop Woolsey's illness and passing, we write with heavy hearts. As Bishop of St. Peter's Anglican, Gary presided over our grandfathers funeral, on the occasion of our wedding, and Christening of our children. My grandmother was actively involved with St. Peter's for many years and all of us in the family thought the world of Gary. We are deeply sorry for your loss. The world has lost a truly wonderful person.
Winona Rennels, Barry & Linda Harrison, Sean & Brenda McCafferty
Karen
October 28, 2013
Dear Marie and Family, My condolences on Reverand Wolsleys passing. He was my confirmation coach when I was 20 years old, and pregnant with my first child. My mom recently showed me the article in "The Sower" of his struggle with cancer and I had kept it in my purse for the last few weeks hoping to send a message to him as to the great inspiration he was to me as a young woman in the little time we had him as our pastor. At a time in my life when I felt lost, judged, and scared of the future I faced, he gave me peace of mind, total acceptance, and strength to know that I would always have a good life as long as I had the strength to live it. I have not seen him since he left St. Peters Anglican but he has been a great vision to me in many times of struggle. I wanted to let you know what an impact his kindness and strength of character has been to me not just then but always. He was an angel long before his passing. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say it to him before he left but hope you take great pride in knowing how meaningful he was to my growth and strength. I wish you all the best in your lives knowing he is watching over you. Many Blessings.
October 24, 2013
Marie - We were so sorry to hear of Gary's death. We were part of St. Peter's Ecumenical in Slave Lake during his tenure as Bishop in Peace River. Gary truly supported our Ecumenical development and worked to smooth the way with the authorities in all 3 denominations represented - Anglican, Lutheran, United. I have fond memories of the Ladies retreats at Fahler where Gary played his guitar and led wonderful sessions and services in the Chapel. He will always be remembered. Sincerely, Laurie and Paula Anderson - Grande Prairie.
Mary Jane Drabble /... Brown
October 24, 2013
My memory of Gary was when I was A grade niner at Pauline Johnson in Brantford, I was so amazed that he could sink a basket from center court .to the cheers of the whole gymnasium . I knew then that he had a wonderful life ahead of him. I see by reading his accomplishments he attained, that I was certainly right. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. JANE BROWN PICKERING
Heather and Gerry Labrie
October 24, 2013
Dear Marie and family,
Gary was such a caring and compassionate soul. The congregation from St. Peter's Slave Lake were blessed by his mentoring and foresight with ecumenism. I know you and your children were his Bethany during many difficult times. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. We will keep you and your family in our prayers.
Bill Beswick
October 23, 2013
Marie, I am so very sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Both of you and your family are such wonderful people. I still have fond memories of Big Trout Lake. Gary will remain in our hearts forever! God Bless and keep you!,,,bill
October 23, 2013
Marie I am so sorry for your loss and missing the opportunity to pay my respects to you both-I missed seeing the notice till last evening. Gordon was there and said is was a wonderful
service. He was a one and only always so compassionate to our clients and a wonderful volunteer. Blesings to you and your family you have many wonderful memories of him Joan Holland
Carol Hayes
October 23, 2013
I can't say enough about how much you and Gary have impacted my life and the life of my family. Both Brian and I have been talking about our grief in losing such a wonderfully inspiring mentor and friend in Gary. For that was what he was. Even to a young teen lad, who he treated as an equal. We will journey with you through your grief over his death. You are loved deeply for all you have given to and inspired in us. Lean on your friends and Christian communities who love you. XO
Shirley Morrell
October 22, 2013
Marie and family. What an inspiration it was to be around Gary and his wonderful family during the last months at the hospice. All the staff here will certainly miss you and wish you the very best. Gary was still an inspiration even after his days here as I had the privelege of reading his newest book on Sunday. Thank you for the book Gary and Marie. I couldn't put it down.
The staff at Southwood Hospice send our sympathy to Gary's family and feel honored to have spent this time with you all.
Cliff Karasick
October 22, 2013
Marie, I am so sorry to hear about Gary. He was a great guy and a great inspiration. He will be missed and I will always remember Gary for the good times we had spent together. My next ride will be in his honor. Please take care.
October 22, 2013
Dear Marie;
It was my privilege to meet Bishop Gary through his involvement in the Curscillo movement while Rector at St. Peter's in Calgary. My last encounter with him was at St. Benedict's in High River where he warmly recalled our meeting those many years previous. To me that was a sign of a truly caring man of God. Through these days ahead, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Kind regards, Millie Vance
Jeff Warren
October 22, 2013
Marie, Gary was an amazing man, you both helped me through a difficult time in my life in early 2002 , I couldn't have made it without both of you. I hope you get a strong support system through your family at St Peters church along with St Martins. Love the Warren's Tracy , Sam, Kristyna and Jeff
Jeff, Julie and Isobelle Davidson
October 22, 2013
Marie, we are sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Brad & Catharine Gimbel
October 22, 2013
We are so sorry for your loss. Bishop Woolsey was a wonderful man. He performed the ceremony when my husband and I got married July 2000. I remember him talking about wanting a motorcycle and he spoke of that during the service. Then when we went for Christmas service that same year, he mentioned that he got one. We will miss him greatly!!!
Rev'd Bob Bettson
October 22, 2013
Dear Marie and family, Although I knew Gary as a fellow priest and as editor of the Sower, I didn't really get to know him until we did a Cursillo spiritual team in 2007. He is a remarkable leader, a true pastor and an inspiration to all whose lives he touched. It is a shame to he is no longer with us in body, although his spirit is very much an everlasting gift.
Dave Wright
October 22, 2013
Marie and family, Gary has always been a friend, a father and guidance for my family and I. We loved him dearly and will never forget the impact he has had on us.
With love and prayers for the Wright family to yours.
Love the Wright Family.
Ian Kroll
October 22, 2013
Marie and Woolsey Family,
My thoughts and wishes go out to you all during this very sad time. Gary was a wonderfully intelligent and compassionate man loved by many, especially his infinitely supportive and caring family. My deepest condolences.
Susan Black
October 22, 2013
Marie and Family
I am so sorry for your loss, Bishop Gary was wonderful influence in my life, and will always be remembered for his understanding and compassion. He married my husband and I on your 25th anniversary, it was such a special day for us and you. My prayers go out to all of you.
Rev. Pilar Gateman
October 21, 2013
Prayers for peace and comfort to you and your family.
October 21, 2013
Dear Marie,
It is with a very sad heart that I send along my sympathy to you in the loss of your husband. father and grandfather.
He touched so many lives and I am lucky to have been one of them.
Much love.
Marge Munro
A chapter completed
A page turned
A life well-lived
A rest well-earned.
May he rest in peace. We feel we were
priviledged to have known him.
October 21, 2013
Our warmest ans deepest thoughts and prayers are with Marie and the family. Gary was an amazing individual and a terrific Bishop. He significantly and positively impacted our 2 daughters (Sara and Natalie) teenage years. We love you and miss you Gary. Rest in peace and keep on riding in Heaven. PS You were the only person to successfully get Peter on a bike. Something he still talks about today. Roberta, Peter, Sara and Natalie
Shirley Watt
October 21, 2013
Dear Marie: We were so sorry to hear of Gary's passing. We will always remember him and how much he loved his family and motorcycle. What a wonderful man he was. Our sincerest symtathy go to you and your family. Shirley Watt and Richard Korolyk (St. Peter's Church
October 21, 2013
Condolences to you Marie and all your extended families and your own family.
I know you both lived a full life together and Gary getting a fatal illness was not excpected. I pray for you that you will be surrounded by special friends and loved ones as you start the next chapter of your life. I pray that your faith will sustain you every moment of every day. Terry and Jan Wilkinson
catherine speechley-pell
October 21, 2013
prayers for Marie and all the family. remembering friendship and solid prayerful advice when it was most needed. Blessings... Rev. George Pell and Catherine Speechley-Pell
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