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FireHouse651.COM
SMITH, Gary Bernard Died of cancer, at home, on Sunday March 19th, 2006.
Gary
battled so courageously to the very end. "Do not go gently, into that good-night... rage; rage; against the dying of the light!... " Born July 11th, 1946 in
Enfield
, Hants Co., NS, Gary joined the army at age 16, following an unforgiving rural upbringing, and the early death of his beloved mother, Nina.  He
entered the Queens Own Rifles infantry reg. in 1963 (later Princess Patricia reg.), through which he was stationed, (and settled) in
Victoria
,
BC
. There he met his wife of 39 years, Patricia (nee Morrison), and they raised their family together. After 11 years in the army, (which included 2 peacekeeping tours in
Cyprus
),
Gary
joined the DND Fire Department at CFB Esquimalt, (and later Belmont/Rocky Point) in 1974. He proudly served as a firefighter for 27 years. During this time, however, he
also served his fellow colleagues as their ally; advisor; Union President, and National Collective Bargaining Team member.
Gary
worked tirelessly for the fair treatment of his co-workers, both within the fire service, and on the CF Bases. He was known widely within UNDE, CUPE and PSAC, receiving
an Honorary Life Membership for Services to the
Union
from UNDE in 2002, when he retired from the DND Fire Dept., to enjoy a brief stay with IDDL. Sadly, like so many of his fellow firefighters, he was diagnosed with lung
cancer shortly afterwards, and began his final fight. He is survived by his wife Pat; his daughters Traci (Joe) and Tami (Neville), grandsons Brett and Blake; and his
sisters Betty Jo (Howard), Daun (Bob), Chris (Steve) and brother Lowell (Marlene), who send immense thanks to all of those who cared for him during his battle. Mass to be
held at 12 noon on Friday March 24th at St. Patrick's RC Church, 2060
Haultain
,
Victoria
, BC, with Memorial Service Tribute and Reception to follow directly in Parish Hall. Donations in lieu of flowers please, to CCS or the Victoria Hospice Society. 220295
Your FireHouse651.COM team
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