(1935-2019) - Gary died Friday February 15 2019 at Collingwood General and Marine Hospital with family and friends close at hand. Gary leaves behind his wife Margaret (nee Frawley) of 59 years and three sons: Gordon (Carole), Stephen (Kim), and Jeffrey (Linnea). Gary was ‘Gramps’ to seven grandkids: Dylan, Mack, Madison, Cameron, Andrew, Nolan, and Klara. Born to Agnes (nee Fletcher) and John Fielding, Gary was raised and lived most of his adult life in Toronto. Gary was an accomplished junior athlete who drew no lines between hockey, baseball, and football. His life-long passion for aviation led him to become a pilot at a young age thus setting the stage for an early dating experience that nearly swore Margaret to a lifetime of terrestrial travel. Gary coached hockey, translated baseball, and enabled skill development for countless kids – particularly his own. Later, Gary and Marg discovered a love for skiing. Relocating and rebuilding a period log cabin at Osler Bluff Ski Club that became the family’s “home-away-from-home”. Then, with nest empty, it simply became ‘home’ as they transitioned their lives from Toronto to Collingwood and wove themselves into a rich community of friends. Known for his dry wit, generous spirit, and unpretentious sense of giving, Gary’s gift to his friends was a deep-seated integrity and a dependable loyalty. With a clear sense of right and wrong, he was a gentle and unwaveringly supportive husband and father. He is deeply missed.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on May 3, 2019 at All Saints Anglican Church, 32 Elgin St. in Collingwood. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.