GARY GILCHRIST

November 24, 1956 - December 21, 2021

Gary Gilchrist, devoted father, husband, brother, son, grandpa, teammate and friend, passed away unexpectedly December 21, 2021 in Vernon, BC at the age of 65.

Gary was born in Moosejaw, SK in 1956 and moved to Vernon in 1971. Gary started with Beaver Lumber in June of 1992 in the contract sales department and quickly became the contract sales manager. In 1997 when the new store was built, he bought into the company and continued in that position even after Beaver Lumber was purchased by Home Hardware in 2002. This coming June was his planned retirement and would have marked 30 years with Home Building Centre.

Well known for his sports enthusiasm, Gary was active in hockey and lacrosse in his youth. As a hockey player, Gary was as well known for his goals and points as his toughness and fisticuffs. Having great seasons with the Vernon Vikings (BCHL) and the Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL), he captained the Nelson Maple Leaf's (KIHL) during the 1970s. Gilly was a member of the legendary Vernon Tigers, who captured the Senior Canadian Lacrosse Championship three years in a row (1976-78). Later in life, Gary was well known for his love of golf. He was a familiar figure on local courses, mostly Predator Ridge and Spallumcheen, but was also fond of taking trips to Brandon Dunes on the Oregon Coast, as well as to many other locations.

When it came to work and sports, Gary was a diligent, hardworking and a supportive teammate. Beyond sports, Gary knew how to enjoy himself as well. He had recently been spending more time traveling with family and friends, holidaying in places like Mexico, and abroad in Prague, Spain, Costa Rica, and Bali where he and Rhonda were married, 2005. Gary was just as happy to spend time relaxing back at home with his family, too, and enjoyed many summers at the cabin, boating, swimming, or simply sitting by the pool with a drink. He was also well known for his passion for cooking: He had a talent for barbecuing, a special knack with seafood, and regularly made meals for his family that might have been on a restaurant's menu.

Ultimately, he was a family man. Gary had time for everyone, and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He is survived by his mom, Simone; his wife, Rhonda; his children, Spence, Kayla, and MacGuire; his three grandchildren, Rhys, Grayson, and Cohen; his sister, Robin (Bruce), nephew, Robert (Kyla), as well as their daughter, Jocelyn, niece, Keaton; and his brother, Brent (Caroline), and nephews Mathieu (Ally) and Jack. He is preceded in death by his father, Murray.

A casual memorial service will be held for Gary in the spring.

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