Gary Lester Crandlemire Obituary

Gary was born on May 12th, 1942, in Cochrane Ontario, the son of the late Lester and Nellie (McCullogh) Crandlemire.

Gary graduated from Terrace Bay High School and completed his grade 13 at Port Arthur Collegiate where he played hockey and football. He graduated from United College (now the University of Winnipeg). As a young person he was very involved with the Boy Scouts. He became a Queen Scout earning all the badges required for that honour.

His professional career started at RBC working at branches in Ottawa, Montreal and Sackville, New Brunswick. It was at this time that he came to love the Maritimes and decided he would return here to live if the opportunity ever arose. This happened in 1987, when he was working as a Field Manager for Snap on Tools. He finished his career as owner of Zee Medical Service Company franchise for Atlantic Canada, retiring in 2006.

He struggled in the past few years with Alzheimer's but that did not stop him from holding the doors open for others, offering to give up his seat or opening the car door. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

Following his retirement, he and Judy became snowbirds and spent their winters out of the cold and their summers at the cottage in Monash Cove. There he loved feeding the finches and hummingbirds. He was happiest sitting on the deck, listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine.

Gary leaves behind the love of his life and soulmate Judy (Wilbur) Crandlemire. He also leaves behind, his stepson Gary Wilson (Jennifer George), stepdaughter Michelle Hunsley (Paul) of Oakville, Ontario and five grandchildren- Cameron (Jess) Hunsley, Taylor Hunsley, Rayne (Jack) Wilson-Hutchinson, Benjamin, and Ryan George. He is survived by his sisters Myrna (Andy) Anderson of Thunder Bay, Jill (Dennis) Andow of Kelowna B.C. and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his son Kyle Crandlemire, his stepdaughter Shawnda Wilson, brother Jack Crandlemire (late Judy) and nieces Kathy Anderson and Serena Cormier.

Gary, who was always willing to lend a helping hand, was quietly humorous, a friend to all and a stable and comforting presence to everyone he met.

Honouring Gary's wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.