Gary William Mandryk
February 11, 2017
Gary William Mandryk, age 64, passed away peacefully after a courageous health battle, surrounded by his family at Peter Laugheed Centre on Saturday, February 11, 2017.
Gary was born in Toronto, Ontario on September 14, 1952. A young Gary and his parents lived in Gilbert Plains, Manitoba for two years to pursue a life of farming,before returning to Ontario where he lived for the remainder of his youth. While growing up in the metropolis of Toronto, Gary returned to his Manitoba roots and love of farming, fishing and hunting every summer. Gary often reminisced about his adventures with his father, uncles, cousins and grandparents, the midnight frolics and lessons learned over making “a batch”.
As a child, Gary was known for his keen intelligence and athletic abilities. He was the recipient of many academic awards, and a high school All-Star football player. After high school, Gary continued his education at Humber College.
Gary was known across Canada as an excellent businessman; his success a culmination of his vast experiences in ironwork, the insurance industry, private security, construction, as an entrepreneur and as a safety consultant. Gary was perhaps best known as the owner of Great Northern Truck Wash in Calgary, Alberta. His employees always described Gary as an employer who became a friend, someone who was always willing to lend a hand, and an advance, to those who needed it. He was a huge proponent of self-improvement and encouraged all those who worked for him to gain more schooling, experience and to find their passion. A former customer of Great Northern said, “Trucks from all across the continent would come to his door for a great wash, a drink, great advice, but most of all the friendship that was offered to all”.
In December of 1976, Gary met the love of his life, Jacqueline Guthrie. After a nine month romance the couple was engaged. Gary and Jacky were married in Toronto on May 6, 1978. The newlyweds spent their first two years in Winnipeg, Manitoba with many friends and family, until relocating to Calgary in September of 1980.
The move to Alberta brought many new opportunities, friendships and the growth of their family. Gary became actively involved rodeo. He was a volunteer for many years with the Sundre Pro Rodeo, where he could be found tending bar, visiting with the real cowboys and listening to the old-timer stories. He loved to tell his own tales of “yahooing” at the Calgary Stampede in his younger years.
In 1981, their daughter Victoria Helen was born. The family continued to grow with the birth of Laura Eve in 1985. Gary was a devoted father, celebrating his children’s academic, athletic and dance accomplishments. He instilled a desire in his daughters to always do their best, to never settle for mediocrity and to put family before all else. In 2010 and 2011 the Mandryk family grew again with the marriages of Michael Lozinski to Victoria, and Tyler Grandan to Laura. Gary loved his sons (never son-in-laws) with his whole heart, and supported them fully in all their pursuits. The family of six passed many family Sundays watching NFL football, playing Rumoli and working together.
In February 2014, Gary’s pride grew tenfold, as he became Gido to Talayna Abigail. Affectionately known as GG to Talayna, the two had many mini adventures together. His namesake, Cole Garrison, was born June 2016. Gary made the most of every minute he had with his two partners, spoiling them with toys and gifts, but most importantly all his love and devotion. Not a day went by that he did not ask after his grandchildren and always put their welfare above all else.
Gary was predeceased by his father and mother, Harry and Olga Mandryk. He is survived by his wife Jacky, his daughter Laura and son-in-law Tyler, daughter Victoria and son-in-law Michael, granddaughter Talayna and grandson Cole.
As per Gary’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date in March. His vision was for his family and friends to come together, not to shed tears, but to toast to his memory, tell their fondest stories and remember him with the same enduring loyalty he had always shown others.
Holding you
I held everything
For a moment
Wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known
How the king would fall
Hey who's to say
You know I might have changed it all
And now
I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives
Are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd have had to miss
The dance
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Messages of Condolence
Gary Mandryk, my friend, my cousin, but most of all my big brother who listened to me talk and never talked down to me. Cheers I am making the next "BATCH." ~ Henry & Cindi Rosolowski
I met Gary while in attendance of both of his daughters weddings. He practically glowed with pride when speaking of them. My heart felt condolences go out to each of the family members. I will always remember Gary and his fighting spirit. Much love to you all. ~ Teya
Wishes to Jacky, Vicky and Laura to remember all the good times, and not the struggles…wishing you relief at the end of the pain…and joy in knowing all the joy! ~ Doreen Dohan
both of us enjoyed our time with Gary he was a good Bosc to Betty as well as a good friend. He was a good friend to Jake as well. we had a lot of enjoyable times together with him as well as him and Jacky ~ Jake and Betty Tschetter
I know Gary and his buddy/brother Ken are back together, up to their old tricks, and raising hell again! Gary will be missed by all who knew him. Love and hugs to all. Be strong and hold on to the great memories you made with him. ~ Sharon
Sincere condolences , Jacky, Vic , Mike, Laura and Ty sorry for your loss, so happy we got a chance to visit in Sept. Memories For Ever ~ Ted / Sharon Rehirchuk
Dear Jackie and Family. We are most saddened to hear of Gary's passing. May your many memories of the good times be yours to cherrish forever. Our sincere condolences and sumphaty to you all, and May he rest in peace. Vechnaya Phamnet ~ Harvey and Marlene Myk
.... words can not express how much we are all going to miss him. ~ Pam Fuhr
It has been quite a few years since I have had a visit with Gary, but I remember some great childhood times at the Mandryk's and always feeling like part of the family. Gary and my Dad had a lot of great memories together and I am sure they are looking down on us all right now and having a toast to the good old days❤ ~ Brandy Goncalves
So many great memories! Our hearts go out to you and your loved ones!! ~ Dana Baisch
Dear Jacky, Laura, Victoria and families. Please accept my deepest sympathy. During this time may you find comfort in the Lords love & strength, and for your love for one another. My prayers are with you all. Hugs from, Cousin Jenny Jennifer Bulas ~ Jennifer Bulas
So sorry to hear this sad news way to young way to early a huge loss to the family. ~ Doreen And Bernie Kulcsar
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Know that he thought of all of you with immense love and pride. Eternal memory. Cousin Rosaline and Ray ~ Rosaline Krahn nee Mandryk
I never met Gary, but given he is the father of amazing Victoria, my colleague at Cochrane High School, he must have been truly amazing too! My condolences to all of you. ~ Lynn Moore
So sorry Victoria!!! ~ Rick Ross
To the Mandryk family you are in our thoughts and prayers every day as Gary was for the last years of his valiant struggle He is no longer in pain and is off on a much greater journey Please accept our heartfelt condolences for this great loss and know that we are thinking and praying for all of you every day ~ Steven & Tracy Robertson
Sorry to hear the sad news.Always enjoyed his company n friendship which started with Gary visiting n few drinks at Toronto Royal Winter Fair. Then he would many times stop by for visit when i was still farming. Will never forget the day we're driving to Sifton to get some "Hooch"from my U of M friend n Gary reached from passenger thru the counsil for our 1st born son Byron who may have been 1yr.old whose feet hooked the shifter pulling it into reverse as we're traveling about 50 or 60mph. There was tire screach tooth chip from crown n pinion made small hole in diff.cover n oil slow leak. We'll drink to that someday in remembrance of u Gary/Buddy!!!!!!~ ~ Emil Gryba
Gary was a great guy who always made you feel important to him whenever you saw him. It is so unfortunate that nice people like Gary don't get the chance to see the full extent of their creations in person, but never-the-less enjoyed the time he had around everyone and took full advantage of it. The world just lost one of its best! Our sympathies to you all. Verne and Pietie Friesen ~ Verne Friesen
Sending our love and condolences to the entire family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time of loss, grief, and celebration of life. With much love. ~ April Waterbury
Victoria and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss Victoria. Such a beautiful tribute. I remember a few conversations we had about our fathers and what always resonated with me was how much you loved, admired, adored and respected your father. It is my hope that the warmth of those emotions and the wonderful memories you have of your Dad will help guide you through this difficult time. My sincere condolences to you Victoria and to your family. Susan Poole ~ Susan Poole
Words cannot express my sadness in hearing from Laura that my friend and relative Gary had passed away. I never in my wildest nightmare thought that he would succumb to his problems that fast, as usual with Gary he always understated how sick he really was , What a prince of a man kind and generous to a fault, We always looked forward to visiting Jackie, Gary and the family and there a little bit of emptiness in my heart now that he is gone, we know that he is now free of pain and discomfort ,God bless you all, with happiness knowing that he is hunting with his dad and uncle John and having a drink with them and enjoying himself Gary always made you feel welcome we will miss him . ~ dan and Lorraine Myk
Jackie, and family. We are so sorry for your loss. May the memories bring peace and his love for you continue to surround you for today and always. He will be missed by us all. ~ Bruce & Eileen Oleski
Our most sincere condolences to the Mandryk family. May the love Gary had for all of you sustain you through this very difficult time. He WAS larger than life and we will all miss his laugh and his very Gary take on life "live large". VICHNAYA PAMYAT dear cousin. ~ Joyce & Dennis Maksymetz
Dear Victoria, Michael, Talayna& Cole, Harold & I are so sorry for your loss & how hard this past year has been. Your family has become very special to us & we feel your sorrow. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers❤️ ~ Lois & Harold Weidman
Dear Jackie & Family: So sorry to hear about Gary's passing. We first met Gary at Ted & Sharon's wedding; and then met Jackie. You have many wonderful family memories to cherish. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. ~ Lorraine & Al Boris
My Sincere Condolences,to you all. My Thoughts and Prayers are with you . ~ Diann Bulas
Jackie, Bernice and I are sending you, and your family lots of hugs.....we wish we can give you more than that, but we know after knowing you and Gary, you guys have given much more than anyone can EVER give back over the years. Remember when Bernice and I used to be the last ones to leave your NEWs Years Parties? Its because we wanted to share the quiet times together. We had some great times after the party talking, and we enjoyed, just talking.....thanks guys. Always LOTS OF LOVE.....Gary would not have not wanted it any other way........just a quiet time, and chillaxining some times. Our heart will always be here.....K. ? ~ John and Bernice Lesiuk
Jacky, Vicky & Michael, Laura & Tyler, May the Lord Bless you and Keep you and make His face to shine upon you and bring you His Peace that surpasses all understanding. My sincere condolences to you all with the passing of a dear dear father and loving husband. Lovingly Cheryl Braunwarth and family ~ Cheryl Braunwarth
"Auntie" Jacky, Vicki, Laura, and extended families: Words cannot begin to express our sadness on the passing of your husband, father, and grandfather. I remember "Uncle Gary" very fondly as a young kid growing up, and always looked forward to visiting them in Winnipeg, then in Airdrie shortly after you moved there, as well as your annual visits to Dauphin for the Ukrainian Festival. He was always upbeat and happy, and every time he came through the door you knew you were going to have a good time. He sure made me laugh with his frequent comments (who could forget his distinctive hearty laugh?) and always treated my brother and I like his own children, calling us "son" and spoiling us with gifts and toys. He was a big man with a bigger heart, and I will miss him dearly. Rest In Peace Uncle Gary. ~ Brian, Shannon, Lauren, and Madison Rehirchuk
Today and always, may loving memories bring you strength, comfort and peace. We are sending our love and condolences to the entire family and friends. With much love. ~ Lynette & Larry Duncan
I worked for Gary 24 years ago at Great Notrhern Truckwash. He was a great boss. Funny and kind. I am sorry to stumble across this sad news as I searched for one of my most memorable bosses. He even had a nickname for me because I was from Nova Scotia. It was pretty funny and he absolutely loved that I got a kick out of it and answered to it. I worked with a guy named Brian and Chief. Two good 'ol boys that were great to work with as well. I am sorry for your sad times and your loss. My sincerest condolences. ~ Brad Whitewood