Gary Zacher
December 10th, 2022
It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Gary Zacher on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the age of 71.
Gary will always be lovingly remembered by his wife Dianne; daughter Leah (Brad) Belles; grandchildren Cody, Katelyn and Emily; great-grandchildren Baya, Knox and Layla; also lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Mary Leippi; his sisters Bonnie (Mark) Bennett and Shirley; and his brother Terry.
Gary was predeceased by his parents Julius and Elisabeth, and his brother Jerry.
Gary spent almost 40 years working in the Regina Health District, starting at the Regina General Hospital, then the Plains Health Centre and retiring as Orthopaedic Technologist at the Pasqua Hospital. He loved his work and that was evident in his demeanor. Not too often when we were out and about that someone didn't recognize him and say hello. He also loved to play jokes, as his former colleagues can attest to.
Gary gave true meaning to the words "to love unconditionally". He was respectful, humble and kind. Each one of us benefited from that love. He especially loved being Papa and he was very much loved in return.
Words cannot express our appreciation to the Home Care Team and the Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit 3A. It is our belief that God placed each one of you in our path at his choosing. Bless you.
It was an honor and a privilege to be married to this man for the past 52 years. We were childhood sweethearts and every day we were together was a blessing. My Gary - Home with the Lord.
A Private Celebration of Gary’s Life will take place at a later date.
Our Papa
My papa was one of the best people I had been so lucky to get the chance to know and love. He was a one of a kind person. He was the type of person you’d meet, and you could never forget because of his kindness and his beautiful soul that gleamed through his eyes that lit up every-time he spoke and made you feel safe.
He was the most giving and selfless person, he always did everything in his power that he could to make sure that we were okay growing up, that we had everything we needed and more. Papa made so many memories for me that I’ll never forget, and that made me who am I today. I will never forget all the nights we spent dancing away in the basement and having dance parties with strobe lights and you playing for the drums for us, showing us every song on the album and drumming along. I’ll never forget you lifting us up at the cabin to pick the blueberries off the trees, how I used to fall asleep on the couch on purpose when I was a little girl while we were having movie nights so you could carry me up to bed and tuck me in, how you would take me sledding and I would make you pull me up the hill after we went down and you never complained once, how we would have dinner party’s and light the candles in the middle of the tables and tell stories, how we would sit on Saturday mornings and you would play games with me for hours, how you always used to make me breakfast every sleepover. You always had ice cream or some kind of treat waiting for me, you’d let me have banana splits for breakfast like every little kid dreams of.
You made me feel so special growing up, you never made me apologize for being who I am and you were so proud of me. Most of all, seeing how you unconditionally loved my Nana and how well you treated her, and how much you loved her, and how much you loved us all, made me set real standards in life of what it means to be loved by somebody else, but it seemed like almost nobody could ever compare to you and your sweet soul. You changed who I am forever and from your peanut, I love you so much, and I am forever grateful to have had somebody like you to love me unconditionally.
“The pain of parting is nothing to the joy of meeting again.”
Messages:
Dianne and family. I also had the privilege to work with a Gary in Emerg at the Plains. He epitomized what it meant to work as a team. He showed compassion, had a great sense of humour and was just an all around great guy. I was so fortunate to have known him, he leaves me with such great memories. My condolences Dianne to you and yours.
My sincere condolences to you Dianne and your family. Gary was such a wonderful and caring person. I often went to the cast room to get advice on many different types of orthopaedic surgery. He was a great wealth of knowledge and he helped me see the overall picture of surgery, not just my part in the operating room. He was definitely a prankster, and I did reciprocate when he had his ankle surgery! I always called him Dr. B’s right hand man! He will be greatly missed by everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with you always.
My deepest condolences to you all. I too worked with Gary at the PHC a prankster for sure. I also am grateful for his wealth of knowledge in orthopaedics. A professional and teacher extraordinare. Dianne and family May you take comfort in knowing he was so loved by so many. Sending you prayers of peace love and comfort during this time. Rest easy Gary. See you on the other side of the stars.
Dear Dianne and Leah and the families. It is with heavy hearts that we felt when we heard that this wonderful man has left you all. We were so fortunate to have many times with you both, as Margot said that No One new how to fix Dad's bad casting like Gary. The Bachynski family has so many wonderful times with you and Gary. In laughter and tears, as now our heart are sad to hear of his passing. All our prayers go out to the family. Hope to see you soon. The Bachynski. Del,and Al
Very upsetting hearing about the loss of someone so special to everyone. I worked neuro for many years so had lots of experience with his expertise with halo traction. He truly was one of a kind.
Dear Dianne and family and sisters…..so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Although our encounters were minimal over the years, I always felt a closeness to Gary whenever we were sharing in a family event. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time in your lives. Do know he was thought of in a special way. Karen
Dear Zacher family, I was so saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. I knew him from working at the Plains health Centre as I was a lab tech there and we had many occasions to interact. He was such a great guy, so caring and so knowledgeable. He was such a prankster and the tricks he pulled were so much a part of him. Rest In Peace dear friend, we’ll meet again in a better place. Pat and Gary Anderson Penticton BC
I first met Gary when we both worked at the Plains Health Centre. Dianne, your comments overwhelmed me with loss as your words said exactly what I was thinking when I saw Gary's obit in the Leader. What a fine man! He was so generous and kind, optimistic and precise in his work, and a friend to many. You were blessed to have him for a husband, dad and papa. I'm so sad for you all.
Our condolences to Dianne and all the family. We've know Gary for a long time
Dianne, Leah, Brad and Family My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Gary has taken a little piece of all of our hearts and will forever be remembered as a kind and loving man. Love Kathy
My sincere condolences to Diane and family on Gary’s passing. May loving memories live in your hearts forever and bring you comfort.
My Heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family. I worked as a Lab tech. for many years at the Plains Health Centre when Gary worked there. He was one of the nicest, kindest and funniest people we knew. Gary often joined the lab team at coffee breaks and we would all laugh together the whole time. Gary was a person who brought much laughter and happiness to others. Such beautiful words written in tribute by his family, he will surely be missed. Renee
It is with deep sympathy for Gary's family and sorrow at his death I write to say " this world has lost a great person." A lab tech for all the years the Plains Health centre was open we all enjoyed our time. Gary was involved with the hospital ball team as well as being the top in his profession. He was there if any one of us needed advice that was his expertise. I know you will all miss him, but may the many memories of happy, joyful times ease your sorrow. 93c929Marlyn Toderan
We knew Gary from his drumming days with the teen band, The Horizon. I occasionally ran into him at Home Depot. Sending our heartfelt condolences. He is gone far too young.
My deepest sympathies to Gary's family. He was an awesome Orthopoedic Tech. who was well liked by all his patients, coworkers and Drs. He will be missed GREATLY. Lawny Lanz[x-ray]
Bonnie, Shirley and Terry deepest sympathy from Auntie Eleanora Neigel and family Jean, Linda, Wade and I (Brenda). It was such a shock to read of Gary’s passing. We are all so sorry for the loss of your brother Gary. Bonnie, we seemed to only meet up at relative’s funerals in the past, let’s reconnect.
Deepest sympathy Dianne and family from Gary’s Auntie Eleanora Neigel (Julius’s sister) cousins Jean, Linda, Wade and I (Brenda). It was so very sad to read of Gary’s passing. Reading the tributes brought heartfelt tears and some giggles as I thought of the youngster I grew up with who stayed true to his nature and was well loved by so many whose lives his touched. I will never forget how smitten in love he was with you Dianne as a teenager. You were the same. All these years later and your beautiful words of your marriage to him is a testament of your love and devotion to each other. Next to you the sun rose and set in Leah. His love spread to grandchildren and great grandchildren. His legacy lives on in them. God bless you and comfort you all in this loss.
Please accept my deepest condolences to you Diane and family for your loss. I wish I could find the words to comfort you but I know your love for Gary will always continue even though you are parted. Auntie Gerry
I worked with Gary for many years while he was at the Plains Health Center. Gary was full of kindness, loyalty, and joy. We were partners in mischief and I adored going into work and planning our next "attack". We made an agreement not to get each other but that left everyone else at risk for the most hilarious pranks. One of the craziest was when a favorite doctor was leaving the emergency room and we coordinated our "attack", wrestled this 6'4" man, tied him down and Gary casted his arms with a long stick inside so he couldn't bend them. We then put him in a wheelchair and shoved him in an elevator pushing all the buttons. Needless to say we laughed ourselves silly and the pictures were beyond belief. Gary was loved by his co-workers and his patients. He was so filled with light and laughter, sharing it with everyone. You all have my deepest sympathy and 'm sorry for your loss
Dianne, Leah, Brad & family We have lost our best friend but have made so many memories over the past 50 years. All the laughs, pranks, trips & stories to mention a few will never be forgotten.
My heartfelt condolences Dianne to you and your family! I worked with Gary for many years at the Plains Emerg. He was a joy to work with and brightened many work days - he was kind and compassionate to all and a very skilled Ortho Tech. He will be dearly missed.
My deepest sympathies to Gary’s family in their loss. He was a great person and an outstanding orthopaedic technician. Physicians and nurses considered him the expert and relied on him to ensure the equipment was always applied perfectly. Patients benefited greatly with his skill. RIP Gary.
Our condolences go out to Dianne and family! I can say Gary was just like was previously been said! I had the privilege and honour to work with Gary for many years. We definitely had a lot of fun. Didn't seem like work at all. We loved it together for sure!
My condolence to you Dianne and family. I had the pleasure of working with Dianne and then meeting Gary in the mid 70’s. Gary then set a cast for my son in the later years. I would always pop into the two of you all over the city. Gary always had a smile on his face. You will be truly missed ❤️
Remembering Gary from working at the Plains especially. Well respected and fun to interact with. Rest easy Gary.
So sad to hear Gary has passed. He really was the kindest true gentleman I have ever met. A wonderful coworker and excellent with his ortho patients. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. You are now watched by your angel. Take care Marlene Willoughby
Gary was such a great guy .I worked many years with Gary in Emerg and true to your word he was a prankster! So many great memories of Gary and work He will be missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in peace Gary
Our condolences to Dianne and family. I have known Gary for many years from his working closely with the orthopaedic doctors at the General and Plains hospital. He was there for my daughter in her many trips to see Gary for help when she lost a wooden spoon down her cast or got her cast wet and was burning her skin. Gary always came to her rescue. Gary always had a smile and was so gracious to everyone and will be missed by many.
Wish we could find the right words to give you some comfort. We where blessed to have known Gary. Great memories from our RV trips. He was a good man. Our love to you and your family . Brenda & Ron
Our deepest condolences to Dianne and families. Gary was very kind and loved his work. You were very lucky to have him put a cast on if you needed it . Gary had a real love of practical jokes with a twinkle in his eye he was always up to pranking his co workers no one was safe. RIP Gary you will be greatly missed
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gary was a kind and wonderful coworker. He made every day fun at work and he treated everyone with respect and dignity. Your words bring to mind the kind of man he was.
I saw Gary many times when he purchased RV parts. Great guy, friendly, easy going and a very kind demeanour all the way around. Condolences to all of the family on your loss
Saddened to read Gary has passed. We were neighbours for several years at Lumsden Beach. Remembering a kind man who always took time for pleasant conversation. Know he will be missed.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family Leah. Your dad was an amazing man and will be greatly missed. Please hug your mom for me, tell her I love her. Love you too,
My heartfelt condolences to you Dianne & your Family Gary was such a wonderful generous person❤️ He will be sorely missed
Our condolences to Dianne and the family. Gary was a great person. I worked at Pasqua hospital and there was a day I would meet up with Gary in the hallways and he always a smile on and a big “good morning “ for you. You will missed dearly ♥️♥️ Allan
Sincere condolences to Dianne and family. I had the pleasure of working with Gary in the emergency dept at the Plains Health Center and Pasqua Hospital. He was a prankster but was also very dedicated to to his work, patients, physicians and nursing staff. You could always count on Gary to be there helping out no matter what the circumstances. It was a pleasure to be his supervisor and a loss when he retired. Rest in peace.