Tag: Gary

Gary Galawan

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May 1, 1955- November 14, 2025

With great sadness, we announce the loss of Gary Galawan, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 14th, 2025. 

Gary was a devoted father to Crystal Galawan and Bryan Galawan (Charlene), and a proud grandfather to Alex and Eva. He is survived by his sister Debbie McDowell, and half sisters Theresa Baumung, Gail Kaban, and Rosemarie Desautels.

Born on May 1, 1955, to Rose (Tkachuk) and Michael Galawan, Gary grew up in Winnipeg, where he formed lifelong friendships—most notably with Rick Moore (Sharon). Gary, along with Rick, and a few others of his Gordon Bell high school friends loved riding their motorcycles— Gary on his cherished Goldwing. His passion for music and stereos began early; at 18, he and his friends built handmade speakers, which he used while sharing his love of music as a DJ at local socials and dances.

He built a long and dedicated career with CP Rail, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and camaraderie. His time their forged friendships that lasted decades.

In his retirement years, Gary found happiness on his motorcycle. He embraced the open road, taking trips through the Rocky Mountains, across the United States, and enjoying special getaways to Hawaii, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Arizona. A passionate Winnipeg Blue Bombers fan, he was known for his strong opinions, heartfelt letters, sharp wit, and his unwavering pride in his Ukrainian heritage. True to his Winnipeg roots, he loved finding a good deal and cherished sharing meals in the company of family.

He was a 45-year resident of West St. Paul, where Gary was an advocate for his community. He welcomed neighbours with warmth, and a friendly word for anyone passing by. In his later years, he showed profound devotion as a loving son while caring for his elderly father and stepmother, Stephanea.

Gregarious and warm, with a voice that could fill any room, Gary was a pillar of strength to his friends—a steady port in any storm. His presence, humour, and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

It was Gary’s request that no service be held in his honour, but his children ask that you take a moment to celebrate his life in your own way—whether that be raising a glass, enjoying food from your favourite Chinese restaurant, or even sharing a classic complaint about the CPR or your local government.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Gary’s memorial page using the comment field below.

Gary Brian Unrau

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January 4, 1955 – July 4, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Gary Brian Unrau, aged 70, on July 4, 2025, in Selkirk, Manitoba. Gary passed peacefully, in his sleep, in the comfort of his home.

Born on January 4, 1955, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Gary moved with his family to Clarkleigh Manitoba in 1963. After he was finished high school he relocated to Selkirk MB, it was there his roots were planted, and his journey truly began.

Gary lived a life defined by resilience, generosity, and kindness. He built a career in the mining industry, holding several drilling and blasting positions, and ultimately retiring as a grader operator at Birchtree Mine in Thompson. Gary was admired by his coworkers for his strong work ethic and humorous presence. After retiring in 2021, he returned to his hometown of Selkirk to enjoy his well-earned rest and reconnect with lifelong friends and family.

Gary was the youngest of five children with a heart of gold that welcomed all, even from a very young age. He was especially fond of children and took great joy in being a grandfather, step-grandfather, uncle, brother, and a wonderful friend. His greatest pride in life were his grandchildren: Malerie (Matthew) Champoux and Martine Champoux. His love for them was boundless and evident in everything he did.

Gary is survived by his daughters Monique (Marc) Champoux, Raven (Amythest) Redhead, and his son Paul (Shirley) Avanthay. He is also mourned by his sisters Ann (Stan) Funk and Margaret Turner.  He leaves behind many step-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the family, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

Gary was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean Unrau (new Hudson) in 2006, his parents Tina (nee Janzen) and Abe Unrau, his brother Albert (Dianne), his brother Frank, who died in infancy, and two brother in laws.

Gary had an uncanny ability to make people feel laugh even at his old jokes! His special friends were countless, and the ladies in his life, he often called sunshine, all of whom made him feel young and alive! His easy smile and storytelling spirit left a lasting impression on all who had the good fortune to know him. We will deeply miss Gary, he will always remain forever in our hearts. 

“He may have mined the earth, but it was hearts that Gary truly touched. He will be forever loved, always remembered.”

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Gary’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

Gary David Penzick

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October 14, 1959 – June 17, 2025

It is with deep and immense sadness that our family announces the passing of Gary Penzick. Peacefully, with his wife Mandy by his side, Gary passed away on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at the age of 65.

Gary is survived by his devoted wife Mandy of 36 years, his beloved dog Bella Brier, his sister Jean, nephews Jayson and Jeffrey (Bailey), great nephew Rylan; sister-in-law Susan, niece Colinda (Chris); brother-in-law Steven (Shelley), nephew Shayne; brother-in-law Michael (Sandie); niece Marlee (Jordan) great nephew Carter; and his international family Kathy, Maria, and Charli (Abdon) as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Our hearts will forever be broken to lose Gary so young due to his former medical doctor’s missed diagnosis. Gary had been living with prostate cancer unbeknownst to us for a few years before he was officially diagnosed with stage IV prostate cancer in 2021. Gary’s diagnosis immediately changed his life and the lives of his wife Mandy, his family, and his friends from that point forward. Gary fought so hard and wanted a longer life to be here for his wife Mandy, their dog Bella Brier, and to have more time with family; lifelong friends; neighborhood friends he recently reconnected with as well as new friends he met on his first cruise, but it wasn’t meant to be. Gary was very loyal, loving, caring, funny, and always willing to help out his family and friends when he could. Gary will be forever loved and forever missed by everyone who knew him.

Prior to Gary’s diagnosis he had worked hard all his life and his co-workers loved Gary. They treated each other like family. Gary remembered fondly his Simmons Family and his Burnbrae Family and enjoyed catching up with them when he could. When Gary semi-retired he purchased his own hot dog cart something his brother-in-law Mike encouraged him to do. Gary absolutely loved owning and operating his own cart, he especially enjoyed chatting with his customers rain or shine while he prepared their lunch.

Gary enjoyed many activities like walking and playing with his beloved dogs Bailey and Bella Brier; golfing; BBQ’s, playing cards and bocce ball with family and friends; listening to music; watching movies; travelling; playing and watching sports but especially watching and attending games for his favourite football team the Pittsburg Steelers; and his most recent activity he enjoyed was installing and fixing t.v. boxes for family and friends.

A special thank you to: Dr. Ededet Edet who graciously accepted Gary as a new patient. Dr. Sanjiv Badham for many years of chiropractic service. Olivia Birchall for all her help with Gary’s physiotherapy. HSC Surgery Department and HSC Rehabilitation Department. Gary’s sister Jean for all her help with caring and cooking for Gary and looking after Bella Brier. Mike, Sandie, Jayson, and Jeffrey for all their help with rides to and from the hospitals and Riverview Health Centre. Thank you to all our family, friends, and lifelong friends who visited Gary at Riverview Health Centre, although it was super hard for Gary it also meant a lot to him to have one more chance to see you all; also thank you to the Palliative Care staff and the staff at Riverview Health Centre 3 East for their excellent care and accommodations. 

Gary’s service will take place at Holy Eucharist Church on Saturday, July 5, 2025, with Father Michael Winn officiating. Honorary Pallbearers: Billy, Jeffrey, Steven, Michael, Gerald, and Maurice.

Following the service there will be a BBQ and Celebration of Life at our home.

Cremation and Interment will take place at a later date and Gary will be laid to rest at All Saints Cemetery.

Gary loved animals so in lieu of flowers donations in Gary Penzick’s memory can be made to: manitobaunderdogs.org (scroll down to donation or from the menu it’s under the help tab – then there is a donation tab “in memory of”).

If anyone wishes to order a memorial fingerprint keepsake please visit: Legacy Touch at ltportal.legacytouch.com and enter PIN # DVXX6VTP

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Gary’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

Gary John Hudson

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The Family of Gary John Hudson of Matlock, born April 15, 1937 is saddened to announce his passing on November 6, 2022.

Service to be held in spring of 2023 in Matlock.

Friends and family are invited to share condolences and memories on Gary’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

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