It is with great sadness that the family of Rev. Gary Robert Carruthers announce that on Saturday, April 10th, 2021, Gary passed away peacefully at Boyne Lodge in Carman, Manitoba. He was surrounded by his wife Jean, the love and prayers of his son Graham, daughter Sara, his family and Jean's family, as well as the dozens of pictures of his loving families visible on the walls of his room.
Gary was born in February 1945 to the late George Earl Carruthers and Patricia Mae (Burton) Carruthers. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean; his children, Graham, Sara (Trevor); grandchildren, Lauren, Cameron, Grace, Aliyah; siblings, George (Bev), Linda (Howard), Joan (Richard), nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and other family & friends. Also remembered by Jean's family: Sheryl (Scott), Paula (Gene), grandchildren Delaney & Emma. In addition, he will be remembered by Jean's siblings, their families, and the rest of her extended family, as well as friends at the Lodge and in the Carman community.
Family and friends will fondly remember Gary for his hardworking hands that crafted beautiful woodworking projects and he renovated many homes over the years, including working with Graham to build the beautiful home on College Line.
Rev. Gary first served in the United Church of Canada as a student minister at Dashwood and Zurich while he completed his Arts Degree at Western University. After ordination, he served the congregations of Salford and Foldens and then at Central United in Sarnia. Gary will be remembered by these congregations, the Presbyteries and his clergy colleagues for his passion and work within the Church. During these years, his volunteer service for Ingamo Family Homes in Woodstock also brought him joy and a sense of serving the communities in another very important way.
Gary's happiest hours were spent being ‘Papa’ to the grandchildren, playing, snuggling, teasing and loving each other. Papa’s face beamed so brightly when he was around his grandchildren.
Many hours were spent on the golf course where he worked to perfect his golf swing at any opportunity! Be it his son, daughter, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, the regular foursome, or somebody else at a course also looking for a partner to play with, he was available for a round. After his stroke in 2008 he still played with the foursome at Huron Oaks Golf Course, family, and most memorable was the game with Graham at the FireRock Golf Club near Komoka, ON. After moving to Carman, there was another golf buddy who took him to the course for an occasional, adapted round.
Gary loved music: religious music and jazz and blues, but no music gave him as much joy as hearing Sara’s voice or Graham’s own works on his keyboard.
A very special thank you goes out to the staff of the Boyne Lodge in Carman, Manitoba, who have been exceptional with their care and attention to Gary over the last 2 and ½ years.
Gary's funeral is still being discussed. Interment will be at Victoria Memorial Gardens, Windsor, ON.
Memorial Donations in Gary’s name may be made to Mission & Service, United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4; Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, online or to 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 8R9; or a charity of your choice.
To view Garys' serivce on Sunday April 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m (Central Time) follow the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting through the link or toll free number.
Time: Apr 25, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83608350980
Toll Free: 1 855 703 8985 Canada
Gary was born in February 1945 to the late George Earl Carruthers and Patricia Mae (Burton) Carruthers. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jean; his children, Graham, Sara (Trevor); grandchildren, Lauren, Cameron, Grace, Aliyah; siblings, George (Bev), Linda (Howard), Joan (Richard), nieces and nephews, numerous cousins and other family & friends. Also remembered by Jean's family: Sheryl (Scott), Paula (Gene), grandchildren Delaney & Emma. In addition, he will be remembered by Jean's siblings, their families, and the rest of her extended family, as well as friends at the Lodge and in the Carman community.
Family and friends will fondly remember Gary for his hardworking hands that crafted beautiful woodworking projects and he renovated many homes over the years, including working with Graham to build the beautiful home on College Line.
Rev. Gary first served in the United Church of Canada as a student minister at Dashwood and Zurich while he completed his Arts Degree at Western University. After ordination, he served the congregations of Salford and Foldens and then at Central United in Sarnia. Gary will be remembered by these congregations, the Presbyteries and his clergy colleagues for his passion and work within the Church. During these years, his volunteer service for Ingamo Family Homes in Woodstock also brought him joy and a sense of serving the communities in another very important way.
Gary's happiest hours were spent being ‘Papa’ to the grandchildren, playing, snuggling, teasing and loving each other. Papa’s face beamed so brightly when he was around his grandchildren.
Many hours were spent on the golf course where he worked to perfect his golf swing at any opportunity! Be it his son, daughter, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law, the regular foursome, or somebody else at a course also looking for a partner to play with, he was available for a round. After his stroke in 2008 he still played with the foursome at Huron Oaks Golf Course, family, and most memorable was the game with Graham at the FireRock Golf Club near Komoka, ON. After moving to Carman, there was another golf buddy who took him to the course for an occasional, adapted round.
Gary loved music: religious music and jazz and blues, but no music gave him as much joy as hearing Sara’s voice or Graham’s own works on his keyboard.
A very special thank you goes out to the staff of the Boyne Lodge in Carman, Manitoba, who have been exceptional with their care and attention to Gary over the last 2 and ½ years.
Gary's funeral is still being discussed. Interment will be at Victoria Memorial Gardens, Windsor, ON.
Memorial Donations in Gary’s name may be made to Mission & Service, United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4; Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, online or to 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 8R9; or a charity of your choice.
To view Garys' serivce on Sunday April 25, 2021 at 1:00 p.m (Central Time) follow the link below.
Join Zoom Meeting through the link or toll free number.
Time: Apr 25, 2021 02:00 PM Eastern Time
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83608350980
Toll Free: 1 855 703 8985 Canada