GARY THOMAS LOCKHART

GARY THOMAS LOCKHART
It is with extreme sadness that we share the passing of our husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend. Gary Lockhart passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024 at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital.

Gary will be missed by his wife, Patricia; son, Sean (Angela) and grandson, Anderson; daughter, Erin (Barry); sister, Diane (Doug); brothers-in-law, Ted (Kathy), Rod (David), Doug (Tracy); cousins, nephews and nieces, and dear friends.

Gary is predeceased by his parents Andy and Bertha Lockhart; in-laws Jack and Evelyn Sharman; cousin Jim; brother-in-law Evan; and friends Russ, Heather, Cathy, and Don.

Gary was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on December 2, 1951 to a loving family involved in all aspects of the farming community. 4H and curling… he enjoyed and excelled at both. Given Gary’s wonderful way with words, outgoing personality, and hard work, he was chosen for a national 4H Selection trip to Toronto in 1969 after being voted valedictorian of his graduating class.

Farming was Gary’s calling. While attending Vocational Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, Gary met Patricia through mutual friends, and it was the beginning of a beautiful love and friendship. Married June 1, 1973 in Saskatoon, they moved to Winnipeg with agricultural work, then to the family farm in 1974 to join his father, Andy.

Gary and Patricia were blessed with two wonderful children. Life revolved around the family, the farm, and a great farming community – can’t get much better than that.

Gary was always enthused about innovative electronics and soon became an area representative for satellite dishes and for farm computer software. This was in the early 1980s at the cutting edge of these advancements. A lover of music, our home often boomed with rock and country. He was a heck of a good dancer.

There wasn’t much that Gary couldn’t put his hand to, not just with binder twine and duct tape. He was vehicle enthusiast and all-around handyman. In the fall of 1995, Gary sold the farm and pursued a real estate career, starting in Medicine Hat. He very much enjoyed his colleagues at Royal LePage. With his in-laws in poor health and needing them, Gary and Patricia moved to Victoria in 2001, where Gary continued as a realtor.

After moving to Abbotsford in 2006, Gary spent time renovating the house and studying the stock market. Gary was a news junkie and loved a good political discussion. On a trip to Ireland to see Erin, the heartwarming highlight was visiting the Letterkenny farm his father left behind to immigrate to Canada. Multiple vacations to Mexico were special with family and friends.

We will miss Gary’s wonderful storytelling, sense of humour, and strong presence. Much loved. Never forgotten.

We extend gratitude to the care given by Abbotsford paramedics and ICU staff. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice or to the CNIB, one of Gary’s charities, in honour of his mother. The family will gather to celebrate Gary’s life at a date to be determined.

To leave a message of condolence, you may visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/abbotsford-bc/gary-lockhart-11937432