VLIEK, Gary - October 17, 1944 - November 9, 2018
On November 9, 2018, we lost a husband, father, brother, Popa and a friend.
Gary passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Hospital after suffering a stroke on November 5, 2018, in the arms of his wife and daughter, at the age of 74.
Beloved husband and best friend of over 26 years to Pat (nee Frith). Loving father to Amanda Diamond (Chris) and loving bonus-dad to Kelly Smith (Todd Newell). Adoring Popa to Calisha, Alexis, Hailey (deceased), Ella, Emily, Courtney and Owen (deceased) and bonus-Popa to Samantha and Joshua. Amazing fur-dad to Shane and fur-Popa to MacGyver.
Gary will be missed by sister Anna Vanderwal (John, deceased), brother Bill (Brenda) and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by parents Gerrit and Harmina Vliek, brother Fred (June) and first wife Susan.
Gary was born in Ermelo, The Netherlands, in 1944 and immigrated to Ontario with his family in 1952. We would especially like to thank Dr. Adam Gurau for his support and friendship to both of us during this terrible time. For those who were fortunate to know and love Gary, he was a truly amazing man. Over the years he overcame many health obstacles and rallied through them even when the odds were against him (thus his nickname that some of you know him by).
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Gary's Life will take place on Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at O'Neill Funeral Home, Stouffville. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m., with reception to follow. A private family interment will take place on November 29, 2018.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated.
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