test Book of Memories for Gary George Wakelin Recent updates for the Book of Memories http://newcastlefuneralhome.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/201872/runtime.php?SiteId=201872&NavigatorId=919208&ItemId=2866513&op=tributeMemorialCandles&viewOpt=dpaneOnly Frontrunner Professional Book of Memories V4 en-gb Story shared: A Great Soul http://newcastlefuneralhome.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/201872/runtime.php?SiteId=201872&NavigatorId=919208&ItemId=2866513&op=tributeFamilyStories&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&gid=story6648919 I first met Gary during my first week in the Rogers NOC.  Gary was one of the experienced  NOC techs us newbies were to sit with and learn the ropes. Probably because he was so affable and patient with all of us.   I don't think there was a single person in the NOC who didn't love Gary.   He was wonderful to work with and when I was promoted to Manager I was overjoyed to have Gary on my team.   Gary was my measure for grading other employees.  He was my good, solid, citizen who worked with anyone and got the job done and cared about the quality of his work. Anyone who couldn't meet "the Gary metric"  was rated lower.    

I will never forget his  laughter or that twinkle in in his eye that he would get before telling us a joke or telling us one of his hilarious stories about a scheme he was thinking up  or regaling us all with his exploits on his day off.   He always seemed to have something go awry on his days off.  I had nicknamed him "Mr Bean" as a result.  I always recall  his "Weed Whacker Story" when he tripped on a rock whilst using the weed whacker and ended up tumbling down the lawn and hitting his head. We probably shouldn't have laughed but he laughed so hard relaying the incident that he had all of us in hysterics.  The unforgettable and legendary  "Rustabird". Gary's old T-Bird  that eventually   had Gary breathing in toxic exhaust fumes as it was so rusted out.  

He was a good, caring person and my life and his colleagues lives are so much better for having known him. It is a testament to just how lovely a man he was that all of us from those days,  despite having moved on in our careers always takl about a "Gary story".    There are not many people who touch that many peoples lives so positively.    We were all lucky to have known him and it is with profound sadness that I write this.  A great soul serves everyone all the time. It never dies, it brings us together again and again and that  is exactly what Gary is doing.  Bringing us together again and again to laugh and to remember him with great joy and love.  

May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time

Janet MacKinnon 

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Shared Photos Wed, 08 Mar 2017 16:38:49 EST
Story shared: Good Ol' Cantel Paging Guy http://newcastlefuneralhome.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/201872/runtime.php?SiteId=201872&NavigatorId=919208&ItemId=2866513&op=tributeFamilyStories&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&gid=story6648897 So many stories we could share about Gary during our stay at Cantel Paging's "Central Desk".

He tought me about Pager Group Call, who else stillknows how that worked?

My favourite moment is actually about the shared 3-hole puncher that we kept at Central Desk and kept disappearing, until Gary decided to put a note on it that said that a bad curse would follow anyone who didn't return the thing after using it. It never went missing again.

And that shows Gary's great sense of humour.

 

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Shared Photos Wed, 08 Mar 2017 11:19:33 EST
Story shared: His infectious laugh http://newcastlefuneralhome.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/201872/runtime.php?SiteId=201872&NavigatorId=919208&ItemId=2866513&op=tributeFamilyStories&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&gid=story6648851 Gary and I worked together for a number of years at Rogers. He had this infectious laugh and kind heart. He helped train me when I started at Rogers NOC. He was gracious, kind and always made our shifts a little more goofy and fun. His brilliant soul will be missed. R.I.P my friend. Alexander

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Shared Photos Tue, 07 Mar 2017 14:52:54 EST