Gary passed away peacefully at the young age of 78, at the TBHRHSC with family and friends by his side. Dad’s heart and soul had many more years to go “Double time” but his lungs made it hard for him to continue.
Dad was born in Hamilton, ON to June and Mike McCourt, moving to SSM where he went to school and played hockey. Having little money, he would strap magazines to his legs for shin pads. He skated against famous Esposito brothers knowing they couldn’t catch him. Dad loved the Montreal Canadiens and would challenge anyone to disagree.
He then started his first job pumping gas at a local gas station. Dad always wanted bigger and better and this is when he moved to Thunder Bay and started trucking. Dad worked for McKevitt Trucking and Lakehead Freightways and finally saved up enough to purchase his pride possession, the Kenworth. Dad was known across Canada as the “Northern Dancer”.
Dad married Lucille in 1965 and then had his next prize possession “me” Marguerite, also known as “The Irish Brat and Beaver Lumber Leftover” I love you Dad.
After trucking for decades, an opportunity came to move to Upsala, where he purchased and created “Gary’s Lac Des Milles Lac Bait and Tackle Restaurant, his business became a huge sucess from working long hard hours which is something he always did.
He was happy to see his former trucking buddies who stopped in regularly along with meeting a new group of fishermen and women who also became close friends. Dad’s next and final adventure was to purchase property at Sawmill Bay and created the largest and finest ice fishing hut business in the area that no one else could ever accomplish. Dad would never slow down and was always willing to lend a hand to whoever needed it. He loved meeting new people which became great friends. One of his favourite questions was “Any new gossip? Well let’s start some”.
He also called a “spade a spade”. Out at Lac there were many great years of memories, parties and “OV’s”.
Dad met Maureena and together they spent their time doing what they loved. Dad enjoyed his houseboat. “What happens on the houseboat stays on the houseboat”. He loved to tell stories of his big catch of fish, but we all knew he was a better captain than a fisherman.
Dad’s health was declining and sadly had to sell his business and retire in Thunder Bay, the last 6 years were spent enjoying visits from his family and friends. Thank you to Ronnie and Cindy Connell, Rick and Brenda Lyons, Terry and Taina Homer, Susy Neumann, Kelly Thom and Curtis Sneve for all your support, dedication, friendship and constant help. He truly loved all of you.
Thank you to Brent, Carri Lynn and Dean for all their help over the last few months with Dad, Maureena and Lu Lu, truly meant the world to him.
Thank you to all the nurses and doctors at TBRHSC 2A ward and a special thank you to Dr. Ek, Dr. Migay and Dr. Turner for your special attention to “Cranky Gary”.
Dad leaves behind his baby Lu Lu of 15 years, daughter Marguerite (Curtis) and grandsons: Ryder, Matthew and Mitchell. Mackenzie, Tessa and Kelton Sneve: sister Darlene (John) of SSM, ON. who will miss him more than words can express.
Predeceased by his partner Maureena Johnson, brother Pat, sister Sharon, parents Mike and June and niece Kathleen Winslow.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Gary’s life will be held at a later date when he will be laid to rest for his final adventure at Lac.
Should friends so desire donations may be made in Gary’s memory to an animal shelter of your choice.
