GAW..the family of Roger Geoffrey Gaw is heartbroken to announce the passing of a much-loved husband, father and grandfather on Saturday, September 8, 2018 after a 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Roger was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec on June 12, 1939.
He moved with his parents and siblings to New Zealand in December 1954. After the tragic death of his father eleven months later, Roger decided to return to Canada working at different jobs until he settled as an equipment mechanic and heavy equipment operator for American Can in Caramat. He then moved to Thunder Bay and worked for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Elevators and later for North West Hydraulics where he remained until he opened his own business, Custom Hydraulics Ltd., with two partners in 1979.
In 1996, he sold his business and later worked for Auto Parts Central as a driver, making many new friends and reconnecting with many others. Roger was a fastball pitcher first in New Zealand and then here at home for nearly 20 years. He also enjoyed curling, golfing, fishing and biking. And, of course, blueberry picking was his ultimate passion. Most of all, he loved his family and was very dedicated to them.
Roger is survived by his loving wife June, his daughters Lindsay Gaw-Martin (Harley) and grandchildren Emily, Zachary and Avery, Melissa Sdao (Darrell), granddaughter Maddie, Laurie Mallon (Jeff Hebert), grandsons Finley, Keegan and Gibson, Stephanie Gaw and son, Glenn (Sheena) and grandchildren Lucas and Lylah. A sister Gail Akavi (Andrew), Australia and sister-in-law, Dixie Taber, Thunder Bay, also survive, as well as many nieces and nephews in Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
He was predeceased by his parents Agnes and Samuel, brothers Donald and Stewart, sisters Barbara and Lois, his in-laws, Dagmar Norby, Arthur Norby and brothers-in-laws Dale Norby, Walter Taber and Adam Gommerman. Mae Gommerman and Donna Norby, sisters-in-law, also predeceased him.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 13th at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 290 Grenville Avenue with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held one hour prior to service time.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Our Lady of Loretto Elevator Fund or the Regional Food Distribution Association (RFDA) would be most gratefully appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Sargent & Son Funeral Home, 21 N. Court Street. On-line condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.
