Passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on Wednesday, February 23rd, in his 81st year after a valiant fight with Cancer. Gary leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Margaret (Paterson), his four children June (Keith), John (Cyndy), Joanne (Paul), and Jim. Grandpa will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Stephanie (Peter), Brooks (Porchya), Dillon, Mitchell (Jenn), Victoria (Brad), Paige (Matt), Nicholas, Ashley, Shelbi (James), Megan (Riley), and Rylee. Grandpa will also be missed by his great-grandchildren Gwyn, Liam, Jordan, Makayla, Caleb, Evan, Makaila, Saddie, Kenzie, Tennessi, J.J, Callie, Blake, and one more on the way. Gary is also survived by his brothers and sisters Helen, Art (Jean), Leona (Jack), and Doug (Lynda). Gary will be missed by his many nieces and nephews as well. Gary is predeceased by his loving parents, Len and Adell Jefferson, his parents-in-law James and Audrey Paterson, and his brother-in-law James Paterson. Gary and his family moved to Fergus in 1959 after his parents purchased a Farm at the Irvine River just North of Fergus. Gary met the love of his life, Margaret, in 1960. Gary and Margaret were married in 1963 and then had their four children, while Gary farmed with his father Len for 16 years until his father retired in 1975. Gary continued dairy farming with his youngest brother Doug until Gary retired in 1999 on the farm up the road with his wife. Until Gary became ill, he continued to do cash crop farming and managed to take time to restore 11 antique tractors. Gary was a proud member of the Fergus Agricultural Society from the age of 24 and continued to be an active member for 54 years. Gary always was a kind and compassionate man who had a smile that could light up any room. Gary is leaving behind a huge legacy that will live on in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren forever. The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses of the Oncology Department at Groves Memorial Hospital in Fergus for their exceptional care in the past two years. The family asks that any donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice, in Gary’s name. Visitation will take place on Thursday March 3, 2022 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and a service will be held on Friday March 4, 2022 at 1pm at the Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus.
www.grahamgiddyfh.com