Gary was born on January 5, 1950, in Killarney MB to Franklin and Olive McDowell. Gary’s primary years of education were in Killarney. The family owned a dairy farm but in 1962 sold the farm in Killarney and bought a dairy farm in Deleau. Gary then attended Deleau and Hartney school. Gary moved with his family for a short time to Carenport SK but would move back to Souris and marry his soul mate Karen Denbow May 23, 1970. In 1973 Karen and Gary would welcome a son, Darrell and in 1975 a daughter, Shelly.
Gary had many occupations throughout his years, baker, cheese maker, water plant operator, farmer, landscaper, life insurance agent, real-estate salesman and appraiser, developer, auctioneer. He was a man of many talents!
In 1997 Gary and Karen moved off the farm to Souris MB and his son Darrell and wife Mina took over the farming operation.
In retirement Gary enjoyed going south for the winter. He started a karaoke club at the good life park in Mesa Az and enjoyed sharing his talent of singing Elvis tunes.
Gary was called home to his heavenly father on July 31, 2024. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Franklin and Olive, brothers, Ron and Alvin and a still born daughter, Julie. He is survived by his loving wife Karen of 54 years, son Darrell (Mina) McDowell, daughter Shelly (Jeremy) Hoerer. Six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral service was held at the Centennial Centre, Hartney, Manitoba on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. Private interment in the Deleau Cemetery. In memory of Gary, donations may be made to the Gideon Bible or to the Turtle Mountain Bible Camp.
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Our sympathies to the McDowell family in the passing of Gary. Our families were often involved in the same connections growing up and I remember Gary as the youngest of the five boys. Since school age days we have had a lot less contact. May God grant you comfort in happy memories and the hope of meeting again. Peace and guidance in the times to come.
Isabel Acheson (Fraser)
Karen and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere condolences Karen & Family.
Sincerely, Traci & Clive
Karen, so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time
My sincerest sympathy Karen and family, and to Gordon and Lynne. May your precious memories comfort you at this time of loss and in the days ahead. -Joan Dufily
Karen , Darrell , Shelly and families
Jack and I were very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. May it help you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep your fond memories close to your hearts.
Our memories are ours to cherish. We extend our deepest sympathies.
I can’t even begin to think how broken hearted you and the family are right now! So many good memories are spinning in my head right now, of times spent with you and Gary and the family! I pray God keeps you all in His arms during this difficult time I love you all and always will❤️
Karen my condolences to you and your family , at this time.
I am so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I had the great privilege of working with Gary on a recording of Elvis’s gospel music tracks. He was a wonderful singer and very passionate about the message which he was singing. Gary knew that his health was failing and and wanted his family to have something that they could cherish after he was gone. This made my work as a music producer all the more prescious over the last couple of weeks. My love and condolences to all of Gary’s family.
Sympathies to Karen, Shelly, Darrell and families.
We were so sorry to read about Gary. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing Karen. Thinking of you & the family
Karen, Darrell, Shelly & Families It was such a privilege to meet Gary and such a wonderful man. We enjoyed and will always remember his Elvis impersonation and special music at our talent time at JOY Camp last year. We pray for God’s peace and comfort in your deep loss and grateful for the wonderful hope we have in Christ and the reunion that awaits you. Hugs
May you feel God’s loving arms wrapped around you tight, comforting you in this very difficult time. Even though I just briefly got to meet him at JOY Camp, I know he was a wonderful man. He will be missed greatly.
My sincere condolences to you Karen and your family!
Thinking of you at this very difficult time!
Karen and Family
May Gary’s spirit guide and comfort you in the days ahead. Our sincere condolences.
Karen and Family,
Sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Sincere condolences to you and your family.
Karen and family, sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. My condolences to you and your family
Karen and Family, my sincere condolences. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Darrell & Mina, your Mom & sister & family
So very sorry to hear of your loss.
You’re in our thoughts & prayers. May God’s peace envelop you during this difficult time.
Our sympathies to you and your family, Karen. We were very saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. We had such a lovely visit with you both last week. Leo and I have fond memories of working together on the cabin at Oak Lake all those years ago. Cherish your many memories. May he rest in peace.
Our sincere condolences Karen on the passing of Gary. Love to all the family!
BEV & Hugh LINDHOLM
Karen we were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing! Our hearts go out to you and your family as you mourn his loss. God is with you! Our prayers are with you as well.
Love Don & Helen Stuart.
I remember Gary from way back since his family was friends with my family. I have more recent memories of Gary on his motorcycle, and he’d always stop and have a chat with me and my husband Craig when we were in Souris. He was a very special person, and he will be sadly missed. Our deepest condolences to Karen and family, and friends and extended family. May God surround you with his love and peace. ❤️
Karen and family, we were so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Karen and family please accept my sincere sympathy. He will be missed by so many in the community.
Dear Karen,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Gary.
Sincerely,
Pam Whitfield
Dear Karen and All Families
Try to remember the little things, the shared smiles, the warm hugs, the laughter. The pain might seem unbearable now, but in time, it is the memories that will win through and you will find happiness again.
Sincerely
The Family of Mark and Margie Janz
Dave and Gail janz
Marilyn Forsyth
Sorry we could not be there in person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Gary’s life.
Karen and family : my sincere condolences in Gary’s passing
Karen and family : my sincere condolences
So sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dear Karen and Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you in deepest sympathy.
We wish you strength in the Blessings of Family, joy in the memories cherished and grace in the days ahead to ease your heart.
I am so pleased we had time together visiting at the time of the Souris fair. We have many good and fond memories of visits and times shared.
Much love, Lorna Eastman, Grant Burson and family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Hold onto all the special memories!
Gary will be missed by so many.
Condolences to the Family on Gary’s passing. He ran a good buisness for many years, and loved to sing and shared that talent with others. Karen, I am so sorry, and hope you can find some comfort in all the memories you two had made together.
Most sincere sympathies in the loss of Gary. May good memories fill your hearts as you remember him!
Karen and family my sincere condolences on Gary’s passing.
It seemed so sudden. Good memories of working with Gary.