Public Service Alliance of Canada BC

Gary was an honourable and courageous member of the PSAC team, he fought the fight for his members and our Union, his legacy will live on for the Firefighters of DND, as all those allowances were achieved while he was the member of the Table 2 Bargaining team. For those of us that worked with Gary, he will be long remembered and he will remain an inspiration to all Trade Unionists that knew of him.

-Garry Fraser, UNDE 21013

Mass will held at 12 noon on Friday March 24th at St. Patrick’s RC Church, 2060 Haultain in Victoria.

OBITUARY GARY BERNARD SMITH

Died of cancer, at home, on Sunday March 19th 2006. Gary battled so courageously to the very end.

“Do not go gently, into that good-night… rage; rage; against the dying of the light!…”

Born July 11th, 1946 in Enfield, Hants Co., N.S., Gary joined the army at age 16, following an unforgiving rural upbringing, and the early death of his beloved mother, Nina. He entered the Queens Own Rifles infantry reg. in 1963 (later Princess Patricia reg.), through which he was stationed, (and settled) in Victoria, BC.

There he met his wife of 39 years, Patricia (nee Morrison), and they raised their family together. After 11 years in the army, (which included 2 peacekeeping tours in Cyprus), Gary joined the DND Fire Department at CFB Esquimalt, (and later Belmont/ Rocky Point) in 1974. He proudly served as a firefighter for 27 years.

During this time, however, he also served his fellow colleagues as their ally; advisor; Union President, and National Collective Bargaining Team member. Gary worked tirelessly for the fair treatment of his co-workers, both within the fire service, and on the CF Bases. He was known widely within UNDE, CUPE and PSAC, receiving an Honorary Life Membership for Services to the Union from UNDE in 2002, when he retired from the DND Fire Dept., to enjoy a brief stay with IDDL.

Sadly, like so many of his fellow firefighters, he was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly afterwards, and began his final fight. He is survived by his wife Pat; his daughters Traci (Joe) and Tami (Neville), grandsons Brett and Blake; and his sisters Betty Jo (Howard), Daun (Bob), Chris (Steve) and brother Lowell (Marlene), who send their immense thanks to all of those who cared for him during his battle.

Mass to be held at 12 noon on Friday March 24th at St. Patrick’s RC Church, 2060 Haultain, Victoria, BC, with Memorial Service Tribute and Reception to follow directly in the Parish Hall. Donations in lieu of flowers please, to CCS or the Victoria Hospice Society.