Last Post: Reg.#25057 & O.1556 Supt. Gary A. Stait

Last Post

Reg.# 25057 / O.1556 Supt Gary A. STAIT died Feb 3, 2010 at Kelowna, B.C. He had been holidaying in Mexico when he suffered a heart attack, was airlifted home and died shortly afterward.

He served from 1966 to 2002 in 'F' 'HQ' 'D' 'B' 'E' & 'H' Divs. Regrettably Gary STAIT suffered a heart attack while holidaying in Mexico. He was medivaced back to Kelowna and passed away. Stait, Gary (2010-02-02) STAIT, Gary Allen passed away suddenly on February 2, 2010 in Kelowna, BC at the age of 64. Devoted husband to his wife of 41 years, Laurie and their three children: Stephanie (Chris Oriwol) and their three children: Curtis, Ryan and Ethan; Suzanne (Joe DiRocco) and their daughter Mia; son Bill; two brothers: Bob (Judy), Vern (Judy) and a large extended family. Gary was a proud member of the RCMP for 35 years, retiring to Kelowna in 2004.

 A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 8th at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC, 4-1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077 - 250-860-7077. Gary was born in Hamilton, ON to Eric and Marion (nee Reid) Stait.

As the youngest of three boys, Gary grew up and formed his strong and competitive character. After high school, he spent one year working in a steel factory before discovering his true calling at the RCMP in 1966. Gary’s first posting was Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he met and married Laurie Hobbs. Their two daughters Stephanie and Suzanne were born in Saskatoon before the young family moved to Regina, where son Bill was born. From Saskatchewan the family moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba then St. John’s Newfoundland, and on to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

By the time all three kids were in University, Gary and Laurie were transferred to Victoria, British Columbia and then Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Gary was a proud and devoted member of the RCMP. Through hard work, humility and dedication he enjoyed a long successful career with the force. In 2002, Gary retired from Wolfville as Superintendent after 36 years in the force.

Retirement was a joyous and busy time for Gary and Laurie. They loved to discover new places together and with friends. They traveled extensively throughout Australia, Asia, Europe and Hawaii. They spent summers in Kelowna and winters in Arizona. Gary was an avid golfer and was a member of the Kelowna Springs Golf Course.

He was also an active member of the RCMP Veterans’ Association, the Rotary Club of Kelowna and the Royal Canadian Legion. Gary made a lasting impression on the people he met. He will be remembered for his loyalty to friends and family, generosity with his time and his overall good humor. Throughout Gary’s life he displayed energy and diverse interest including collecting, bee keeping, brick laying, furniture restoration, hiking, fishing, golf however first and foremost Gary was a family man devoted to his wife and partner Laurie, his three children and four grandchildren.

Gary will be deeply missed by his wife and family, as well as the many friends he made throughout his life across Canada and the US.


FFF – 10-02-10


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