Feb 10, 1958 - May 18, 2018
Gary E. Spendiff, 60, of Whitehorse, YT, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 after a ferocious battle with cancer. As many in the Yukon know, Gary was a plumber. He was well known for his expertise, his loyalty, his assiduity and pride of workmanship. The satisfaction of his customers was always first and foremost.
Gary & Denise at City Plumbing were named by his friend contractors as the "plumbing sharks" of the Yukon! At the end of his work day Gary would unwind and take pleasure by walking to the garden to tend to his plantation of 100 Saskatoon bushes, 300 ft of raspberry bushes, hundreds of strawberries, his 400 pound potato patch and huge vegetable garden. One day he asked Denise why she spent so much time preserving the fruit and vegetables from the garden. She replied, "why did you have to build such a big garden!"
On Sunday afternoons, Gary's entertainment was a trip to the wood lot to gather wood for the winter and of course going to Saturday morning garage sales. He also enjoyed tinkering with automotive stuff. He loved to make something out of nothing and bring broken things back to life. He was a no fuss, no nonsense, very practical, good natured kind of guy. He will be sorely missed by many.
Gary is survived by his partner in life and in business, soulmate and best friend Denise Roy, his daughter Amanda, his son Garrett, his stepdaughter Rikki Fontaine and husband Andy Lachance, one sister, Marlene (Terry), four brothers Clayton (Pikhun), Charlie (Debbie), Lorne (Karmen) and Neil (Anne), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Freida Spendiff.
A very special thank you to Gary's primary doctor, Dr. Stephanie Buchanan who cared for him so awesomely. Many thanks to Dr. Becky Barnes, Dr. Stephanie Matchett, Dr. Lucille Stewart and Dr. Pool who also excelled in their care of Gary. To the nursing staff at Whitehorse General Hospital, you truly are "a cut above the rest" and Gary wanted you to know that. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Vancouver General Hospital, BC Cancer Agency and to the Home Care team in Whitehorse.
A heartfelt thank you to all our friends who helped us in big and small ways during this very difficult time. To Terry and Laura Small a huge thank you for looking after our home and for all the comfort and caring during this difficult ordeal.
"Au revoir mon amour", and thank you for all you have taught me and for all you have given me.
A Celebration of Life will be held on a date to be announced later this summer.