Gary William Markle

Gary William Markle passed away in July 2023 at the age of 76.  His children Simone, Rosalind, Shane, and Luke said their goodbyes on July 30th, and he passed in the wee hours of the 31st, with his son Shane by his side.  He had been struggling with COPD, and most recently lung cancer.

He was born in Toronto to Jack and Delia Markle on April 15th, 1947.  Gary is survived by six siblings, Sylvia, Olive, Earl, Susan, Ruth, and Lori and pre-deceased by brother Paul.  He leaves behind his four children, ex-wife Paula, (the mother of his children), three grandchildren, (Samantha, Bailey and Henry), and three great-grandchildren, (Aimee, Hanna and Skylar).

Gary was a very loving person with a big heart, who was deeply troubled by the injustices he encountered in the world.  He championed many causes in an effort to make some bit of difference wherever he could, giving freely his time and attention.  He was involved with the Federal NDP party and was so proud to have met Jack Layton.  He was there for friends and family, helping many who needed assistance by driving them to medical appointments and helping with errands.

He had the soul of an artist and expressed his creativity in a variety of mediums throughout his life, starting with photography and music.  He moved on to working with stained glass, wood, and fashioned many unique lamps from bits and pieces of treasure he found from garage sales and flea markets, another favourite pastime.  He had the talent to see a piece for its potential, and the patience and care to reveal that potential.  Later in life he turned to writing and honed his stories into a beautiful expression of the thoughts and experiences that shaped a life.  Talented in his many endeavours, those who knew him knew that he felt his greatest creation and proudest accomplishment was his kids.

Funeral services will be held on August 9th at St. John’s Dixie Cemetery and Crematorium, 737 Dundas Street East in Mississauga from 10 to 12.  The burial will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 6933 Tomken Road, Mississauga.

Anyone wishing to make a tribute to Gary’s life is encouraged to do what you feel would best represent you and your relationship with him.  Be it flowers, a donation to a charity close to your heart, lending a helping hand, or a random act of kindness.