Gary Vandinther

After a brief but courageous fight with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma, Gary Vandinther, 69, of Barrie, Ontario, died peacefully at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, on Thursday, July 5 at approximately 4:15pm. He was surrounded by his wife and four children in his final moments of life. Gary (born Caspar Wilhelmus Maria van Dinther) arrived in Canada from the Netherlands in December 1969, at the age of 20, where he first settled in Toronto's High Park neighbourhood. Ten years later, he met his future wife at a donut shop in the East end. The two fell madly in love and were married less than a year later. After working a series of different jobs, Gary landed full-time employment at the TTC, where he remained for the last 34 years of his life. He had a passion for photography, a talent for building things with his hands, and was a self-proclaimed tech geek who was well-read and savvy on the topic. And above all, he always enjoyed a good laugh. Gary was an incredibly smart, loving, romantic, and funny father with a keen curiosity for life who always put his family first and did everything he could to ensure their health, happiness and prosperity. He is survived by his wife Marilu of 38 years, as well as his daughters Jackie and Nicole, and sons Erik and Michael. The Vandinthers would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the entire medical staff at Princess Margaret Hospital, with a special thanks to the teams on Floors 16 and 17 for their loving care and support during Gary's treatment. The family would also like to thank Jennett Funeral and Cremation Centre for their accommodation and understanding during this challenging time. A visitation will be held on Friday, July 13 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Jennett Funeral and Cremation Centre in Barrie. Parish Prayers will happen at the funeral home at 8:45pm. A funeral service for Gary will be held Saturday, July 14 at 10am at St. Mary''s Parish in Barrie. Gary will be laid to rest during a private burial at St. Mary''s Cemetery. An open reception will follow at Janet, Bob and Joanna Keats of 52 Oren Blvd, Barrie, ON. Light snacks and refreshments (non-alcoholic) will be provided after the mass from 11am until 2pm.. In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly requesting that donations in Gary''s memory be made to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, specifying fund allocation to either the Melanoma Research Fund or the Melanoma Immunotherapy Research Fund or the Palliative Care Program Fund.
VISITATION
Friday 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00p.m.
SERVICE
Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church Saturday 10:00a.m.
ANNOUNCEMENT
A reception will be held at 52 Oren Blvd. Barrie on Saturday from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm