At LHSC – University Hospital, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 of RR4 Denfield in his 68th year. Loving spouse of the late Ron Rhame (2022). Dear brother of Sharon Steinmetz of Tillsonburg and cherished uncle of Graham Robinson. Gary will be missed by his dear friends Peter and Marilyn Vandeborne, Ken and Elsebeth Rush, and Dave and Carol Hare. Predeceased by a brother-in-law David Steinmetz.
Gary had many passions in life. He found great joy farming and gardening. His love for the stars led him to spend countless nights stargazing, finding wonder in the vastness of the universe. Gary’s adventurous spirit also thrived on the open road, whether he was riding his bike through winding paths or carving down the slopes of Blue Mountain with his good friend Carolyn O’Neil.
Keeping with Gary’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 223 Main Street, LUCAN on Saturday, April 12 from 12 – 3 PM. A private interment will be held at Medway Cemetery, Middlesex Centre.
If desired, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Fran Gray (Force)
So sorry to learn about this. I have many fond memories of memories of Gary and his family. I regret that I never knew him after high school. It’s sound like he had a fulfilling life.
Greg Lester
I echo many of the comments given by those sending condolences. I spent my school years with Gary and have always appreciated his kind spirit. His love of space and astronomy always had him looking to the heavens, I imagine him now looking down on us from those vantage points. The world has lost a wonderful person, my sincerest condolences to Sharon, friends and family…
Harry Wilkinson
Gary was a wonderful man. I met him when I joined Rona in the new Appliance department. I taught him Appliances & he taught me the Rona systems. He was great to talk to & quick to help & quick to laugh. I could confide in him knowing my secrets were safe.
A finer man you will never find again.
I am deeply saddened, but I am glad he is out of pain.
Dale Armstrong
Gary was a long time member of the RASC London Centre and will be deeply missed by all of us. At Friday’s meeting, I shared slides of Gary’s participation in various London Centre events, and also our club’s visit to the farm in July of 2015 for an open house/observing session.
Gary was a dedicated amateur astronomer for many decades, and not only enjoyed sharing his expertise with the public, but was also a regular attendee at Starfest (where for the club’s potluck – Mike Roffey reminded us on Friday – Gary always brought along a well-received carrot cake).
Over the years, Gary’s love of astronomy took him to other events as well, including the Winter Star Party, and the RASC’s General Assembly. If there is a way for Gary to continue to pursue astronomy, I know he will be at the front of that line!
Donald Gaudier Woodstock
My condolences to Sharon and families . Fond remembrances of Sharon , David and Stacey .
Mike Keeri-Szanto
My heart is broken. We have truly lost one of the kindest people on the Earth. Even though I only had the pleasure to work with Gary for a short time, he made an incredible impression on me. My thoughts to his close friends at this unhappy junction in life.
Craig Levine
I’m the current President of the London RASC (astronomy) club. Gary was one of the first members I met when I moved to the London area 19 years ago and my earliest memories of him are his warmth and generosity as I was starting fresh in a new city. I had a good long chat and catch-up with him at our club’s meeting in November. He will be dearly missed by his many friends.
Dave & Carol Hare
Gary was a long time friend of mine expanding over 30 years. We ended up working together at Rona for 10 years and enjoyed our many many hours of talking about gardening and astronomy. Carol loved to go out to the farm and see the horses and gaze up to the stars. As sudden as his passing is, he is now at peace and now eternally with Ron.
Mary Hammel
I’m in total shock to hear of Gary’s passing!
I’m so glad I got to talk to him a few weeks ago.
I could hear the pain in his voice!
Your free now Gary! RIP!
Keith Fuller
Sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Gary. Our short friendship whilst at RONA will always be remembered and cherished. Will miss you Gary.
Rick Pullin
I’m in shock to learn of Gary’s passing. I’m in tears actually. He was my best friend at NDHS, and later we learnt he was a cousin of mine through a mutual great uncle. I was about to respond to his message today, rather late on, but instead got this tragic news.
Brenda and Mike Joseph
So sorry for this sudden loss of a terrific man. He made my uncle laugh and smile more than I ever thought possible. He was kind,caring and sympathetic to everyone who knew him. He loved the gift of gab and I will miss him very much.
Brenda and Mike Joseph
So sorry for this sudden loss of a terrific man. He made my uncle laugh and smile more than I ever thought possible. He was kind,caring and sympathetic to everyone who knew him. He loved the gift of gab and I will miss him very much.
Philip Gorman & Donald Colford
We were very sad to learn that Gary had passed. So many memories of a friendship that lasted over 30 years. He was a very special person. Our sincere sympathy to his sister, nephew as well as the rest of his family and friends. He will be missed.
Brian Tandy
Our world is forever changed losing our friends Gary and Ron. We have beautiful memories of our times together, skiing,biking , and dining out. Dearly and sadly missed. Bob and Brian
Joanne Van Dyk
I was saddened to hear of my cousin Gary’s passing. Many fond memories of him working on our farm. He always had such a zest for life. Gary you will be missed. Fly high with the angels. You are now with your beloved Ron
John Avey
Shocked and saddened to learn of my cousin Gary’s passing. May you rest in peace.
Roman Dubinski
So very sad. I talked to Gary just a few months ago at our astronomy meeting. In pain and with cane but always smiling he joined us in Cronyn. As it was mentioned before I was thinking of him while passing 14 Mile Road, his hospitality when he was showing us his telescope and big binoculars. And when in Rona I was always coming to him first to say hi and for advice no matter what I was buying. Such passionate and knowledgeable man. Rest in peace Gary. You will be missed by many. Condolences to his family.
Roman Dubinski
Such a loss. I just talked to Gary a few months ago, he was in pain and still managed to come to our astronomy meeting. As somebody already said every time I was passing 14 Mile Road I was thinking of Him and his hospitality while he showed us his observatory, telescope and big binoculars. Every time I went to Ron I always came to him for advice, he was so knowledgeable. Rest in peace Gary! Condolences to his family.
Peter Gallagher
My heart hurts for a very good friend in Gary. he made working at Rona so special. i will miss you my friend. reunited with your love Ron. rest in peace my friend
Peter Jedicke
Gary had many good friends in our astronomy club. He hosted some events at his home and always had a smile and a word of kindness for all of us. So sad to see him pass. I am Honorary President of our club, and it’s my task to convey the condolences of the club to all who knew Gary.
Ken Coates
Deepest sympathy to the family. It been a couple difficult years for Gary and now he is at peace with Ron by his side. I’ve have enjoyed their friendship for over30 years. Ken and Rejean
Carolyn ONeil
To Gary’s family, neighbours and friends,
I know how well Gary was loved by many and along with myself, he will be greatly missed! He was the best ski buddy with our many trips to Blue and our favourite run, Memory Lane! The only silver lining here is that you are no longer in pain and are now reunited with Ron!
Mike Roffey
So sad to hear of Gary’s passing, my condolences to his friends and family. I met Gary through the RASC and shared his passion for astronomy.
Bill Gibson & Les Hills
Gary will be greatly missed by his many freinds and I give you my deepest sympathy
Darle and John Rousom
Gary was a wonderful guy and made the best chocolate chip cookies that he used to bring to the RASC observers group meetings. He will be missed by many.
David McCarter
I knew Gary through his love of astronomy, and cherish time spent looking through his big scope and his huge binoculars. His cookies were legend at the Observers Group meetings. Every time I drove past Fourteen Mile Road I would think of him. One of the best people, and he will be missed.
Rob McCullough
Too sad. Too soon but reuniting with Ron is a comfort.
Audrey Monk
To Gary’s family and friends,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved Gary. He was a great man and the community will miss him so much. Reunited with his Ron again may he rest in peace
Trent Krauel & Rosemary Haley
We have really enjoyed getting to know our neighbour Gary, whose life was cut way too short. As the newest neighbours in the “hood”, (Fourteen Mile Road) we only recently got to know Gary and enjoyed his zeal for life, filled with adventure, exploration and curiosity. He was not one to sit inside, no matter how ill he was, or how much pain he was enduring. We frequently saw him working in his garden, biking or stargazing. The neighbourhood will be markedly different in his absence. We will miss him. Rest in Peace our friend.
Trent & Rosemary
Janet and Paul DeCloet
Sharon, family and friends. We are so sorry to hear of our cousin Gary’s passing. I can still his voice at Rona when we happened to pop in. He was always kind and had a ready smile. Memories become our treasures. Rest in peace Gary.
John Holland
very sad