GARY PATRICK CHRISTIANSEN

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GARY PATRICK CHRISTIANSEN

It is with heavy hearts, that we announce the passing of Gary Patrick Christiansen. A fun-loving father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Gary passed peacefully on the morning of November 2, 2020, with family at his side.
With his big smile and contagious laugh, Gary will be missed tremendously by his two loving daughters, Brittany (Andrew) and Brooke, his grandson, Daitan, his dear friend, Fran (Rick), his siblings, Milton, Billy (Helen), Caroline (Barry), Diane, Judith (Don), Anita, Sandra (Brent), and Kim, and by his nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Victoria Christiansen, and his brother, Jimmy.
Gary grew up in Selkirk, in a family of 10 children. He had great memories of summers as a boy, with his family at the cabin in Chalet Beach. Gary loved to fish, hunt, swim, and boat with his father and his brothers. He and Billy, his brother and best friend, continued these traditions throughout life, later adding golf to this list. Many looked forward to spontaneous homemade rullypylsa deliveries, especially his sister, Sandra.
In 1977, Gary was hired at the Manitoba Rolling Mills, spending his career there as an Industrial Mechanic, where he forged many lifelong friendships. He was so proud and excited to have Brittany work with him there, for a summer shutdown, always checking on her throughout the day - ensuring her blisters were bandaged, she kept hydrated, and that she had a delicious lunch. The Mill "Family Fun Days" were a highlight of the summer for him and his girls, when they were young. He retired in 2008.
A mechanic at heart with an artistic flair, he was always busy fixing or painting something, or rigging up an invention. His door was open for friends and family to stop by for a visit and a laugh anytime. He was always there to help anyone - especially his daughters, to whom he gave everything they ever wanted. Gary was immensely proud of his daughters and his grandson. He took time every day to let them know that he loved them, even if it was just a brief phone call. He lit up when he saw them, and never missed an opportunity to share a funny story or memory (and he had lots!) about them to anyone who would listen. As a Grandpa, he was playful and silly, passing on his sarcasm and wit to his little Daiter.
Gary was loving, loyal, funny, and kind. He enjoyed chatting with anyone, and no one was ever left to wonder what he was thinking. He had a great sense of humour, a big smile, big personality, and the biggest heart. We know that he will watch over us all, and as he and Daitan always said, it's not "Goodbye," it's "See you later, alligator. We love you."
Due to current Public Health Orders, we are unable to hold a public celebration honouring Gary's life at this time. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be left on his tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2020