Obituary of Gary Attfield

Brilliant deep blue eyes. A cocked eyebrow. A crooked little smile and a tidy moustache. A quiet and serious disposition belying a wickedly sharp wit, which his family and best of friends knew well. These were all qualities of distinction that set Gary apart.

Gary was born on September 9, 1954. He was the third of five children born to Alec and Joan (Nash). Theirs was a happy home filled with relatives and good times. Curling and the curling community were a big part of family life. Not surprisingly, Gary was a life-long curler, making it to the Ontario provincial finals with one of his teams.

As Gary grew into manhood he became an Ottawa firefighter. As he said, “it was a job”. But what a job! He witnessed many harrowing events and saved lives. He ended his career as Captain at Station House 22.  For this service, Gary will always be one of our heroes.

Gary was devoted to his family. He was lucky in finding a lifelong partner. Angela was the love of his life and together they raised two beautiful children, Gary Jr. and Beverly. While Angela died all too young, Gary was blessed in having the chance to see both of their children happily married and to nurture lovely grandchildren.

Gary was known for many things: his love of music, books and classic movies; curling competitively but mostly with family and friends; making our favourite desserts especially trifle; smoking his share of pot; gardening; and his loving devotion to Angela, Gary Jr., Beverly, his grandkids, and his parents, brother and sisters.

Gary will be deeply missed. He is predeceased by his parents Alec Attfield and Joan Nash, his sister Mary Ann, his wife Angela Senack and his grandson Michael Melcher. Gary leaves behind his children Gary Jr. (Mikah MacIntosh), his daughter Beverly (Kevin Melcher) and her children, Parker, Benjamin and Cecilia; his sisters Cindy (Gary Mammoletti) and Sandra (Dave Chamberlain), his brother Wayne (Nancy Hewens), and their children and grandchildren and many others.

A Committal Service will be held at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery, Martineau Street, Otter Lake, Quebec on Friday, November 3, 2023 at 11 a.m.