On August 1, 1947, Gary Manz was born in Davidson, Sask., to Leonard and Joyce Manz. He was the oldest of 10 children.
Gary attended Campbell school, then to Davidson to complete his Grade 12 at the young age of 16. He then furthered his education in Saskatoon and Moose Jaw training as a chartered accountant.
The next years, he worked for three multi-national corporations where he excelled to executive levels. These promotions took him to various locations such as Montreal, Pittsburgh, Jamaica, etc., ending in Toronto.
Gary excelled in curling and one of his claims to fame is that he lost in the Ontario provincial finals to the famous Russ Howard team. He played, coached, and generously supported many sports teams. Gary mentored and sponsored many people with alcohol and drug dependencies.
In 2009 he was diagnosed with COPD. A year later, he moved to Davidson, which was a huge adjustment for him, but he made the best of it.
During the last six years, he helped others with his accounting expertise and was very involved in the Lutheran church.
Two of his favourite things to do were curling and playing cards. He curled for about three seasons, enjoyed it very much, and was president of the club. He regularly played bridge with the local bridge club and made many friends there.
His cheerful and always upbeat attitude gave us joy. He affected a lot of people here with his humour and friendliness. He never complained about his failing health and always cared more about others than himself.
Gary passed away Sept. 11, 2016 in the Pasqua hospital in Regina. A service was held Thursday, Sept. 15 at 2:00 p.m. at the Catholic church in Davidson. He was buried in the Davidson cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home, Davidson.
Gary will be sadly missed by his family: Maxine and Ted Skibinsky, Crystal and Neil White, Marvin and Donna Manz, Vernon and Sandy Manz, Darwyn and Bernie Manz, Dana Gayle and Les Dahl, Marcia Palmer, Marla and Marvin Dezotell, and Darryl and Noreen Manz, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Gary’s family would like to thank all of you for your support in food, cards, flowers, visits, and those who attended his service. He will be sadly missed by all of us.