Gary Brent Dillon was born May 31, 1940 in Sherbrooke, Quebec; the only child of Jean and Malcolm Dillon.
Gary passed away peacefully with his family by his side on December 28, 2017.
Gary was predeceased by his first wife of 37 years, Marlene Joyce Dillon; mother, Jean Ione and father, Malcolm Wilbur Lennox Dillon.
He has left behind and is sadly missed by his wife Janet as well as his four children; Susan (Kerry) Panton, Brent (Darlene) Dillon, Krista Dillon, Tracy (Mike) Locke and his seven grandchildren, Sara, Sean, Alec, Cara, Ashton, Brennan and Marlena.
After earning his doctorate in Chemical Engineering and working as a Professor at Nova Scotia Technical College (now part of Dalhousie), Gary accepted a position with MacMillan Bloedel in British Columbia. In 1971, he moved with Marlene and his four young children to Vancouver. After eight years of working at head office in the city, the next chapter of his career led them to Port Alberni where he worked more directly in the management of operations at the Pulp and Paper Mill.
His commitment to his work and the company was strong, as was his passion for acquiring new skills and challenging himself in his free time. Once he took on a project, he took great pride in mastering it. He loved a challenge, whether it was for fishing, learning Morse code and getting his ham radio license, or building remote control airplanes. He taught himself the art of stained glass and built his beloved Triumph TR6 "Flossy" bolt by bolt.
As much as Gary loved to work with his hands, he also loved a good debate. A notable characteristic was to challenge those around him to "think smarter not necessarily harder".
Gary retired in 2001 from Catalyst Pulp and Paper and immersed himself in retirement. He took quiet pride in every accomplishment; especially in his children and grandchildren. He had a huge heart and was a generous man who wouldn't hesitate to help others [often without their knowledge].
Although he was private person, Gary had many friendships that stretched from Nova Scotia to Vancouver Island. He was loyal to everyone; whether they be from the 'old days' or newly acquainted. Gary looked forward to his weekly breakfast dates with the 'R.O.M.E.O.S' [Retired Old Men Eating Out Society] and traveling in the motorhome with Janet where they ventured all over Canada and the United States. His highlights of these trips were not only the spectacular scenery, but meeting and making friends along the way.
As per his wishes, no service will take place. Instead we ask you to remember this amazing man and cherish your memories of him.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ty Watson Hospice House or West Coast General Hospital Foundation can be made in his memory.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the friends and family who have been with him throughout his life for their loyalty and support.
We would also like to say how grateful we are for the incredible care given by the staff and volunteers at Ty Watson House, his nurses through Home and Community Care, Dr. Johnson, Dr. Elizabeth Kenword [Nanaimo], Dr. F. Meyer and his "team" from the BCCA.