Gary Waltho’s journey started in Montreal, Quebec, where he was born on September 23, 1943. The lively city provided a backdrop for a childhood full of football matches, enthusiastic leadership, and an early ambition to succeed. As a junior player, Gary distinguished himself on Montreal High’s senior team-not only as a player but also as captain, eventually getting a tryout with the Alouettes. His youth was defined by commitment both on the field and beyond, and it was during these early years that he met Patricia, his high school sweetheart and the head cheerleader. Their romance flourished and led to marriage on May 29, 1965, soon after Gary graduated from Mc Gill University with a degree in Physical Education.
A new phase began when Gary and Patricia relocated to Ontario. He initially started his teaching career before becoming an Ontario Provincial Police motorcycle constable. For eight summers, he patrolled Wasaga’s sunny beaches along Georgian Bay, embodying duty mixed with adventure. Since the OPP required every constable to complete a three-year term, in 1976 Gary moved with his small family to Armstrong-a remote northern community eight hours from Hurkett that could only be accessed via rough dirt roads. Life there was rugged yet rewarding; Gary embraced it wholeheartedly. With guidance from those at Little Caribou, he learned trapping skills, woodworking techniques, and clever problem-solving strategies-his knack for ‘jerry-rigging’ almost anything became quite remarkable.
Tales from those Armstrong days grew legendary. There was the occasion when Gary cut and transported blocks of ice (with his kids acting as counterweights over icy waters) or when he constructed an extension at Mc Kenzie Lake by lifting the main beam (again using his children as counterweights). He built a beautiful log home on Caribou Drive-every dovetail joint and hand-adzed beam crafted using his Oregon sawmill showcased his skill and determination. Always eager to learn more, Gary even taught himself how to fly while building his own aircraft along the way. He proudly owned a Chinook Ultralight equipped with skis and floats-adventures often kept secret from Pat.
After two postings with the OPP came another transfer; however, his heart remained anchored in his community. In 1982 he opted for retirement from the force to return to teaching-a rewarding path for him once again. Summers turned into chances for growth although music classes posed humorous challenges at times. His innovative nature shined through when he created the Modified Intermediate Service Program (MISP), which changed how local students learned. Together in portable classrooms they explored trapping guides, made snowshoes together, set up classroom banks for practical math lessons-all while embracing recycling treasures found at the dump. Biology lessons were hands-on adventures where students discovered effective baits through active digestion or learned that every animal has enough brains to tan its own hide; life skills that mattered most were carefully mentored.
As students moved forward in their lives so did Gary; he shifted focus to become principal of Armstrong Public School during its exciting transition into newly constructed facilities later returning to classroom teaching where he supported secondary learners in Whitesand while stepping in as substitute whenever necessary. His understanding of various learning styles coupled with an unwavering belief in each student’s potential left lasting impressions on everyone fortunate enough to be taught by him.
Bear Paw Lodge became central to the Waltho family’s narrative-a place where work mingled seamlessly with play and learning experiences intertwined beautifully together. For Gary , the lodge represented more than just business; it served as an outdoor classroom where boating lessons, jig tying skills, and wilderness navigation tactics unfolded beside crackling campfires or amidst misty Garden Bay waters. He cherished sharing moments like these among guests, friends, family , and especially granddaughters -showing them how expertly fillet fish amazed even seasoned fishermen. Laughter filled those spaces endlessly alongside unforgettable memories such as catching one granddaughter carving initials into pristine cabin walls.
Anyone eager for knowledge found themselves mentored by Gary, whether they were visiting Bear Paw or local friends. Every boat ride across lakes spun tales woven tightly together by fresh friendships, silly jokes, and simple joys stemming from belonging within this tight-knit community anchored deeply by land. Bear Paw Lodge stood proudly showcasing values championed throughout Gary’s life: strengthening community bonds , seeking wisdom through hands-on education , and delighting within shared gifts bestowed upon nature. His impact is remembered not just through practical skills imparted but also friendship fostered alongside treasured memories experienced collectively throughout all who had opportunities learning under him.
When finally retiring in 2010 after selling Bear Paw Lodge so they could move closer towards grandchildren living Thunder Bay, a motor home caught his eye online leading him down paths anew alongside wife Patricia exploring winter Texan adventures. The call of uncharted horizons proved irresistible ; from wide Texas highways teeming energy bustling Eastern seaboard towers rising Sequoia pines out West, the pair relished wandering vibrant Louisiana where days blended effortlessly together amid warmth hospitality enjoyed countless connections forged along this journey ahead. Their travels didn’t stop there ; open roads rekindled old passions motorcycles dusting off riding skills culminating unforgettable cross-country excursions through Mexico enriching storied landscapes adding international chapters onto growing portfolio adventures. In these years rich friendships blossomed around campfires shared margaritas beneath twinkling stars laughter joyfully weaving newer experiences adding depth color vibrancy into well-traveled pathways encountered over time.
On December 17th ,2025, Gary embarked upon final leg homeward bound joining loving parents taking rightful place among celestial spheres commencing fresh chapter existence guardian angel status bestowed upon now eternally watched over loved ones. As per wishes expressed privately gathering will take place honoring extraordinary life lived donation options available Alzheimer Society Thunder Bay welcomed those wishing contribute positively remembering contributions made towards betterment society overall
Gary preceded departed parents Dorothy Ernest Waltho deeply missed leaving behind devoted wife Patricia sister Joyce (Dale) daughter Jodie(Dean) son Jonathan grandchildren Adriana Ashley(Caleb) Andrea(Tyler )great-grandchildren Wesley Lucille endless pride joy encompassing role played within lives touched immensely
Illegitimi non carborundum
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
