On May 18, 2026, we said goodbye to Gary Hogan, a loving husband, brother, friend, dad and Grumpy. Gary was a wonderful man with a warm laugh, always ready to lend a hand and full of kindness. He left us peacefully, surrounded by family and the love of everyone who knew him.
Born on September 1, 1946 in Fort William, Gary reluctantly went to Central Elementary School and Selkirk Vocational High School. He was a sea cadet who enjoyed wrestling and football. Although he received an invitation to train with the Saskatchewan Rough Riders, he declined but remained a loyal fan of the team. From the age of nine, he spent summers working on the Wenzoski family farm after an incident involving a slingshot and barn windows. He thought about buying the farm with his uncle but chose to pursue a career in trades instead. As an electrician and proud member of IBEW 402, he contributed to many construction projects in Thunder Bay and served as regional union organizer during the later part of his career.
Gary married Rickey Knibbs on August 16, 1969. They had two daughters together: Robin and Shannan, along with one grandson named Brodie. For Gary, family extended beyond blood relations; whether through marriage or friendship or just being neighbors-everyone mattered. His daughters’ friends called him “Dad” until that title changed to “Grumpy,” which brought him great joy.
He had a passion for reading, fishing, golfing, bowling and all kinds of games. Jeopardy was one of his favorites along with cheesy old movies and shows on the History Channel. Traveling was something he loved too; initially exploring local areas in Western Canada by car or camper before venturing into the U. S. or overseas to visit his daughters. Camping at Lake Lenore held special memories for him where he’d spend hours chopping wood or fixing things up while enjoying swimming sessions and sauna visits-all while often having a few beers nearby. What truly mattered most to Gary was spending time with those he cared about deeply. An excellent cook and baker himself made Christmas Eve dinners unforgettable as well as summer barbeques without him will feel incomplete now that he’s gone.
Gary will be greatly missed by family and friends-too numerous to mention here-but you know who you are! Many loved ones waiting ahead will welcome him back for those long chats filled with bad jokes from above-the cats Draven and Eris along with “the dog” Savu will miss him too but there’s comfort knowing all their furry friends are waiting over the Rainbow Bridge.
We want to express our gratitude towards everyone involved in his care over recent years: Dr. Heather Mc Lean; SJCG Geriatrics Team; Kidney Care Team; Superior Urology; Superior Hearing; first responders providing lift assist; physical therapists (PT); occupational therapists (OT); nurses along with respite workers through Home Care services especially staff members at TBRHSC’s unit 2A who provided exceptional support throughout two hospital stays allowing us precious moments together during those final days.
Cremation has taken place followed by interment at Sunset Memorial Gardens per Gary’s wishes-there’ll be no formal service held however plans are underway for celebrating life down-the-line sometime soon afterward! In lieu of flowers please consider donating generously towards Humane Society initiatives Diabetes Canada Alzheimer Society Kidney Foundation other charities close-to-heart would also be appreciated!
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
