CRANDLEMIRE, GAROLD WILFRED - 1947-2013 - In the presence of his loving family, it is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Crandlemire of Fredericton at the Dr. Chalmers Regional Hospital on March 28, 2013. Born in Fredericton on April 11, 1947, he was the son Verna Crandlemire and the late G. Wilfred Crandlemire. He is survived by his mother Verna; his two children Ali Crandlemire (Ryan Reid) and Curtis Crandlemire; grandson Alexander Garold Reid; partner Sandra Holland; sister Sandra Tingley (Bob); mother of his children Susan Sirr; best friend Ian Purvis and many nieces and nephews. Besides his father he was predeceased by a partner, Jane Worth. Gary grew up in Fredericton and was an active athlete who played for the Fredericton High School Black Kats men’s basketball team. He went on to the University of New Brunswick in 1964, where he played varsity basketball and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor of science. While at UNB, Gary met Susan Sirr, whom he married in 1970. Sue and Gary were married for 35 years and remained good friends for life. After graduation, Gary and Sue moved to Calgary, where he took a job at Computer Science Canada and later at Unisys. These were the early days of the computer industry and Gary loved working with the pioneers. Once their first child, Ali, was born, they sold everything to travel through Europe, and spent a year living in Italy and skiing in the Alps. Upon returning to Canada they lived in Waterloo, ON where Gary obtained his Masters in Math. After graduation, he took an opportunity to teach at the University of the West Indies in Barbados. The family spent a wonderful year in the Caribbean, where Gary taught math and computer science and ran the University’s data centre. They lived in a cottage by the sea and enjoyed all that island life had to offer. In 1979, Curtis joined the family and they settled back in Fredericton, where Gary worked at the Provincial Government’s data centre. With a lifelong love of sports and learning, Gary decided he wanted a career change and returned to school to complete a Masters in Kinesiology and pursue a PhD in Exercise Physiology at the University of Western Ontario. Back in Fredericton, he bought and managed Lou’s Fitness Centre. After Lou’s, he returned to the computer industry and ran his own consulting business, and did work for the Office of the Comptroller in Fredericton, until he retired. He was interested in excellence in everything and sports in particular. He loved baseball and basketball in his youth and loved watching Curtis play hockey. He believed in a good attitude, discipline and teamwork. His favorite books were biographies. He was interested in anything and everything. He had eclectic tastes: machinery, tools, motorcycles, buying and fixing Mini Motor cars, sheep farming, bee farming, skiing, tennis, running and coaching basketball. Along the way he picked up a certificate in carpentry—he loved working with his hands. He will be remembered by his family and friends for his goodness and desire to help people by taking them under his wing, especially the underdogs. We are comforted by his ability to find peace through God before he passed. His family thanks Dr. McKim and all the physicians and nurses who took great care of Gary during the past difficult eight years when he had diabetes, heart disease and strokes. Thank you all for your support, patience, and kindness.
Respecting Gary’s wishes there will be no visitation. Following cremation, a funeral service will be held at Brunswick Street Baptist Church on Monday, April 1, 2013 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Greg Geldart officiating. A reception and visitation will take place in the Brunswick Street Baptist Church Hall after the service, beginning at 12:00 noon. Interment will be at a later date. For those who wish, the family suggests memorials to the charity of the donor’s choice.