On May 18, 2026 we bid farewell to Gary Hogan, beloved husband, brother, friend, dad and Grumpy. Gary was a good man with an easy laugh, a readiness to help and a huge heart. Gary passed peacefully surrounded by family and with the love of all who knew him.
Gary was born September 1, 1946 in Fort William. He attended, reluctantly, Central Elementary School and Selkirk Vocational High School. He was a sea cadet, wrestled and played football. He was invited to training camp for the Saskatchewan Rough Riders. Although he turned it down, Saskatchewan remained his favourite team. Gary spent summers working on the Wenzoski family farm since he was nine, following an incident involving a slingshot and barn windows. He considered purchasing the farm with his uncle but went into the trades. Gary was an electrician and proud member of IBEW 402. He worked on many construction projects in Thunder Bay and the region and as regional union organizer in the last years of his career.
Gary married Rickey Knibbs August 16, 1969. They have two daughters, Robin and Shannan, and one grandson, Brodie. For Gary, it did not matter if it was by blood, marriage, friendship or being neighbours; he considered you family. He was called “Dad” by his daughters’ friends until that was replaced with the title that made him happiest, “Grumpy”.
Gary loved reading, fishing, golf, bowling and games of all sorts. He liked Jeopardy, dreadful old movies and the History Channel. He enjoyed travelling, at first in the region and across western Canada by car or the Road Warrior and camper and later in the US and overseas to visit his girls. He loved camping, especially at Lake Lenore, where he spent hours chopping wood, building and fixing stuff, swimming, sauna-ing and driving the boat for tubing and waterskiing, often accompanied by a few beers. What Gary loved best was to spend time with the people he loved. He was a fantastic cook and baker. Christmas Eve dinner and barbeques will not be the same without him. He was always up for a drink, good food, a laugh, bad dad jokes and long meandering stories.
Gary will be so missed by family and friends, too many to name here, but you know who you are. He will be met by many family and friends who have gone before, eager for those bad jokes and long conversations. He will be missed by his cats, Draven and Eris, and “the dog”, Savu, but greeted joyfully by all the pets waiting over the Rainbow Bridge.
We would like to thank the care providers involved over the past couple years: Dr. Heather McLean, SJCG Geriatrics Team, Kidney Care Team, Superior Urology, Superior Hearing, first responders providing lift assist, and PT, OT, nurses and respite workers through Home Care. A special thank you to the staff of 2A at TBRHSC for the care provided during two hospital stays and for allowing us to say goodbye and celebrate Gary in his final days.
Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be interred at Sunset Memorial Gardens. As per Gary’s wishes, no service will be held. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Humane Society, Diabetes Canada, Alzheimer Society, Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
