On May 18, 2026 we said goodbye to Gary Hogan, a husband, brother, friend, dad and “Grumpy” to many. Gary was a kind guy with a quick laugh, always ready to lend a hand and had a big heart. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family and the love of everyone who knew him.
Gary was born on September 1, 1946 in Fort William. He wasn’t too thrilled about attending Central Elementary School and Selkirk Vocational High School but he did it anyway. He was involved as a sea cadet, wrestled and played football. He even got invited to the Saskatchewan Rough Riders training camp. Though he didn’t go for it, Saskatchewan stayed his favourite team. Since he was nine years old, Gary spent summers working on the Wenzoski family farm after an incident involving a slingshot and some barn windows. At one point he thought about buying that farm with his uncle but ended up choosing the trades instead. Gary worked as an electrician and proudly belonged to IBEW 402. Over the years he worked on many construction projects around Thunder Bay and nearby areas and finished his career as a regional union organizer.
Gary married Rickey Knibbs on August 16, 1969. Together they had two daughters, Robin and Shannan, plus one grandson named Brodie. For Gary it didn’t matter if you were related by blood or marriage or just friends or neighbours – you were family to him. His daughters’ friends called him “Dad” for years until they switched over to what made him happiest: “Grumpy.”
Gary enjoyed reading, fishing, golf, bowling and all kinds of games. He liked watching Jeopardy!, bad old movies and the History Channel too. Traveling was something he loved; at first exploring nearby places in western Canada by car or camper before heading further afield across the US and overseas when visiting his girls later on. Camping was one of his favourites especially at Lake Lenore where he’d spend hours chopping wood or fixing things around camp-plus swimming, sauna sessions and taking the boat out for tubing or waterskiing often with a beer in hand. What meant most though was spending time with those he cared about deeply. And man could he cook! Christmas Eve dinners or backyard barbecues just won’t be the same without him there. Always up for good food, drinks, laughs (including those awful dad jokes) plus long winding stories.
Gary will be missed by so many family members and friends – too many names to list here but you know who you are. We like to think he’s already reunited with lots of loved ones who passed before him eager for more bad jokes & long chats alike! His cats Draven and Eris along with “the dog,” Savu will miss him too but probably happy knowing he’ll be welcomed warmly by all pets waiting across the Rainbow Bridge.
We want to thank all those who cared for Gary over these last few years: Dr Heather Mc Lean; SJCG Geriatrics Team; Kidney Care Team; Superior Urology; Superior Hearing; first responders helping out with lift assists; plus physical therapists (PT), occupational therapists (OT), nurses and respite workers from Home Care services as well as staff at TBRHSC’s 2A ward during his hospital stays – thank you for allowing us time to say goodbye properly & celebrate Gary’s life during those final days.
Cremation has been done already; his ashes will rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens per Gary’s wishes – no formal service is planned right now though there will be a celebration of life sometime down the road instead. If you’d like to honour him with donations rather than flowers please consider Humane Society, Diabetes Canada, Alzheimer Society or Kidney Foundation-or any charity close to your heart.
Condolences can be shared through www. nwfainc. com
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