Although smaller in size, Gary did everything with a big heart... whether it was playing, coaching or volunteering and was a very competitive opponent. Gary's teams, realized success resulting in League and Provincial Championships at CIAU [St. Francis Xavier], WIHL [Nelson], and ASHL [Calgary] levels. At all levels, Gary was a scholarship student-athlete leading to his BA Degree and Professional Teaching Certificate.

Ever seeking new experiences, Gary was player-coach in Holland in 1969.  Success continued into his coaching career, while co-coaching with Ted Hargreaves, the Nelson Leafs were lead to two consecutive KIJHL Divisional Championships and Regular Season League 1st Place [1989 and 1990]. The Leafs’ accumulative records for both seasons GP - 85; W - 76; L - 7; T- 2 are team all-time records.

Gary’s contribution extended to coaching Nelson Minor Hockey teams from 1975 to 1985 [PeeWee to Juvenile]. With the completion of NCCP Level IV Coaching Certification, Gary became involved in the BC Hockey’s Best Ever program as coach and instructor.

Gary capped-off his coaching career in 2006-07 while coaching the West Kootenay Wildcats to the BC Female Midget Championship.

In addition to being a fourteen-year member of the KidSport Nelson Committee, where he will be missed greatly, he served on the Ernie Gare Scholarship Society [1990s] and Ted Hargreaves Fund [2006…]

KidSport is an organization which pays for kids’ sports registration fees and equipment, where financial barriers may exist, “So ALL Kids Can Play! - something that Gary believed in passionately!