Ancient Burials Obituary and Death Notices

Poirier, Gary

8/15/2018

At rest...

Gary Poirier passed away at Vancouver General Hospital on August 11, 2018. He is survived by his brother Don Poirier (Corinne), 2 nieces, Tyla Frewing and Jamie Pont and 2 nephews Jared Poirier and Jackson Eng and six grand nephews and sister-in-law Nova Bannatyne Eng and he also leaves his wives Gloria and Faye. He was predeceased by his mother, Minerva Black, father, Joseph Poirier, brothers Neil Poirier, Ray Eng, Ian MacFayden and James MacFayden.

Gary was one of the survivors of the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge disaster. He became an ironworker apprentice in 1957 at age 17 with Ironworkers Local 97. Due to a second fall on a job site he was forced to retire early from his career. He did however, continue to keep in touch with his friends in the union and initiated an annual memorial service for the bridge disaster that he attended each year.

Gary loved living in the Downtown East Side, spending time at the Carnegie Centre and living in the Woodwards building. He made many walks throughout the area, with his distinctive walking stick and more recently a walker. His familiar figure will be missed by all who knew him. A funeral service will be held on Friday August 17, 2018 at 10am in the Celebration Hall at Mountainview Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, Vancouver, internment to follow.

Flowers gratefully declined and in lieu donations may be made to the PHS Housing Society online at http//www.phs.ca or the Cancer Research Society online athttps://www.societederecherchesurlecancer.ca/en/take-action

Barry K Morris

8/16/2018 05:38:32 pm

Always remember Gary for inviting me to take the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing seriously and, more than annually, even. He had heart; guts; and warm sensitivities -- honed for the long haul. Blessed be his memory....
Barry Morris (minister with the Longhouse... Ministry).

Vicki Roberts

7/13/2021 06:30:23 pm

Gary worked with my father Chuck Seymour for a lot of years in the industry, they were pretty good friends and I heard many stories about Gary and how much my dad admired him as a Ironworker, I met Gary a few times growing up and thought he was an amazing person..I spoke briefly with Gary about 10 yrs ago and we shared a few laughs over some of my Dads stories..My Condolences to the Poirer family Rest in Peace Gary...

Barry Morris link

7/14/2021 08:11:52 am

Appreciate your further comments, Vicki. Thank you.
I think of Gary often and not only when June 17 rolls around (the anniversary of the collapse of the first attempt to build the bridge).
This past 2021 June 17th the only survivor, still living and very old and living in long-term care, Lou Brossard showed up and thoughtfully, warmly, mentioned Gary, as I did again, too.

Pray tell, is your own father, Chuck still alive?

I bid you well....

Barry

7/15/2021 05:03:00 pm

Hi Barry, No unfortunately my Dad passed away in June of 1984 with a rare type of cancer lymphomas meningitis..He had been a member of local 97 at that point for approximately 30 years I believe..The same as Gary my father is missed dearly..Thank you for asking about my Dad it very much appreciated...

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Obituaries & Notices

Poirier, Gary

At rest...

Phone
604-308-2822

Email

Fax

Obituaries & Notices

Poirier, Gary

At rest...

Phone ​604-308-2822

Email

Fax

Phone
604-308-2822