McCulloch, Gavin
Passed away peacefully in his sleep, on Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Elliot Community, Guelph, at the age of 87. Beloved husband of Leotia for over 63 years. Loving dad of Yvonne MacGowan (the late Jeff), the late Anita McCulloch, Larry (Lisa), Douglas (Brenda), Nancy Sabo (Rob), David (Cindy), and Jeffrey (Yuriko). Cherished Grandpa (Papa) to Ashley, Steven, Ryan, Kendra, Tyler, Jasmine, Jordan, and Michi and Great-Grandpa to Landon. He will also be missed by his two nephews, Michael and Andrew. Predeceased by his parents, Dick and Dorothy, and sister, Gwen.
Gavin was born in Toronto, ON. His mother often said that he was born with a smile on his face. The family moved to Orangeville where Gavin grew up, attended high school and was class valedictorian upon graduation. It was there that he met the love of his life, Leotia, who would later become his wife. He began driving the school bus, taxi and the bus which traveled from Orangeville to Guelph and back. His passion for driving trucks was kindled when he drove with his father delivering fuel. He attended Toronto University then took a position with SCM where he enjoyed fixing machines and chatting with customers. He married Leotia while living in Toronto, starting his family of 7 and continued his position with SCM in the Maritimes and finally Thunder Bay where the family resided for 33 years. In Thunder Bay, he took a position with Bills Business machines, started his own driving school and taught students to drive for the Lakehead Board of Education for many years. He so enjoyed the young people and came home with many interesting stories. His sense of humour, jokes and easy going nature endeared him to the students. Later, his passion for trucking led him to become an owner-operator of his own rig and he traveled Canada and the USA, trucking for Arnold Bros. With those travels came many unique stories which were told with such passion and clarity, even when afflicted with Alzheimers in later years. In 2001 after retirement, he and his wife relocated to southern Ontario where he continued to dabble in trucking part time until the age of 74. Time was spent traveling visiting family and touring in Ontario and out west.
Gavin will be dearly missed by his wife, children and other extended family members. Many thanks to Dr. Eric Hirshberg for his many years of care, along with other medical personnel including the psw.'s who helped care for Gavin at home as his Alzheimers progressed. The family also wants to express their appreciation for the care and love shown to Gavin by the staff of the University Gates daycare and then the staff/volunteers of the Elliott Community in Guelph. Gavin loved to socialize with people and enjoyed his time there despite his battle with Alzheimers. The staff often commented on his smile and outgoing nature.
Cremation has taken place.
Gavin's family will receive relatives and friends from 10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at the Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener, 519-749-8467. A memorial service will be held in the chapel at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow at the funeral home.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Alzheimer Society would be appreciated by the family.
Visit www.henrywalser.com for Gavin's memorial.