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Gary Charles O'Donnell

In Memory of
Gary Charles
O'Donnell
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Telegraph Journal - Provincial Edition
"We are pleased to provide this Book of Memories to the family."
View full message >>>

Obituary for Gary Charles O'Donnell

BELOVED BROTHER
1949 – 2019
After battling cancer and surrounded by his loving and adored Family and many visits and love from his Edmonton friends, it is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Gary Charles O’Donnell. Gary was the oldest sibling of the Late Marie Anne Caissie–O’Donnell and the Late Lawrence (Larry) Edmond O’Donnell born on August 2, 1949. Gary moved from his homeland, Saint John, at the young age of 20 and planted his roots in Edmonton, Alberta, to further his career as a Draftsman. In Edmonton he met his loving wife, companion, partner and best friend, Christene Schafer, of Slave Lake, Alberta, and they raised their two talented and unique daughters in Edmonton, Alberta. Gary departed this life shortly after his 70th birthday in Edmonton, Alberta, on Sunday evening, August 11, 2019. Gary was a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother and Friend and will be deeply missed. Gary cherished and adored his precious and beloved granddaughter, Violet. Violet gave him so much happiness and joy and was a huge part of him as he was her.

Gary and Christene had a strong passion for nature, life, family, friends – old and new, music, folk festivals and lived an active life style. They loved camping with their girls, taking road trips and admiring the scenery, lakes, rivers and mountains of Alberta. Every year they looked forward to the folk festivals of Alberta meeting up with all their Friends. Taking in the winters of Alberta, they ventured out to enjoy cross country skiing and the breathtaking scenery. Gary loved to fish the lakes and rivers Alberta provided.

Over the years, Gary made several trips back to his homeland, Saint John, to visit his parents and siblings. Early days Gary enjoyed playing the trumpet until his passion became the guitar. On his visits back home to Saint John, with guitar in hand, Gary would entertain his Family and at his Mother’s request he would sing one of her favourite songs, “House Of The Rising Sun” over and over without hesitation. Gary also had a passion for playing pool and during his lifetime competed in a number of pool tournaments.

We will never forget Gary’s huge infectious grin that was contagious and would put a smile on everyone’s face in his presence. Gary and Christene enjoyed each other; they loved and lived life to its fullest and were best friends to the end. Gary will be forever missed but never forgotten by his Family and Friends whom he touched deeply.

Gary is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Christene Schafer, their two daughters, Sabrina Butterfly O’Donnell (Keith Walker) and Corissa Spring O’Donnell (Mike Schumacher), his cherished and precious granddaughter Violet Walker, his siblings Cathy O’Donnell, Marilyn O’Donnell, Sandra Mosher (Stephen), Bonnie McKinnon (Alan) and Patty O’Donnell, and his nephew, Saint John Firefighter, Joseph James Shelley.

Our Beloved Brother will remain Alberta Bound. R.I.P. my Dear.
Your Saint John Family.

So raw and tender,
we'll never forget you,
why did you leave our side tonight.
You called me home to see you
and I flew to greet you and we stayed by
your side late last night.
I came in the morning, and without words
you told me the last things to
make me feel alright.
Oh man I'll miss you
and just want to kiss you,
Why did you leave us tonight?
I saw the pain was too much to carry
and played some songs
for you Gary,
You wanted me to write a tune
so this one is for you,
I hope you sleep in peace
and in silence tonight,
as you move toward the light.
So many love you and
are thinking of you,
and know that we'll all be alright.
Xo Dad we love you soo much
Obituaries | Telegraph Journal
Skip to content

A place for remembering loved ones. A space for sharing memories.

Featured

Latest Obituaries

Today Yesterday This Week This Month Explore All

Memorial Notices

Today Yesterday This Week This Month Explore All

Other Sympathy Announcements

Today Yesterday This Week This Month Explore All

Learn & Prepare

When someone close to you passes away, it can be difficult to know what to do. Whether you are planning a funeral service, buying flowers, expressing condolences, or just trying to figure out how to process grief, this library of articles will help you understand what to expect.

Explore All
guiding grief photo

Your Guide to Overcoming Grief

  • Comprehensive Videos for Every Grief Journey
  • 15 Experts Share Insights to Manage Grief
  • On-Demand Access
guiding grief logo
Learn more
Photo

Obituary Writing Toolbox: Template and Samples

Following a template is the easiest way to determine the requirements and standards for any type of writing project. It's helpful to take a look at examples, templates and guides when beginning to write. Knowing the form,...

Learn more
Photo

Benefits of Online Memorials

When a loved one passes away, the next of kin will usually compose a newspaper obituary to communicate the information. While these notices are informative, obituaries often don’t do justice to the life story of a loved one....

Learn more