Gary Gerard Corcoran
July 12, 1960 to May 26, 2021
Obituary
Gary Gerard Corcoran, from Paradise, Newfoundland, died at home on May 26, 2021 at the age of 60, after living with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) since 2018.
Gary is survived by his wife Gayle, sons Colin and Christopher, and a large, loving family of siblings: Shirley (Adrian) Yetman, Walter (Agatha) Corcoran, Patrica (Earl) Kielly, Doris (Desmond) Lewis, Carolann (Michael) Lewis, Edward (Marie) Corcoran, Yvonne (Clarence) Tobin, Valentine (Anne) Corcoran and Phyllis Tarrant. Gary is pre-deceased by his parents, Valentine and Dorothy, brother Jack and sister Mary. Gary also leaves behind his cherished dog, Harry.
Everything about Gary was big: he lived every day with gusto and had a voracious appetite for everything life had to offer. No challenge was too big.
Gary had a 30-year career at RBC Dominion Securities with clients and colleagues from across Canada, a lifetime of service with various charities including the St. John’s Rotary Club and Saint John Ambulance. The only thing greater than his commitment to community was his love for his family and friends.
Among a lifetime of accomplishments, Gary will best be remembered for his love of food and passion for cooking. His kitchen was his castle, and even when he was travelling, you could always find Gary in a kitchen somewhere. He was an adventurous chef, a generous host, and an enthusiastic teacher. When he was diagnosed with ALS, he turned his focus to writing a 320-page cookbook filled with his own recipes, a legacy to his lifetime of work.
So how does one sum up a life so fully and generously lived? It’s all there, on every single page of Gary’s cookbook. Try new things. Share with others. Add spice—lots of it. And most importantly, Gary’s last word in almost every recipe: “enjoy”.
The entire Corcoran family is filled with gratitude for everyone on Gary’s care team. In particular, thank you to the ALS multidisciplinary team at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto, and Dr. Susan MacDonald, with the palliative care unit at Eastern Health in St. John’s for helping give Gary the best quality of life he could have while living with ALS. And thanks to the many friends who visited Gary, bringing him his favourite food and meals over the last year.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no funeral service. If you want to honour Gary, please make a donation to Sunnybrook Foundation – ALS Clinic or the Stoker’s Club of St. John’s Rotary.
Gary deeply touched our lives and he will live in our hearts forever. So sad to learn about his passing. Not many knows that Gary was also the Honorary Consul for the Czech Republic and he helped many of us in the past years. Many thanks to you Gary, rest in peace.
Vlasta and Jindra with kids Elin, Zora and Adam
I am so sorry to learn of Gary’s passing.
My condolences to his wife and children, and the Corcoran family.
May good memories bring peace to all who mourn him.
Mike Ryan and Family
Surrey, British Columbia
Had the delight to attend a number of dinners at your home with extended family hosted by Gary and Steve Watson.. We had to skip the deep fried turkey meal. Still fascinated with that concept. Recall the tuna with mango and so much more. Gary make us as unknown guests welcome and at ease. My life has been enriched by our encounters.. . He filled his life to the fullest and left us treasuring warm memories. May those warm and loving memories help you and your family through these difficult times. Judy and Angus Taylor
So sorry to hear this news. Met Gary in university many years ago as he was a study partner with my roommate. Just heard about the release of his book. Take care.
Yvonne and family so sorry to hear of your brother’s passing,. our thoughts and prayers are with you .
Yvonne, Clarence, and family
Our deepest condolences to you all for the loss of your brother and your good friend.
Sincerely,
Lana and Keith Frost
Gayle, i send my deepest condolences to all Gary Family, Sophie Corcoran & Family
Gayle and family,
My heart breaks for your loss. Gary was a great Manager and fabulous chef. Cooking was definately his passion and what a wonderful legacy to create a cookbook full of his delicious recipes. It must have been a joy to work together putting it to print. Many will miss him and his positive personality. RIP Gary.
What a great guy ! Gary will be missed by many. Gary was passionate about his cooking and so it seemed like a natural thing when I asked him if he wanted to team with my wife , Cathy and I and host a dinner for Charity. I believe the first one we did sold for $6,500 and for several years we did two a year and raised over $30,000 for Rotary and the Cancer Society. The kitchen operated like it was a well oiled machine under his leadership! Gayle was there at his side making sure everything was just right. Gary is in a good place now. May You Rest in Peace bud !
Ray and Cathy Smallwood.
Even though we worked in the same building for many years, my connection to Gary was primarily through Rotary.. He raised money through pate’, then I learned of the military and Christmas Puddings and then I witnessed his skill as a chef, and with highly skilled chefs.. His kitchens and his gadgets, but I also saw his face light up when he got to use his Macallan Ice Ball Maker. to give me a scotch. Sheer joy! Savour the many pleasant memories of this multifaceted, multi-talented gentleman.. Rest in peace.
Gayle, Colin and Christopher and all of the Corcoran family, Katie, Lily, Maria and I send our deepest sympathies and condolences to all of you. He was a great man and contributed so much to our community and our world is a little less bright now that he has passed. Hold tight to your memories to help you through this difficult time. Gary was an inspiration to all that he touched and we will forever cherish our friendship and times we shared with you all.
Gayle, Colin, Christopher and the Corcoran Family – Darlene and I were saddened to learn of Gary’s passing, and we offer our heartfelt condolences to you all. Gary and I spent a great deal of time together during our years with the St. John’s Jaycees, and I was always pleased to see him when our paths crossed through Rotary. He was a generous soul who will be fondly remembered by the many people he met along the way. While your loss is heavy and heartbreaking, may you draw strength from the memories. Thinking of you all, with deepest sympathy.
Gayle, Christopher, and Colin,
Gary was a wonderful person and a talented chef. He leaves behind many fond memories and a superb cookbook.
My deepest sympathy to you and the remainder of the extended Corcoran family.
Gary– A fine man
I knew Gary first through a connection with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. He was not in the Regt, but a mutual friend made the connection. Generosity!! I am also a member of the St. John’s Rotary Club, but no close connection there except respect. Finally I have had close connections with folk with ALS , both in Toronto.
What a sorrow. What bravery!
My sympathy to Gayle, Chris,Colin and all the family.
Gayle and family, Gary will always be remembered for his zest for life. His life is an inspiration to me and many others,. I will always remember his love of sharing food with family and friends, and his commitment to giving back to his community. My thoughts are with you all .
My deepest sympathy to Gary’s family. A great loss to all who knew him. A gentle man with a huge smile and generous big heart. Cherish your many happy memories. RIP Gary
Yvonne, Clarence and the Corcoran family, our sincere condolences on Gary’s passing. We met Gary through Steve and Pat Watson and spent many nights cooking, enjoying amazing meals and sharing good times. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Jeff and Jane Sears
Gayle, Chris Colin and all the Corcoran family. Gary will be easily missed. He had a large way about him. We will cherish his cookbook as we did his friendship.
Sending our thoughts and prayers to all the families during this most difficult time. Sorry to hear of your loss! Hold fast to the beautiful memories!!
May Gary now RIP
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Our heartfelt condolences go out to Shirley
and the Corcoran Family. You are in our thoughts
and Prayers.
By: Sigrid Schon and Lottie Schmidt
Dear Gayle, Colin, Chris and Corcoran family. Elizabeth and I send our sincere condolences in your loss. Gary was such a wonderful person. We will cherish the wonderful memories and good times we had together. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Rest in Peace Gary!
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Sincere condolences to Chris, Colin and all of Gary’s family. It was a pleasure to have known Gary and have the opportunity to attend a few of his Pig Roasts over the years. Our son Spencer spent lots of time hanging out at Gary’s with Chris and Colin and Spencer still speaks of all the good times they had. Gary’s personality was just so big, he always had a big smile and was always happy to see you and made time for a chat. Chris and Colin keep all your good memories close, your dad was a wonderful person. I’m looking forward to getting his book. RIP Gary. Sharon and Lloyd Hollett
To all the Corcoran Family
We are saddened to hear of your loss. At times like this it is hard to know what to say or do; but may it comfort all of you a little to know that so many people have such good memories of your husband,,father and brother. Rest In Peace,Gary
Helen(Meehan) and Harold Greene
Shirley, Pat and Corcoran family: Please accept our deepest condolences on Gary’s passing. As you celebrate his wonderful life and deal with the sadness of your loss during these difficult times, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Our deepest sympathy to all the family
Sincere condolences to Gayle, Gary’s sons and all his family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Cherish the beautiful memories and I look forward to getting his cook book.
Mary & Jacob Vanwageningen
Eddie, Marie and all the Corcoran family, please accept my sincere sympathies on Gary’s passing.
Mostly I remember him as a fixture behind the bar at the Bay Rock many moons ago when we were all younger. We ended up working in the same building for many years and had business dealings and quick chats on the elevator.
I will be thinking of you all as you grieve.
Margie
Gary and Gayle – it was such a great pleasure – getting to know you – hanging with you – drinking with you – and most of all laughing with you – over the years while we travelled. Gayle – yourself and Gary are two of the most amazing people I have met on my journey – and I will always have very fond memories of our times together. Please know that my heart aches for you during this difficult time – and I am sending virtual hugs your way from Nova Scotia. Thinking of you and your family – Love Den
Gary such a pleasure to have been a colleague , and to have worked with you. Every year I saw first hand how unselfish you were with your time and your Charity.. Your jokes live on my friend and your caring ways. My sincere condolences to the family. Gary was a great one ..
Our condolences to Gary’s family. We had the opportunity to meet and mingle with Gary a few times over the years at various events and he was always a pleasure to spend time with. His zest for life was infectious. Jim Walsh and Katharine Hickey
Gayle, Christopher, Colin and all family. we wish to express our deepest sympathy on the passing of a great human being. .Known to us for approxitmately 36 yrs, Gary was a fun loving person to be around and he always worked hard at his profession at RBC Roya Bank Group. He was a team players in all regards with a strong customer focus. He was a real inspiration on so many joint things we did together at Royal Bank and RBC Dominion Securities. I just received my cookbook a few days before his passing and like his career it is one of the most professional cookbooks we have ever seen and yes have tried his suggested mixture of apple juice and water on our barbeque ribs and every time we do it hence forth we will remember Gary. In addition to cooking he also had a love for ocean sailing which he used to do with gusto as well. Gary will be dearly missed by all who knew him and in the words of an Irish poet “Long may his big jib draw and may a fair wind always be at his back” Rest in Peace our dear friend Gary Sam( retired RBC Royal Bank V/P ) & Eleanor Walters
Sincere condolences to Yvonne and family at this most difficult time. So sorry for the loss of your dear brother.. May he rest in peace.
Dear Gayle and family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary’s “larger than life” personality endeared him to so many and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. During Covid, I have cooked more than I ever have before and I often turn to Gary’s recipes for inspiration when i want to make something really good. I wish I had known Gary when he was healthy. All the beautiful tributes being posted give me a glimpse of what a generous, fun, smart, competitive, giving, loyal person he was. I did get an idea of his passion for cooking the first time we met and he described the special flour he had shipped in from Italy to make pizza. (!) What struck me was how enthusiastically he spoke about it. Clearly cooking was more than a hobby. And I heard about his legendary feasts and the unmatched hospitality of Gary and Gayle from many who were lucky enough to visit them. It’s a sad and very difficult time as you come to grips with saying goodbye. I can’t make sense of why good people have to go too soon. But what I do know is every time Gary’s family and friends, acquaintances and people he never even met – get together to share memories and good times over delicious dishes from Gary’ cookbook, his spark for life and the added touch of spice he brought to all who knew him, will be there. Gary will be well remembered and his legacy will live on.
I hope those thoughts bring you some comfort during the difficult days ahead.
I imagine Gary is now peaceful and free and hosting the best kitchen party heaven has ever seen.
Heartfelt condolences to the Corcoran family at this time. May you take some comfort in the wonderful memories you have of Gary.
by Deborah Corcoran
Our deepest sympathy to the Corcoran Family and friends in this time of great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Frank & Rose Mooney
Our deepest sympathy to the Corcoran Family and friends in this time of great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are are with you at this sad time.
Frank & Rose Mooney
Doris , Carolann and Shirley .I am so sorry to hear about your brothers passing .I have heard his name often over the years .My prayers are for you all at this sad time .Please take care and stay safe .
Our condolences to the Corcoran family on Gary’s passing! Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I knew him as a friend of Kevin Hutchings. My deepest condolences
Gayle, Colin, Christopher and all the C0rcoran families our deepest sympathy on Gary’s passsing. Draw strength from each other during this sad time.and embrace Gary’s joy of life each day.
My deepest condolences to Gary’s family!
You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Rose Fagan
St.Joseph’s
sorry for your loss my heart goes out to all his family and all his friends that know him rip he is with god now
TO: Shirley and Pat and all of the Corcoran Family:
I extend to you all my deepest sympathy on this sad occasion of Gary’s passing. As you journey through your grief may the thought that he is now enjoying the rewards that await “a good and faithful servant” sustain you.. Hold your memories close. Rest in God’s embrace, Gary.
Rose Crawford.
Sincere Condolences to the Corcoran families.
Thinking of you all during this very sad time.
Take care and God Bless.
Jerome and Bridget Bowen- Gander.
Condolences to Walter Agatha and all the family
Sorry for your loss
Sending condolences to all of Gary’s family. Treasure your memories
Dear Gayle, Christopher, Colin and the entire Corcoran Family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all on the loss of dear Gary. He was a wonderful generous man, a special friend and an inspiration to all.
Sincerely,
Janice and Glen
Yvonne and family, please accept our sincere condolences.
Marie & Sandy Duffett
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to all the Corcoran family..
Sending deepest condolences to all of Gary’s family and to all who knew and loved Him. He was a special person. Please know I am holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time
Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to y family and on your loss. Our heartfelt sympathies are extended to each of you at this time…May Gary rest in Peace………….God Bless each of you and give you all the strength to get through your loss…….Love your cousin Gayle Luby Rehel and family
To the Corcoran family,
It is difficult to put the proper words together to express my sadness hearing of Gary’s passing.. I was fortunate to know Gary as a business colleague. Gary was always so proud In sharing stories of his family and his latest ventures! He had a gift of captivating the attention of others. May your memories bring you comfort at this time. We will keep his family in our thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest condolences Gayle and the entire Corcoran family. Gary was one of a kind. We enjoyed many Pig roasts and always enjoyed Gary’s flair for cooking. His humour and hospitality made him special. Always enjoyed working and socializing with him during our RBC days. Rest is peace good friend.
Dear Gail.
Words cannot describe how sorry we are for your loss of Gary and the years together you will miss. Hoping that your wonderful memories will help ease your pain..
Ian, Lesley and Aaron.
To Shirley and all the Corcoran Family,
We would like to send our sincere condolences at this sad time.Cherish your memories and hope they will bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Sending our deepest condolences to all Garys family. I love his cookbook and used a recipe from it the first day I got it. I’ve read most of his introductions to his recipes. He was a great man! May he Rest In Peace
I had the pleasure of knowing Gary from our days of attending Dunne Memorial School to our many ,many nights at the Bay Roc.He was the sweetest,my memories of him I will cherish.My Condolences to all his family and friends.RIP Gary
Love & Blessings to the family,. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Bless Gary…
To all the Corcoran family, my sincere condolences on the passing of Gary. Thinking of you all and the memories we shared growing up.
To Chris and Colin: Sending our sincerest sympathies on the loss of your father. We hope that happy memories will sustain you in this sad time.
The Corcoran Family Deepest condolences on the passing of Gary. May you find comfort in the many memories you made with him over the years. RIP Gary.
Gordon & Mary Hearn
Deepest sympathy to the Corcoran family .May treasured memories provide some comfort and strengthen you now and in the difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Rest in peace, Gary.
Gayle , Colin , Christopher and all members of Gary’s Family
My deepest sympathy on Gary’s death .
Gary was a man who cared deeply about family, who was truly committed to his profession and those he served, and who undertook. many charitable causes on behalf of others. His cookbook is an authentic symbol of who Gary was in life and. in death.
May Gary now Rest In Peace and may his family and friends be filled with that same deep peace..
Patricia March, rsm
Sisters of Mercy
TO THE COCORAN FAMILY
SORRY TO HEAR OF GARRYS PASSING, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL DURING NTHIS SAD TIME,
R I P GARY
Gayle,
Heartfelt condolences. Gary and I knew each other for over thirty years and the quiet courage and determination which I saw in you both will always remain with me.
Bruce Chislett
I am sorry to hear Gary has past. I had the pleasure of working with Gary in the early 90’s. His knowledge, professionalism and sense of humour were always welcome by our clients and employees. Gary was true to his personality, enjoy your life and share your life with others. Rest well my friend you will be missed. Condolences to the entire Corcoran family.
Carolann and Corcoran Family
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing
So nice to have his cookbook
What better way to treasure your memories than enjoying a meal from his book and sharing your stories of him between your laughter and tears
RIP Gary
Diane and Herb Boland
Our sincere condolences to the Corcoran Family.
We are so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing..
(We knew Gary as we were Clients of his for many , many years).
Take care and God Bless
So sorry for your loss. Condolences to the Corcoran family. Rest in peace Gary.
Sorry to hear the news about Gary. May you have comfort in knowing that you have family and friends who share your sorrow.
Our deepest condolences to the Corcoran Family on Gary’s passing. RIP Gary.
Sincerely
Andrew & Christine Daley
We are so sad and sorry for your loss. Gary was a great guy and we remember the times we worked or socialized with him. Gary was a character with a love for life and I remember his cooking. Rest In Peace.
Colin and Christopher, we are so very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Although we haven’t seen you guys in years, we still think of you often, and feel so sad for you at this time. Keep Gary close in all the wonderful memories you made with him over the years. Take care. Xo
Janet and Gerry Crocker
To the Corcoran families, I am so very sorry for your loss.
I worked with Gary at Richardson Greenshields many years ago and came to discover we were both from St. Mary’s Bay.
He was the most caring, gentle, and kind man. I truly enjoyed working with him. He always made you feel special in his company. May he Rest In Peace.
Our sincere condolences to Gary’s family. We are thinking of you all at this very sad time. May he Rest In Peace. Janine & Frank McGrath, Placentia
We ere deeply saddened on learning of Gary’s passing. To Gary’s wife and family his sons Colin, Christopher and Patsy, the mother of his children and all his siblings. We offer you our sincere condolences and prayers.
Sylvester & Lucilla Yetman
To all of the Corcorans, especially our precious Colin and Chris: My heart is so heavy for all of you. Myself and Joe thought the world of Gary.. We have lost a very special person way too soon. I will keep all of you in my prayers. Much love from Nan
My sincere sympathy to Gary’s wife and family, to Colin, Christopher, Patsy and his immediate family. Know that I am thinking about you all at this time and have been remembering Gary in prayer since he’s been sick. I have looked through his cookbook and have also tasted his cooking some years back.. May he rest in peace. Love and blessings,
Sister Monica Hickey
Sorry to read about your loss. Deepest condolences to Walter and Agnes and families.
I am sorry to hear of Gary’s death and will remember him in prayer for all the many Charities that he helped. His soul is at peace.
Betty Morrissey rsm
Gary was a wonderful person, a caring uncle to our daughter in law Jennifer, and a colleague of Ian’s at St. John Ambulance. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to Gayle and all of Gary’s extended family.