Gary Earle Rafuse
March 26, 1950 to July 10, 2023
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at home and surrounded by his family on Monday, July 10th, 2023, age 73 years. Predeceased by his father Maynard Earle Rafuse, mother Ethel Potter Rafuse, sister Diane Rafuse, and granddaughter Daphne Beaudoin. Leaving to mourn his loving wife Elaine of 45 years, daughter Heather (Gerard), son Adam (Kerrin), daughter Kathryn (Michael), and his granddaughters Maggie, Amelia, and Natalie. Also leaving to mourn his brother David (Eileen), niece Ginette, nephew Raph (Lesley), stepmother Betty Rafuse and sisters Sharon Lane and Wendy Lund. Fondly remembered by his mother-in-law Margaret Dubé, many sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.
Hardworking from the start, Gary succeeded in everything life set before him because of his optimism and determination. He was the first in his family to graduate with a university degree and his incredible work ethic, passion, and excellence propelled him throughout his career in sales. Gary was well-loved and well-respected by all he encountered. His smile, warm heart, and genuine laugh was so welcoming and incredibly infectious. He was a deeply loving and devoted husband as well as an outstanding father and mentor to his children. The love that he had for his family was undeniable and always came above everything else.
We would like to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude to the incredible staff of the home dialysis team, the community palliative care team and paramedics, and the St. Clare’s haemodialysis unit who all made his last days as comfortable and supported as possible. Further thanks to all of the healthcare professionals who helped him throughout his illness.
A private memorial and inurnment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the Community Food Sharing Association, VOWR, or the Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Care Foundation.
Elaine, Kathryn, Heather and Adam and families, words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Hold on to the wonderful memories that you have made over the years. We are thinking of you all at this difficult time.
ELAINE SO SORRY TO JUST HAVE HEARD OF Gary’s passing, He truly was a wonderful and kind man,Thinking and praying for all your family at this difficult time , Take good care of yourself, love to you and your beautiful family, Marie Hillier,
Elaine, so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. My condolences to you & your family.
Elaine
Although our life paths had many miles between us, I knew you were happy and loved by Gary. I enjoyed the times we got to visit and Gary’s stuffing recipe on Thanksgiving years ago.. He was a big man in the eyes of so many. He will be missed but his legacy lives on in the beautiful family you have made together. So sorry for your loss. Love Judith and Linda
I can only offer sincere condolences to the family for their loss.
I worked with Gary (housing) early in his career and took an instant like for him. Over the years i would always run into him at airports all over Canada as we came or went on business trips. It became a standing joke between us.
He has always been on my mind in a fond way and it was literally only last week I mentioned him in a conversation.
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories of him be a blessing. He brightened the lives of so many.
Elaine – So very sorry to hear of Gary’s untimely passing. As you know I was introduced to Gary when he became the local Ortho rep, the same position I started my sales career with way back when. Anytime our paths crossed as they did many times Gary was always in a positive cheerful mood and I always looked forward to our next encounter. He cast a large shadow and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace big guy.
We were very sorry to learn of Gary’s passing ; our condolences to Elaine, Heather, Adam, Kathryn as well as David and Eileen and to all the Rafuse Family. David & Mona Lee
My condolences to Gary’s family, Gary visited my pharmacys many times during his career, he was always very respectful and professional, I enjoyed our many chats and discussions, R.I.P. Gary
Sorry to hear this sad news. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Gary’s entire family. He was a beautiful human being. As a former pharma rep myself I always enjoyed bumping into Gary on territory in the province. We had many laughs and shared a few long stories too.
He will be missed and never forgotten.
Rest in peace my friend.
Elaine and family….Saddened to learn of Gary’s passing, I had many conversations with him when I worked at RBC .Always such a pleasant and welcoming person to meet.You Elaine was my go to when my husband WEldon had surgery at HSC, along while back and we were so grateful for your help.
Sending sincere condolences to you all, may happy memories help you through your loss.. Joan Brown
My condolences to all of the Rafuse family on Gary’s passing. I knew Gary for many years in the Pharma business, and always enjoyed crossing paths with him as we travelled throughout every nook and cranny of the province. Gary welcomed everyone with a great smile and was a true gentleman. I’m very sorry for your loss. RIP Gary!
Adam and family, Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. May the memories you have comfort you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all.
Love Wayne and Gwen Warren
Elaine and family,
We are sorry and shocked to have learned of Gary’s loss. As you know, we go back many years and are sorry that we have lost touch over the past several years. . Gary was indeed a wonderful person. May he rest in peace.
Bob and Marie Hyslop
Elaine, so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing, condolences to you and your entire family, may all the wonderful memories you made together sustain you at this very difficult time and in the days ahead.
My sincere condolences to the Rafuse family on the passing of Gary. My relationship with Gary was on a professional basis and also as a friend. He was always smiling and very cordial during his business calls to my pharmacy. Never was there a disagreement. He was a master of making things right during his sales calls and always left with a smile and a wink. He made me think with that gesture did he get one over on me but no not Gary. He was too much of a gentleman always. RIP Gary my friend.
Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Love Pam ,Steve and family