Gary Warren Rogers

Gary Warren Rogers was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on January 17, 1942.

He met the love of his life, Mavis (née Hutchings) at Delbrook High School in North Vancouver and were married in 1963 at the tender ages of 21 and 20. The couple welcomed their first child, Derek (Kelli Rogers) in 1967, followed happily by the birth of their daughter, Melissa (Jeff Brancato) in 1970. Both Gary and Mavis made it their life mission to adopt a developmentally disabled child in the hopes of diverting just one person from the institutions of that era. Stephanie's adoption in 1979 was the fulfillment of that mission. The family made a small village in Eastern Ontario their happy home throughout the Seventies and Eighties. Gary, a lifelong salesman, possessed the usual charm and gift for persuasion associated with the profession. He was a popular presence in small-town grocery stores around Eastern Ontario, taking orders and stocking McCormick's products on the shelves.

Gary finally retired in 2001 and returned to British Columbia, eventually settling in Gibsons, where they began the next phase of their lives. Both Gary and Stephanie began their journey with the Special Olympics. Stephanie became a competitive swimmer, eventually travelling to Greece for the World Games, while her father enthusiastically coached her and other swimmers from the sidelines. On rare days away from the pool and thrift-shopping with his wife, Gary loved spending the day tending his impressive garden at home. Later, he lent his green thumb to St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church in Gibsons, where he and Mavis became proud members of the congregation.

On May 28th, Gary passed away at Silverstone Hospice in Sechelt after a brief illness. His loss is keenly felt by his family, friends and his community. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Special Olympics BC Sunshine Coast or St. Bartholomew's Anglican Church in Gibsons in Gary's name.

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