Obituary of Gary Pace, Glace Bay

Gary Pace, age 67, left his home in Glace Bay and returned to his Father’s house on January 31, 2020. The youngest child of the late John and Emsie (Steele) Pace, Gary graduated from St. Michael's High School in 1970 and was employed with the local Co-op grocery store before being hired as a rail worker for DEVCO. Some would say that he should have stayed at the Co-op, as a fateful step onto snow-covered ice resulted in him being bounced and dragged beneath 14 moving coal cars in 1978. While he laid on the track in agony after the final car crushed his right arm, Gary began to consider giving up. He then heard a disembodied voice asking, “are you sure you’re going to Heaven?” Well, Gary quickly decided that he was quite unsure and vowed to survive the accident so that he could live a virtuous life to its fullest. His mission is now complete, his worthiness unquestionable, and we can safely say he had no regrets about the career change. Gary is survived by his sister, Lorraine (Bill) Jaques and son, Steven (Zara), along with many adoring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marlene (MacNeil), sister, Shirley (Sheldon) MacNeil, and brothers, Emilio (Lorna) and Kevin (in infancy). Gary was widely known for treating all people with genuine warmth and friendliness (unless they were an authority figure or slandered his Toronto Maple Leafs). He was a proud mentor and enthusiastic chauffeur to dozens of people who grew up in the Number 11/Steele’s Hill area, to the point that he was awarded the first-ever Parent of the Year award from the Passchendaele Police Boys Club the year after his own son left the group. But, in an act that may define him best, Gary refused to display the award at home. He was a humble and patently selfless man who only wanted to do what he thought God wanted him to do, which was mainly to treat others well. We can honour him by doing the same in our own lives. As per Gary’s wishes, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. A funeral mass will be held at Holy Cross Church on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020 at 10 a.m. followed by a reception in the church hall. Fr. Norman MacPhee presiding. Interment at a later date in St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Glace Bay. The family would like to thank the many professionals and volunteers who cared for him throughout his battles. Gary was an avid animal lover, so donations (in lieu of flowers) should be directed to the SPCA or an animal care organization of your choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Funeral arrangements are entrusted to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Chapel & Reception Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay.