Obituaries

TEW, Curtiss Gary

Curtiss Gary Tew was born to William and Dolores Tew in Medicine Hat on January 17, 1945. His formative "chicken breading" days were often fondly spoken of with him being the fastest potato peeler "Chicken on the Way" had ever seen. Naturally his tireless work attitude led him to join the soldier Apprentices program in the Royal Canadian Engineers, graduating in 1963, at which point he served in Werl, Germany.

He was a fun-loving guy with many stories to tell. Gary had the most infectious laugh that could be recognized from a great distance and when he started speaking you were always keen to listen. In his extensive world travels he acquired many friends and fond memories. His love of people and willingness to be a friend to many has left him with a resounding popularity that is worth emulating. His care and devotion to those around him is obvious when you realize just how many people Gary had touched throughout his life. An example of many, is the bond Gary and his fellow soldiers have - sharing a lifelong friendship since 16 years old. A brotherhood for life.

In 1968, Gary met the love of his life, Marilyn Wutzke. On April fool’s day he looked at her and said, "Will you marry me, Joyce?" 51 years later they are still together and so in love. An unbreakable bond, an admirable friendship that few people are lucky enough to experience. A marriage to be mirrored and held in esteem. Together they had two children. A son, Todd, and a daughter, Vikki.

After leaving the army and obtaining a Power Engineering Certificate Gary took a career path that brought him and family to Abu Dhabi. 15 years of early mornings and tireless work ethic. Parties on "the roof" and weekend Dhow trips helped fuel the passion Gary had for working hard and playing even harder.

Coming back to Canada in 1995 Gary and Marilyn started a successful company in Calgary which was passed to daughter Vikki (Michael) in 2009. They moved to Port Alberni where Gary and Marilyn spent time fishing and boating and enjoying a lifelong passion of motorcycle riding, eventually settling in Kelowna. Again, making friends along every roadway Gary would travel.

On October 11, 2019, Gary passed of an ongoing case of Metastatic Melanoma. With his wife and daughter by his side and many loved ones in waiting he passed gracefully and with valor, finally able to rest. He is lovingly remembered by Wife, Marilyn; Daughter, Vikki (Michael) 3 Grandchildren, Brianne (Andrew), Shayna (Lucas), Serenity; Great Grandson, Parker. Predeceased by his son Todd. Survived and well remembered by his Brother, William Tew (Carol); Sister, Sharon Tew.

In lieu of flowers a donation to the Hospice House Kelowna - Interior Health Central would be greatly appreciated. The care Gary and family received was above compassionate and beyond professional. The family cannot convey their gratitude enough to the staff and medical personnel in their time of need. The family is also especially grateful for Gary’s lifelong friend, Dave Quick. He loved Gary dearly and walked this final journey with him, ever a calming and compassionate presence.

An announcement will be made at a future date for a celebration of life in Gary’s honour, Spring/Summer 2020. Due to impending winter road conditions the family feels it would be best to celebrate Gary when out of town friends and family can travel safely.

Hospice House Kelowna - Interior Health Central
2035 Ethel St
Kelowna, BC, V1Y 2Z6
1-250-862-4126

Condolences maybe sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, 250-762-2299.

Condolence Messages

Oct 16, 2019
So very sorry for your loss Marilyn and family. May he now rest in in peace free of pain and suffering. He was a great neighbour.

Mel & Bev Wilde
Oct 16, 2019
So sorry to hear of Gary's passing, but he is not suffering any more.

We will miss him.

Bev & Maxine

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