KANARY, Walter Gerard
Died in Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta on February 22, 2017 at 60 years of age.
He was born and raised in Capstick, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Known as Walter to some, Gerry to others and Jard to his family.
He is predeceased by his parents, Peter Kanary and Irene (Capstick).
He is survived by six siblings (Terry, Melvin, Tommy, Tony, Lucy Ellen and Johnnie).
He spent the past 40 years working in the mining industry in Manitoba, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. He loved everything about mining – the technology, the challenges, the opportunity to meet new people, and the life style - to work intensely for several weeks and then have time to travel. There is a saying -“Life is not about the miles you travel but the stops you make”. Jard traveled many miles and made many stops.
He criss-crossed the country countless times – by bike, car and plane - rarely in a straight line. He loved to live in the moment, taking detours and exploring constantly. He was catching a plane from Montreal to St. Johns, saw a promotion and changed his ticket to spend some time in Germany. Similarly, he found his way to New Orleans, Montana, Ireland, and Mozambique.
Over the years, he developed a vast knowledge of and passion for Inuit culture and art, carving, music, motorcycles and photography. He was an avid reader and a natural storyteller and spent countless hours at kitchen tables across the country sharing his adventures and discussing current affairs. His stories were punctuated with effortless wit and humor. He lived his life with curiosity and accepted people without judgement. He was generous to a fault.
No one was prepared for the stark diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He responded with pragmatism and good humour – and launched yet another cross country tour visiting old haunts, sharing his treasures, seeking out the perfect “bread pudding” and connecting with many people along the way.
We will miss him terribly. In memory of Jard, please take the time to take a detour in life and try something new, share a funny story and/or do an act of generosity for someone.
Thank you to the many people who were there for him on his journey – his friends, his family doctor, Dr. Hudy, Dr. Wu, Dr. Card and the medical team at the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic.
A Celebration of Life will take place in Cape Breton later in the year.