We regret to advise of the death of Corporal Wilbert Gary Armstrong (Ret'd) of Ladysmith BC on 14 March 2024 at age 84.
Gary was born in Peterborough ON, and lived there until the age of 16, when he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers with the Fifth Intake of the Sapper Apprentice Program in 1956. After his two-year training program at the Royal Canadian School of Military Engineering at Chilliwack BC, Gary started a 20-year career with the Canadian Military Engineers, first as a Field Engineer and then as an Electrician.
Gary’s postings were far and wide across Canada and on international peacekeeping duties. In addition to serving at Canadian Forces Bases Chilliwack, Borden, and Calgary, Gary served at Canadian Forces Station in Alert. Gary was also deployed on United Nations peacekeeping duties in Egypt and Cyprus.
After serving as an Electrician, Gary branched out into Occupational Health and Safety for a second career and worked for another 20 years with Canada Post. This career started in Calgary and, after several years, he was promoted and moved to Edmonton with responsibilities for the province of Alberta.
Gary enjoyed many interests and loved to travel and see new places. While in Germany, there were trips to explore the surrounding countries; this love of travel took him and his wife on many vacations in the following decades. Vacations included camping trips, road trips, cruises, an exploration of Australia, and many places in between. His collections of stamps and coins were extensive. He was a dedicated birdwatcher and also enjoyed his aquariums of fish he had bred. Sketching and painted folk art exhibited his artistic bent and he enjoyed decorating his home with pictures and art collected from around the world.
A memorial Service was held on Wednesday 10 April 2024 at the United Church in Chemainus BC. Online Condolences can be sent to the funeral home.
