Obituaries

My heart was heavy to hear of Gary's illness and passing. Gary was part of a great group of friends who hung out at the Halifax Shopping Center, the school yards and many parties during the 70's. After I moved from NS in 1980, we lost touch. On my last visit in 2011, we connected again at a friend reunion and learned how much we had in common as adults. We shared the same world view and talked endlessly. And I can't remember laughing so hard in a very long time; Gary was so funny. He and my husband became instant friends. Although I haven't been back to NS since then, Gary and I stayed in regular contact on FB. He loved good music, especially the great bands we grew up listening to, and he would often post videos. And the Beatles...he loved them so...as do I, especially John Lennon. I always thought I would see Gary again. He was a very good man. RIP Gary and I'll see you on the other side.

My condolences to the family. Gary was a good friend ever since our younger days at QEH. Gary loved to play football and basketball and helped us in our arrangements for the 50 year anniversary of our NSSAF championship. Thanks Gary for being a friend and a teammate

Donna and Sean my deepest condolences to you during this difficult time, I will be thinking of you over the next few weeks and months as grief is never an easy journey may you find comfort in each other xoxo

Thanks for everything Coach Kirby! Had the pleasure of being coached for 3 years by Gary. We won back to back city championships in 93&94. Will never forget the lessons learned and memories made. RIP.

We would like to send our deepest sympathies to Gary's family. Gary was always a good friend. He always had a smile on his face, and after being with him for any amount of time he had put one on your face as well. He was a good and kind man and he will be fondly remembered and missed by all. Our memories of Gary are very fond ones, bringing both tears and chuckles. We are so sorry for your loss. Paul and Darlene Wilson

Donna, I am saddened to hear about Gary, I worked with him at SBC and HCC. He was always friendly, we've had interesting conversations and he always asked if I needed a drive home. He was a great guy! You are in my prayers. Helen

Donna our deepest condolences to you Sean and Family. We were shocked to say the least receiving this news. Doug, Chris Shawn and I have so many fond memories when we lived next door to you. Our sons loved having him coach them in basketball and certainly learned the game well through his guidance. Living in a semi the walls were thin and we always remember chuckling hearing Gary sing in the shower. Gary was a great guy, neighbour friend and so much more. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. He will be greatly missed. RIP our friend!

Dear Donna, Sean, Frank and Audrey So sad to hear about Gary . My sincerest condolences . I have very fond memories from my teenage years with Gary . Gary was a good friend .Hanging out at the Halifax Shopping Center . We were proud of being West Enders ! Gary truly loved his sports , especially basketball and football . He always gave his all ! St. Andrews basketball , the infamous Redskins football and of course the QEH Lions to name a few. I was truly proud of Gary when he put all his experiences to work as a passionate and skilled coach . Gary was truly a Great Guy ! ( Funny too ) and will be missed by all who were fortunate to have him in their lives. God Bless you Gary. Gary Hurshman

Very sorry for your loss I worked with Gary at the Piccadilly and enjoyed every minute of it.l would run into him at the NSLC at on Queen and we would reminisce the old days at the Pic and have a good laugh.

Frank and I and our children, Lynne and Jeff, are very sad to learn of Gary's passing. Our deepest condolences to Donna and Sean. Frank and Gary met about 40 years ago at NSLC and became lifelong friends. Frank has endless stories about their antics. Gary had an amazing talent for making people laugh. We enjoyed visits to the lake and the trailer and many important events in our lives over the years. Gary was truly a unique individual and leaves a smile on your face when you remember his witty personality. Will miss you buddy. Frank and Cindy Macdonald

Donna, I was shocked to see Gary's passing. Reg and I are very sorry for your loss.

To all the Kirby family Please accept my profound condolences on the passing of Gary. I had the please of working with Gary at the Scotia Bank Center. Rest In Peace my friend Jim kowalski

Oh Donna I am sorry to read of the passing of your dear Garry. You are in my thoughts. Della Marie Murray

My deepest sympathies to Donna and Sean. I worked with Gary for a number of years and will always remember his smile and his ability to make everyone laugh and have a better day. Rest in Peace my friend.

Worked with Gary 35 years ago at the NSLC on Clyde Str and he had me laughing every day..Bright,funny guy who will be missed by alot of people..My thoughts go out to Donna and Sean....David Somerton.

Gary was my basketball coach for years. I played on the west end Steelers. He was the best coach I ever had even if we always hated his coffee breath. I remember him bringing Sean to our practices (he would have been about 3 then) I even went on to coached along side him for a season. I learned many valuable life skills from him and always considered him a friend. I am sad to hear of his passing. My condolences, Melissa Thibodeau

Donna & sean, Frank & family! So very sorry to hear of Garys passing. I will always remember him making us laugh down to the camp! He sure will be missed! Heather (Carroll) & Jaan Kariler & family

First, I would like to express my condolences to Gary's wife Donna and son Sean along with his brother Frank and all other family members. Barb and I were saddened to hear of Gary's passing. I've known Gary for 40 years or more and during that time we had numerous conversations about many sports especially basketball, UFC and boxing. He knew the game of basketball well and was a great fundamentalist in teaching the young players. Gary coached both boys and girls' basketball for many different clubs over the years such as Fairview/Clayton Park Warriors, St. Agnes Steelers, Spryfield, Halifax West and Sir John A MacDonald to name a few. To say he loved the game was an understatement. Gary loved the Beatles and I remember many times going to his house to watch the Super Bowl Game and instead of letting us watch the half time show he would put the Beatles music on. What could we do, we were in his house ha-ha. After a late afternoon game or a night at the fights we would often stop at the tavern for a few beers. Gary and I had our differences along the way but we also had a lot of laughs and good times over the years. Rest in peace buddy. See you on the other side. Jim Gannon

Donna, I am so sorry to read of Gary's passing. There are so many great things that can be said about Gary. My connection with him was basketball. We were both coaches, he for the Steelers and me Eastern Passage. We played many games against each other. He was a great coach and when not coaching himself he would be in the bleachers cheering my girls on. Gary gave so much of himself to coaching and mentoring the young. We had many a long chat about basketball and the kids. He actually worked with my girls some helping to improve their skills. I would see him occassionally at NSLC and Scotiabank Center and always received a hug and that big smile. He leaves not only many good memories for those he coached but also his impact on their lives outside basketball. We were all blessed to have known him. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and family. I am truly sorry for your loss. 🙏🏻

So sad to hear of Gary's passing. Went to school with Gary at St. Andrews and QEHS where we played football together. Have bumped into each other many times over the years. He will be missed.

Donna & Sean I was heartbroken when I heard of Gary's last few months from Frank last week, and I am so sorry for all you have been through. As you know, Gary was one of the 3 'older brothers' that I always wanted and growing up with him, Rick & Frank were just the best adventures an 'adopted sister' could ask for...I will miss him dearly, but take comfort in knowing that he's with Rick, Aunt Thelma, Uncle Frank and all his friends & family who have gone before him. Love to you both! Kim

Condolences to All Gary's Families.Last time talking to Him was @ Giant Tiger in Fairview. He was a hard worker n a funny Man. May U RIP Gary

My deepest condolences to Gary's family during this time of sorrow and loss. Gary was a very caring person and he will be missed by all who knew him. I worked with Gary at the Scotiabank Centre and will always remember his huge smile! RIP my friend.

Gary was a classmate of mine in grade 10. Didn't see him much over the years but when we would run into each other, we would share memories of those days and laugh as hard as we did back then. My condolences to the family.

One of THE BEST nephews an aunt can have❤️ Always willing to help and with a great sense of humour. R.I.P. and Thank you Gary.

So sorry to hear of Gary's passing. I have know Gary for many many years. Back to the days when I would babysit him and his two brothers. A great guy who came from a great family. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Very sad to hear of Gary's passing. Our deepest condolences to Donna, Sean and all of Gary's family and friends. Many fond memories of story telling and enjoying music while camping at Sherwood Forest Campground. Gary was always passionate about coaching and enjoyed working with aspiring young players! Rest in peace Gary!

Worked with gary years ago...always someone you could talk to and always quick witted..rest in peace ...condolences to his whole family

Sending our sincere condolences on Gary's passing. We have many fond memories of camping and story telling at Sherwood Forest! You are in our thoughts and prayers!

We are so sorry for the loss of Gary . Our thoughts and prayers are with you .

My deepest condolences to his family and friends .Gary worked for me at Zapataz back in the early 70's.He was a great guy, always friendly and a great employee. I was friends with him on fb also. Jim Bent

Gary and I were friends for over 35 years coaching basketball, working at NSLC, enjoying many Super Bowls together I will miss his sense of humour and quick wit Rest In Peace my friend. Jude Aucoin

My deepest sympathies on Gary's passing. He was a wonderful friend and co-worker....we had lots of laughs together. You were one in a million Gary...Rest in Peace!

Lots of fond memories of Gary growing up in the West End of Halifax, Queen Elizabeth High School, and part time jobs at Sears and Zapatas. He was always the life of the party and held a special place in my heart ❤️ Rest In Peace Sue (Simpson) Jakeman

Daphne, I am sorry for your loss. I knew Gary well from a young boy growing up playing football, basketball and baseball. He was an excellent basketball coach and we had many conversations on coaching and playing prior to his illness. He will be missed.

Gary was a great coach and I loved our talks about basketball and life. He had a passion for coaching and helping young people. He always spoke his mind, and I always loved that about him. Rest In Peace, Gary. I won't forget you.

So sad to hear of Gary's passing! He was one of my favorite people that I ever worked with, always had us laughing! He will be missed!