Gary Michael Kneebone
May 28, 1962 – July 28, 2023
Father to Michael James Kneebone and Stepfather to Jason, Dawn Lynn and Jennifer. Brother to James, Douglas and Ronald. Uncle to Sarah, Elissa and Lara. Proud grandpa to Maya and Gavin. Loving son to Muriel and James.
Gary grew up in Hamilton and was an honor roll student at Glendale High School. In truth, his first love was a 1969 Oldsmobile Cutlass that he lovingly restored to classic condition. He kept some dubious machinery roadworthy beyond its time. He loved cars and motorsport; passing that gene along to his Son Michael.
He worked in a variety of trades and occupations. He very proudly led an organizing drive to unionize one of his workplaces and participated in the negotiation of the first contract. Wherever he landed he was singled out for leadership and commanded the respect of his peers.
He helped out at his Son’s Three for One Glasses franchise in Guelph for many years and will be missed by many of the regular customers there.
He was a good man, a good friend, a dedicated trade unionist, a mechanic, a skilled optical tech, a keyboard master, a black and white classic movie trivia cognoscenti and an indulgent master to a succession of companion dogs. Famous in the neighbourhood as the guy with the beautiful husky.
Gone too soon and sorely missed.
Dave
Condolences to all of Gary’s family during this difficult time. I hope you all feel surrounded by love.
Maria Maurer
Rest in peace. Our sincerest condolences to family and friends during this difficult time. You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Nikolaos Poulimenos
May his soul rest in peace, and may the family find comfort and strength in the memories they shared. My deepest condolences to all who are grieving this tremendous loss.
Barb Martin
I was so very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing.
I have many fond memories of him over the years.
He will be missed by many whose life he touched.
Corey Poechman
Thinking of you Mike, Nataly and family. Mike you spoke so highly of your dad and you should cherish the bonds and the good memories that you shared. So very sorry for your loss.
Fulko Hew
Although I never had the chance to spend a lot of time with Gary, his infectious smile and happy approach to life always made my day better. He will be missed by everyone he touched.
Wendy Soyka
I came to know Gary as a young boy tying up his running shoes, ready to hit the road for his part time job at the library . He told many an amusing story of his experiences working with books! He was an exceptionally kind human being with an amazing sense of humor and always had a hilarious story to share. His Beatles trivia was second to none. Gary loved his family beyond words. It was a privilege to know him. Look to the stars and you will find his soul shining brightly in the sky. Gary, you were loved by many and will always be in my heart.
Rachele Stiles
I’m lucky enough to be the families work neighbour at 3 for 1 Glasses and everyone has become like a second family. Gary especially was very dear to me, we would talk endlessly and we bonded over our dogs, (Tina & Booter) he was always there when I needed someone to vent to and always encouraged me when I needed it. There wasn’t a time I don’t remember that big smile being on his face, and that’s how I will remember him. Tina, Booter and I miss him dearly and as a thank you to Gary for everything he has ever done I will make sure Tina is very loved and spoiled while she’s with me. Gary we love you and will keep you in our hearts, you will forever be missed and Tina will always keep a piece of you with us.
Tyler and Lindsay Ingram
Michael, Nataly, and family, we were so sorry to learn of the devastating news. Our deepest condolences to you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Jocelyn Ensign
I was saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. He was such a good son, brother, father and grandfather. He is gone but our memories with Gary will be in our hearts forever. May He rest in peace.
Michael Kneebone
Dad
To an amazing Dad, Grandpa and friend.
Gone too soon. You stayed long enough to shape the man I am, the father I am,
The sibling I am and the friend I am. Your mannerisms, your laugh, your smile, your compassion and your amazing sense of humour will be greatly missed Dad, but never forgotten.
Your love of cars, and Formula 1 has given us something to bond over. Our chats after every race to go over strategies gone wrong, and who got it right. Even though YOU cheered for the wrong driver. Your threats to push me in front of race drivers on scooters at race events just so you can meet them. Our love of history and WW2, sharing Wikipedia links, documentaries and something new we hadn’t read about yet.
You’re absolute JOY when customers confused me for you! And how you loved to remind me of it.
It gave you immense satisfaction to know how close Dawn, Jen, Jason and I are as siblings.
I know how much you loved your brothers and enjoyed every moment with them.
Although Maya and Gavin are young, their memories of their Grandpa will last. You will be remembered.
I’m Glad you were and always will be my Dad, I’m proud to be your Son.
I’ll love you forever, and I’ll miss you always.
Michael
Go Max Verstappen Go
Jason Bingham
From a very young age I was lucky enough to have you as part of my life. There are many fond memories which I think of now that will stick with me forever as they are a part of who I am.
Many, many hours teaching Michael and I about cars, and helping us get our hands dirty working on them.
I will remember you as one of my first baseball coaches. You and I practiced batting until our shoulders ached trying to hit one out of the park. Your bat toss rivaled Bautista’s when you finally hit one out.
The fishing trips to those hard to reach lakes up north. Driving hours upon hours to go sit in a boat in the rain. At the time it was miserable. But, every time we spoke of those trips, we always remembered were how much fun we had.
You are gone now, and that has me deeply saddened. But, I am going to hang on to all the memories I have with you and cherish all of them. Thank you for being part of my life.
Jason
Jennifer Perniac
Dad,
Where do I begin to say how much you’re loved and will be missed. You’ve instilled a love of reading & music in me (reading the Styx lyrics while I was sick in kindergarten). The Beatles were another group you introduced to us and now “Birthday” is how my kids wake up on their special days. Your humour was another thing you shared with us and Fawlty Towers is a instant laugh. Michael shares your laugh and mischevious grin, along with many of your other great qualities. You always treated us all equally & fairly, especially during a certain toboganning incident, which my siblings and I remember vividly. One of my favourite photos of us is you helping me choose my courses for school. You could always be counted on for great advice. Thank you for all of your love, support and guidance. All my love, Fer xo
Tamara Poechman
Michael,
Sending you and your family my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Wishing all of you peace, comfort, courage and lots of love. I have enjoyed hearing stories of this amazing man that you were so blessed to have as your dad. I know that you were his greatest joy. He will now be walking beside you as your guardian angel guiding and protecting you. Holding all of you in my thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Tamara
Uncle Mark and Aunt Donna
Sorry for your loss Michael and Family may your Dad RIP🙏💙xoxo
Nicole Lamarre
Doug, Céline, Elissa, Lara and Sarah — With deepest sympathy as you remember Gary. We do not have the words to convey how sad we feel for Muriel, Ron, and you all for your loss. I hope that the memorable times you hold of your brother, uncle or son help soothes your sorrow during this difficult transition. Nicole, Mel & Jasmine
Mike and Alana Weasner
Michael and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we never had the opportunity to meet Gary, we know that he was a wonderful man and leaves behind a loving family. Sending our love and condolences to all of Gary’s loved ones, especially Michael, Nataly, Maya and Gavin. Gone too soon but never forgotten. 💕
Dawn Bingham
Dearest Dad,
How lucky was I to be able to call you Dad? You instilled so many of your loves in me. Your love of music; man, do I ever love a great sound system cranking out my favourites. I’ll always remember the sunroom with all of your vinyl. We had the first CD player out of all my friends (along with the Dire Straits and Tears For Fears CD’s—classics to this day).You thought you had me beat with the Eat The Rich trivia question, but you raised me too well. Your love of English humour and Monty Python; I’m so glad we got to see a John Cleese standup when he was in Toronto. Your great work ethic, and ‘just keep going’ attitude has helped me countless times over the course of my life, and will continue to do so. Your understanding of my sometimes turbulent teenage years; I’m a better parent because I learned how to speak to, and not at, my own kids when they don’t make the best choices. You always had a way with words and uplifting me, and I try to choose my words so carefully now and do the same for others. Cont’d below:
Dawn Bingham
Dearest Dad,
Apparently I also talk as much as you. 🙂 I’ll always remember stupid MASH on the TV. Sunday dinners and pinball games. Flowers on Valentine’s Day. Your great and cheeky laugh. And so many more things that pop into my head randomly that I wish I could remember to write now. But I have the memories of you, and that’s what’s important. Until we meet again, I’ll keep on being the best person I can be because I always want you to be proud of me. Live you to bits, your loving daughter, Dawn.
Colleen Moodie
My sincerest condolences to all of Gary’s family. He loved you all so much. Michael, your Dads’ face would just light up when he spoke of you and your family. He was so very proud of the man you grew up to be. Gary was such a huge part of my life over the past year that it’s difficult to believe he’s really gone. We really were great friends, speaking almost nightly, and watching Jays games together while on the phone with each other. We had some great times together, great talks, and shared a love of dogs, baseball, great drives, and a good “dog dog”. We shared a love of British comedy; especially Billy Connolly and Monty Python. We had many discussions about music and movies.
Gary truly had a heart of gold. He was one of the kindest men I’ve known, and would help anybody, anytime. His compassion for others was unmatched. You’ll always be in my heart Gary. I miss you.
Allison and Keith Reardon
Our deepest condolences to Gary’s family! May the memories you created together forever be cherished and looked back upon with smiles and joy.
You are in our thoughts! ❤️
Keith and Allison
Ryan Feere
My condolences to the entire family. I have been lucky enough to be part of the Kneebone clan longer then I haven’t, and I see so much of Gary in Michael. Gary’s laugh, his personality, his carefree nature all live on through Mike!
Heidi Kinkartz
Dear Family of Gary: My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you at this sad time of a very untimely loss. Although I did not know Gary personally, it is clear to me that he was a special person who made a difference to those who were fortunate to be a part of his life. May you find comfort in your memories of Gary and in knowing that you are surrounded by many who wish you comfort and peace at this difficult time. 🕯💐🕯
Kathy Lucas
I did not know Gary very well but did get to enjoy his company at a few family gatherings over the years.
In latter years his mother would fill me in on his doings, how he brought or cooked a holiday dinner for the two of them to share, made arrangements for her cable TV service and shared watching Blue Jay games by phone with her, etc.
My sympathies to the whole family. His passing is a great loss to all of you, I know.
Kathy
Lise (Lamarre), Eric, Ann-Marie & Isabelle
Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences go out to you and your families. Repose en paix, Gary. His memory will live on with you and those whose lives were touched by him. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Stay strong.
brandon karley
I had the pleasure of meeting Gary many times. He was a great grandpa to the kids and showed his work ethic at the store. My parents wish there condolences as well mike and nat. Our thoughts are with you ❤️ ♥️
Chris Bayards
My condolences to Gary’s mother, Dawn, Jennifer, Jason, Michael and all of your families. Your loss is deep, and is felt by many people.
I’m truly saddened by this news. I’ve known Gary for more than 40 years and he and I always enjoyed music trivia ( The Beatles, Springsteen…) but the big one was cars, and racing. We had our opinions about drivers but the love of racing was always central.
Gary was an extremely well read, and intelligent person. And boy did he love to debate, which I also enjoyed. And we often did.
I lost touch with Gary for several years when he moved to Toronto, but out of the blue one day, my daughter called and asked me who Gary Kneebone was. I asked her how she knew his name and apparently Gary had bid on a lot of prizes she had posted for her online Stag and Doe. Of course he won a bunch of prizes so he and I met to give him the prizes and we reconnected! I was preparing to retire and we got to chatting about building model cars. We had a new shared hobby!
I will miss our chats post-F1 races, and talking about drivers of our youth. James Hunt was one of our absolute favourites. I will miss showing him photos of my model builds and looking at photos of his. But mostly I will miss hearing his voice and just talking to him.
Goodbye Gary. Thank you for being my friend.
Chris Bayards
Hazel Topp
My condolences go out to Susanne and Victor
Susanne and Gary were married for 20yrs.
They were Best friends and Soulmates til Gary’s passing.
Gary was Susanne’s voice of reason and confidant
Gary helped raise Victor to be the caring man he is today
Even through some tough times
My love goes out to Susanne and Victor
Wayne Anderson
It is with deep sadness and condolences to the Kneebone family, and all who loved Gary that brought us here. Yes it’s a long list. A very special thanks Micheal for tracking me down. I had the both the pleasure and privelege to meet “The celebrated MR. K” (Beatle reference/Gary would know) not at Bishopsgate, but Glendale high. Yea I remember the library, the Oldsmobile Cutlass, mom and dad but more important the post high school years. It was like a great Twilight Zone episode where the skinny teenager with pimples turns into Spiderman, and marries the supermodel. It was easy to fall in love with Jocelyn immediately, and the kids immediately after. If we remember the old WHO song “The kids are all right” we can view it now because it’s self evident. Gary not only did his best, but had a lot to do with that. Over time we have all seen those who for many reasons cannot speak for themselves. Gary would also both speak and risk himself at work for many of those who literally could not. For the record I have never met anyone else like him ever! His balance of whit charm, compassion and intellect, is very rare. How about we meet in the pits again, some time, somewhere. Any time, anywhere. Love Always/Brotherwayne