Gary Sydor

With heavy hearts that we share the passing of Gary Wayne Sydor, on September 26,2025.

Born in Gilbert Plains on March 17th, 1955, Gary was a "spirited soul" from the beginning. He had to leave the hospital and journey to his home south of Gilbert Plains by bombardier. That started his love for anything that had a motor and the earth it was driven on. He spent his growing years on the family farm and graduated from GPCI in 1974. It took him an extra year to get that diploma but being high school president, he made sure there were many activities for that year. Not a fan of books but conversation worked for him. 

Many occupations followed - Gary sold camper tops, then automobiles and in 1981, with partners, purchased the John Deere Dealership in Dauphin and in 1991, again with partners opened a cell phone (mts) location. Through all his phases in sales, he also grain farmed. That was his solace, and his quote was "you can talk to the land, but it doesn't talk back at you."

Gary married on August 20,1975 to Liz (nee Choma) and they went on to have two children - Sarina Jan (1976) and Cory Wayne (1978).

Gary had a passion for the Dauphin Kings hockey team. With the board members he was an integral part of the Tractor Lotto and Grow Project. He was always proud that the community had such a great facility to host winter activities, and he told everyone about it. 

In 2022 Gary suffered a heart attack ironically at a routine doctor visit. He was air flighted by "STARS" and that alone gave him the gift of three more years of life.

Gary was predeceased by his parents - Frank and Jean (nee Bencharski) sister Judy (Allen) and numerous in laws, grandparents, uncles and aunts.

Gary leaves to mourn his wife of 50 years Liz, daughter Sarina (Sean), son Cory (Anna), grandchildren Dustin, Ashlyn, Amaya, Avery, Jax and Sasha.

A private visitation and video tribute was held at Pathways Funeral Services on September 30th. Cremation has taken place. 

Eulogy Read by Cory Sydor on September 30th at memorial luncheon. 

Thanks, everyone, for being here today.

It means a lot to be standing here in this place—where not too long ago, we celebrated Mom and Dad’s 50th anniversary. That day meant everything to him. Even when Mom wasn’t sure about having a big party, he pushed for it. He wanted the people he loved around him. I’m so glad we had that party.  It turned out to be a beautiful day—full of laughter, family, stories, and good food. That’s exactly how he would’ve wanted to be remembered.

Dad was many things: a husband, a father, a grandfather, a farmer, and a friend. But to those who really knew him, he was someone with quiet strength, a strong presence, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people around him. He held firm to his values—conservative, grounded, and old-school in the best ways. Whether it was about the farm, his family, or what he believed was right, Dad stood steady. You always knew where he stood—and you could always count on him.

Farming wasn’t just what he did—it was part of who he was. There was no place he felt more at home than out on the land, especially in his grain cart. That cart wasn’t just equipment—it was his seat of pride. It was where he could take it all in. His work ethic was rock solid, and it shaped everything in his life—especially how he raised us.

It wasn’t just about handing down a tradition—it was about working together, thinking through the details, and building something that mattered. And trust me, he didn’t hand over the reins without supervision. He still called with 100 questions everyday. Every decision, every field, every weather change—he had thoughts. Lots of them. And I listened, because that was Dad. It was his way of staying connected, and of showing how much he cared.

Dad was also the kind of father who showed up when it mattered most. He was steady, dependable, and loyal, even when he didn’t necessarily agree with our choices. He gave you that look sometimes, or a bit of tough love, but you always knew he was in your corner. He helped hold us up when things got heavy, and somehow made everything feel like it would be okay, just because he was there.

Dad and Sarina had a relationship full of playful debates. They loved to argue and challenge each other. It was never to tear each other down, but to strengthen each other, and show their love and care. He never stopped trying to guide her and instill his values, particularly those about working hard. He dragged her into the things he loved to do, especially anything outdoors. That was his way of connecting with her.

Dad was also a proud grandfather to six grandkids. he was their Geeg. He was always invested in their lives and activities: he went to every concert, every event, no matter how far or how small. Through his words and his actions, he made sure they knew how proud he was of them. He loved playing games with the grandkids. Board games, card games, pictionary —he was always up for it. He might’ve been a little competitive, and was the occasional cheater, but it was always about the fun and the quality time spent together. Those were the moments he cherished most, and the grandkids will never forget. 

He loved his family deeply, especially my mom. Mom was the heart of his world. She was his rock, his partner, and the one who made everything work behind the scenes. She did everything for him, and he knew it. He may not have always said it out loud, but we could all see his love and care through his loyalty, in how he trusted her, and in how much he leaned on her. They were a team, through and through, all the way to his last breath. She worked hard to keep everything running smoothly. She managed the house, the kids, and the books, especially during their early years when he worked so hard to get his business off the ground. Without her steady love, support, and care, none of it would have been possible.

Outside of family, Dad had a quiet way of bringing people together. Everyone loved going to Mom and Dad’s house, because you knew you’d be well fed and well hosted. It didn’t matter who you were—friend, neighbor, or someone just passing through—you were welcomed like family. He had strong friendships, and forged connections with people who never failed to show up for each other through the years. They showed real loyalty and trust. For them, there will always be a missing seat at the table.

Dad was a big community supporter. And anyone who knew Dad knows how much he loved the Dauphin Kings. He was a force behind the Kings Grow project, followed every game, and was always proud to support his local team. And of course, we can’t forget the tractor lotto.

Today, we say goodbye to someone whose roots ran deep—not just in the soil he worked, but in the lives he touched. He left a legacy of love, loyalty, hard work, and an unwavering presence.

I will miss his calls, his advice, his humor, his grit—but most of all, I’ll miss knowing he was always there. Because when Dad was there, everything felt a little more solid.     

Rest easy, Dad. The grain cart’s still rolling, the fields are in good hands—and I know you’ll be watching, still asking what the yield is.

Should friends so desire, donations in Gary's memory may be made to STARS.

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