LETCHER, Gary Robert

It is with great sadness that the family of Gary Robert Letcher announces his passing on Sunday, November 24, 2019 at the Chesley Hospital, at the age of 78. He will be dearly missed by his family and life-time friends, former colleagues and students and his neighbours.
As an elementary teacher, vice-principal and principal, Gary spent his early days with the York Region District School Board before joining the Simcoe County Board of Education (now known as the Simcoe County District School Board). Gary was devoted to his students, his staff, and to shaping policies and best practices in elementary education. He held positions at Beverly Acres, Crosby Heights, Hillcrest, Innisfil Central, Goodfellow, Forest Hill, and Assikinack public schools. He also served in the roles of president, treasurer, and grievance officer for the Ontario Public School Teacher’s Federation (OPSTF). Gary retired to his beloved cottage in Tobermory in 1996 and spent his winters at Magic Tree Resort in Florida. He relocated to the community of Tara in 2014 for health reasons.
Beloved husband and best friend of Lois (MacLennan). Loving father of his two children, Shawn Letcher (Patti) and Tara (Peter) Koeyers, and step-father of Victoria Clowater. Fondly remembered by nieces Natalie and Nikki and nephews Andrew, Matthew, Mark, and Carter. Long-time friend of Reg (Karen) Thacker, Ron (Joanne) Andriet, Linda (Bud) Godhue, Douglas (Joan) Bailey, Bob (Marilyne) Wilson and many others. He will be missed by his in-laws Alan (Karen) MacLennan, David (Shonda) MacLennan and Vivian MacLennan. Also missed by his cousins Carol, Judi, Sherry, Ed, Debbie, Yvonne, Pat, Marlene, Sabine and Peter. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry Robert (Bob) and Ivy (Sargeant) Letcher.
Friends and family are warmly invited to the Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley, on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 2 - 4 p.m. and 5 - 7 p.m. for visitation; a Legion service will be held prior to visitation at 1:45 p.m. The memorial service celebrating Gary’s life will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will take place in Dunks Bay Cemetery, Tobermory, in 2020.
Memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation, the Tara United Church or the charity of your choice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Many thanks to the nurses, doctors and staff of the Chesley Hospital and the Owen Sound Hospital, as well as the dedicated in-home PSWs, who went above and beyond to support Gary (and Lois) during the past five years. www.rhodyfamily.com