Gary Stephen POWER
It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a wonderful man, Gary Stephen Power, who passed away on December 20, 2025, at the young age of 70.
Gary was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to Barbara and George Power. As part of a military family and the oldest of six siblings, he often spoke fondly of his early years growing up in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Ontario. Much time was spent enjoying the many beautiful beaches and visiting with extended family. In 1976, when Gary was a young adult, the family was posted to Edmonton, and Gary followed the next year. He found employment with the Department of National Defence and soon began an apprenticeship, followed by a career with the department as a plumber and gasfitter. Gary worked his entire career at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton and cheerfully retired in 2012.
Gary met Lawona, who was also employed at CFB Edmonton, in 1983, and before long, they were an item. They travelled to Europe to visit Gary’s parents, who were stationed in Lahr, Germany, and on one sunny day, Gary proposed to Lawona in a meadow in Austria. The pair married in 1986 and settled in Edmonton. Before long, their family grew to include Sean and Kathleen. Gary was incredibly proud of his children and supported them in everything they did. His eyes always lit up when he talked about them, and he cherished the time they spent together. During their youth, Gary spent countless hours at the arena watching and helping as they played hockey, ringette, and lacrosse. As adults, Sean and Kathleen knew they could always talk to their dad about anything, and that he would share his pearls of wisdom and advice—even when they didn’t ask for it.
Gary was a big fan of Costco and could always be counted on to share their latest new products. He particularly loved the tire department and frequently spent time there, whether tires were needed or not. He enjoyed a good cup of coffee, a glass of red wine, and spending time on the deck, smoking ribs and grilling steaks. Gary loved listening to his music—loudly—especially The Who, Pink Floyd, and U2.
While Gary enjoyed the warmer seasons in Edmonton, he was not a fan of winter. The family often travelled to warmer destinations during the winter months and also enjoyed many summer and winter weeks visiting Fairmont Hot Springs.
Gary’s spirit lives on in those he loved. He will be remembered by his wife, Lawona; son, Sean (Faith); daughter, Kathleen (Max, little pea); sisters, Helen (Gordon) and Wendy; brothers, Rick, Dan, and George; beautiful nieces, Shannon (Ken, Tayler, Beckett), Kaylee (Mathew, Cormac), Justine (Garret), Laurel (Duncan, Violet, June), and Kyra; ex-sister-in-law, Ester; aunts, Ellen (Gary), Eileen, Sunny, and Bev; pups, Mickey and Rosie; as well as many other relatives and dear friends.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, George and Barbara; father-in-law, John; sister-in-law, Kelli; aunts, Helen, Georgina, Margaret, Marion, and Colleen; uncles, Wendell, John, Bob, Stanley; and his grandparents.
Thank you to the family members and friends who supported Gary throughout his life, and especially during these past two years. Thank you also to the healthcare professionals and staff who cared for Gary at Hope Medical Clinic, the Cross Cancer Institute, the Sturgeon Community Hospital, and the University of Alberta Hospital.
A celebration of Gary’s life is being held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at St. George’s Anglican Church (11733 – 87 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta). Condolences and memories of Gary’s life may be shared at www.pointewestfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, Gary would love for you to listen to your favourite song while enjoying a lovely glass of wine.
I love you so much Dad
Our Heartfelt Condolences to Family & Friends. Holding Our Nephew Gary In Our Hearts Forever. 🙁
Sincere condolences to cousin Gary’s family. He was loved by all who knew him and will be missed. Love, Gail
After 30 years of knowing Gary, his passing has left a big hole in the hearts of many of us. He will be missed. Our Condolences to Lawona, Sean and Kate.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Gary. We were neighbours and friends for our shared time in Trenton, Ontario, our lives intersecting from time to time since the mid-1970’s. We offer our sincerest condolences condolences to Lawona, Sean, Kathleen and Gary’s siblings, Helen, Wendy, Dan, Rick and George. We hope your grief is eased with the passage of time and that you hold your loving memories of Gary close to your hearts. The Plestid family; Doris, Trevor, Lynn and Debby
Missing my big brother so much. I will cherish a lifetime of beautiful memories… your sense of humour, kindness, your love of family and so much more. Love you always, sis and Gord
I never saw Gary without a smile, he was such a sweet easy going soft spoken man. My heartfelt sympathies go out to the whole family, and everyone that knew him, at this sad time. May you remember all the good times with a smile, and know that you were very lucky to have him in your lives.
Deepest sympathies to my much loved sister in law Lawona and beloved family Sean, Faith, Kathleen (sweet pea), Max including their much loved family pets Mickey and Rosie. My heart is broken for you all. Love sis, Helen, Auntie Helen xo
Kathleen, Lawona, Sean,
I am so sorry for your loss. When I think of Gary, I think of how he was so present. I have so many cherished memories at the Power house since junior high to now. Whether it was a family dinner, a hang out or celebrating a big life event, Gary was always there, red wine glass in hand, welcoming and ready to chat. I will miss his hilarious sense of humour. He was a wonderful man. Sending so much love to you all
It’s hard to believe he’s gone. He was a remarkable friend to us for almost 30 years. Family always came first for Gary. We have many great memories. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts go out to this family in this difficult time.
Gary was truly one of a kind! He always made me feel so welcome in the Power home and always made sure I had a tasty beverage in hand! I will so miss his faithful comments on my Facebook posts. Sending so much love to the Power family at this time.
I’m so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a great neighbor. He always had a smile and would often stop to chat when driving by. My heart goes out to Lawona, Sean and Kathleen.
My words cannot fully express the sorrow I feel after learning about the passing of Gary. May you forever treasure the wonderful times you shared and my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. We were neighbors for a number of years until our family moved this past fall. Lawona, our thoughts are with you, Mickey and the family.
I am heartbroken for the loss of our sweet big brother Gary. He will be forever loved and always missed . My heart goes out to his beloved family Lawona , Sean and Faith , Katie and Max and little pea to come. He was such a funny guy, handsome and loved his family so much. He always talked about everything the family was doing , the trips they were planning and the latest new items at Costco . I know now he is in the arms of our Mom and Dad , his father in law John and all of our loved ones who have passed , he is now out of pain. He fought long and hard. Miss you already big brother xoxo love your little sis. Wendy. Xxx
“Our deepest condolences on the passing of Gary. He will be fondly remembered, and our thoughts are with your family during this difficult time.”
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear brother Gary! He will be remembered by his big family and all the dear ones! Our thoughts are with the family in these difficult times. Gjyzela and Armando
So many great memories from our days at 159 Dorchester- we were privy to having the best neighbors That one could ask for when raising a young family . Gary will be missed by many. Sending our love to Lawona, Kathleen and Sean at this difficult time ❤️
We met Gary and Lawona through our friends, their neighbours. They were people you immediately liked and enjoyed spending time with. Funny, how Craig and Gary kept meeting at Costco, a shared love. Gary was down to earth, interested in others and his love for his family always shone through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lawona, Kathleen, Shawn and their families.
Oh man Lawona, ran into Karin today at ,imagine that, all places… Costco. Did not know that you were dealing with not only the loss of your Dad, but the loss of your soul mate. Please know we understand. Cancer does fucking suck! Our son is still dealing with the ramifications of this horrible disease. Take comfort, if you can, in knowing that Gary’s legacy lives on. Enjoy your grandchild. Did not have the privilege of meeting Gary, but sounds like he was an amazing person. Again, keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Katy & Cliff