Friday, March 29, 2024
I first met Gary in the late 1970's - '77 or '78. He had just purchased my Great Aunt's former home in Herring Cove. A beautiful property, facing south, overlooking picturesque Herring Cove. I was just a kid, maybe 16-years-old, and Gary was at least 20 years my senior.
What immediately impressed me about Gary is that he treated me as an equal, which I was not. He was the Executive Director of the Halifax Port Commission and I was a teenager starting High School. He was new to Herring Cove and my family has been there since the 1820's. Gary was keenly interested in Herring Cove. We would have long conversations about the fishing industry, sailing, navigation, the types of fishing practiced in Herring Cove etc.
Gary had a way of making a person feel important. He paid keen attention and asked interesting questions. I was learning art and music and I will always remember his compliments and encouragement, which I know made me want to do better.
I remember being so impressed with the renovations on his new home. I remember him telling me that he and his brother did a lot of that kind of work for themselves. He added a beautiful wooden beam in the living room, among other things.
Gary made friends with many, many people in the Cove, young and old alike. He was well-liked in the community. He cared deeply about it and was always ready to speak out and defend when something was amiss.
When I attended NSCAD in downtown Halifax, Gary was still the Director of the Port Commission and we would bump into each other in Scotia Square occasionally. I remember thinking he was the coolest person I knew and I certainly felt influenced by his charisma and strength of character. Gary was fun to talk to and fun to be around.
He started his software business before there was a thing called desktop publishing. He had foresight. Back then, there was just IBM word-processors... no Apple Computers!... no Windows!
Don't rest In peace dear brother, soar with the angels instead, you are in a much more beautiful place now. Thank you for your friendship and the beautiful family you left with us.
Sincere, heartfelt condolences to Pat and family,
-Matt Dempsey
