August 12, 1954 – January 7, 2026

Gary was born and raised in Oliver, British Columbia, passed away peacefully, in his home surrounded by loved ones. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert (Bob) and Margaret Venables; his son, Timothy Venables; his brother, Ron Venables, and niece, Dana; grandparents, Frank and Vera Venables; his in-laws, Kaj and Beate Falkenholt and nephew, Chad Anderson.

Gary was independent as a youth he learned to skate on the Oliver Irrigation Canal, which helped him to join the local figure skating group. He was also an active member of the Air Cadets 232 Bighorn squadron. His passion for aviation followed him throughout his life.

Gary always held an intense sense of pride in his work; he gave every job the same level of meticulous care and never turned away from challenging work. His early jobs, working at Hester Creek when they grew corn, He then helped clear land for the Tailor family (before The Gehringer family built a vineyard and winery, Oliver Packing House delivering bins to local farms, after that the Princeton Sawmill. While he attended post-secondary at KLO he worked night shift at the Kelowna Sawmill.

After attending college in Kelowna, he moved back to Oliver, BC to build a long and meaningful career operating all types of machinery along with his father and brother, together they left a lasting mark on the community. Gary worked for decades in the town of Oliver, constructing major portions of the infrastructure, homes, and farms still in use today. As an original partner of V-Line Construction, Gary led by example and helped many of the young men and women of Oliver develop their skillsets and become productive members of the community. His work ethic, precision, and reliability were well known and respected. After leaving the family business he purchased Tailored Irrigation and Pools. After selling that business he became the Property Manager for Tinhorn Winery. On the side he developed a small 10-acre vineyard on his home property.

Gary’s passion for aviation, saw him owning a Piper Colt and then onto a Piper Challenger. He spoke often of his favourite flights to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Jack Pot Nevada, and Dawson City. In the mid-1990s he joined the Oliver Flying Club, there he honed his piloting skills and indulging his sense of adventure. He was part of the committee that maintained, helped design, and install the lights for night landing. He was proud that he helped install fibre optic for the Olympics to Banff and Jasper. He also worked to install the new lighting at Vancouver Airport.
People will remember Gary for his kindness, generous spirit hard work and sense of humour and he loved practical jokes. He treated everyone as if they mattered—because to him, they truly did. He would give the shirt off his back or his last dollar to help someone in need, whether friend or stranger. He is fondly remembered for his playful nature, quick wit, and knack for making everyone laugh—his vibrant personality was a constant presence throughout his life.

Gary had a special affection for the Christian Valley where he and his wife owned a cabin on 60-acres of paradise, he was fond of the people and lifestyle it provided. He enjoyed frequent hunting trips and appreciated being out in nature.

Gary was a devoted husband, father, brother, and friend. Survived by his loving wife, Linda Venables; his son, Bill and wife, Danica Venables; his daughter, Lisa Venables and her husband, Mike Smesman, his sister, Joy Venables. He was especially proud to be a grandfather to his grandchildren Kaleb, William and Harrison Venables, Grace and Micheal Smesman who all loved everything about their grandfather, and they brought him endless joy.

Gary leaves behind a legacy of compassion, integrity, hard work, and humour. He led by example: take care of people, never take yourself too seriously and always leave things better than you found them. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted for SOGH Palliative Care or a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com