Robert Gary Crossley

With profound sadness, the family of Gary Crossley announces his passing on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Gary was born in Sherbrooke, Quebec on November 5, 1950, the son of the late Evelyn and Jim Crossley. He spent his school and university years in Pointe Claire, Quebec, eventually relocating to Temiscaming and finally calling North Bay home. Predeceased by his parents and brother Doug, he leaves behind his adoring wife of 46 years, Heather, and his two beautiful girls, Patti and Sam, the centre of his world. Also left behind is his son-in-law, Russ; Gary often said that if he could have hand-picked a son-in-law, he could not have done any better than Russ Moyer! The newest bright lights in his life, grandsons Cal and Jed, will forever miss their dear “Pop”; he loved them beyond measure. Others saddened by his passing are brother-in-law and sister-in-law Allan and Annette Horncastle, sister-in-law Elizabeth Sparrow, nephews Jamie and Jeff Horncastle and Matt Crossley, and many friends.

Gary was an avid sports enthusiast, both as a participant and a fan.  Over the course of his lifetime, he was an accomplished water skier, hockey player, baseball player, curler and golfer, and loved to cheer on and discuss his favourite teams. When his girls decided that competitive swimming was their sport of choice, he was not content to just watch; he went right along for the ride, becoming a Level 5 Swim Ontario official. An entire generation of North Bay Titans will remember Gary’s encouragement and friendship.

For many years, Gary loved the time spent at our cottage in Kipawa, and all of his friends and neighbours there will remember the wonderful times spent with him. His coworkers at the Temiscaming Health Centre were his other “team”, and he enjoyed his time with them. His Viceroy Road friends were so important to him, and he loved to walk along and chat with everyone. Special thanks to our neighbours Don and Connie O’Connor for all your help and your friendship.

The family wishes to thank every person at the North Bay Regional Health Centre who provided care for Gary over the last year or so, but a very special thank you to the incredibly compassionate staff of the chemotherapy unit who all tried so hard to help him slay the dragon. We will be forever grateful. A special thanks also to the staff of Algonquin Pharmasave who went far above the call of duty for so long; we will never forget.

While there will not be a funeral, we do plan to have a celebration of life at a later date. We hope all who knew him will join us to share their Gary memories.

Watch over us, Dear. Love you forever.