Gary Fizell
Published - Feb 12th, 2009
By



Mr. Gary Robert Fizell of Listowel, and formerly of Monkton, passed away peacefully at home, after his 10-year battle with A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease), on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2009 at the age of 55.
Gary was the beloved husband of Brenda (Pollard) Fizell; proud Dad of Benjamin Fizell and his wife Christine, and Daniel Fizell, all of Monkton, and Curtis Fizell and his friend Shelley Groshaw of Listowel; and grandfather of Mary, Sarah, and Benjamin Jr.
He was the son of Marge Fizell-Miller and her husband Bill of Listowel; brother of Cathy Buchanan and her husband Barry of Listowel, Pat Fizell, Linda Illman and her husband Harold, all of Monkton, and Connie Baillie and her husband Lloyd of RR 1, Monkton; brother-in-law of Yvonne Irvine and her husband John of London, Kenneth Pollard and his wife Marion of Elmira, Douglas Pollard of Kitchener, and Brian Pollard and his wife June of Sarnia; and he also is survived by many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his father Robert Fizell, and by his sister Julie-Ann in infancy.
Gary was a strong community man, making sure Monkton’s name stayed on the map. He enjoyed supporting his community and organized many fundraisers for minor hockey, minor ball, and girls’ hockey, such as Kinsmen hockey tournaments, and other hockey and baseball tournaments. One of his proudest accomplishments with the Monkton Wildcats was the fundraising to build the Elma-Logan Arena.
Gary enjoyed coaching Elma-Logan minor hockey and Monkton Wildcats Intermediate Sr. hockey. He received many coaching awards, as well as the Builder’s Award from Elma Logan Arena (1999-2000) and Volunteer of the Year for Elma Logan Minor Hockey.
He received the Norm Stirling Citizen of the Year Award in 2000 for his contribution to the betterment of his community. Gary had many wonderful memories from his years working at the Co-op in Monkton.
In addition to the work he did in his community, he was awarded the Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 for his outstanding volunteerism and strong advocacy to educate and fundraise for A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Visitation was held at the Eaton Funeral Home, Listowel on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 1-4 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 8 from 1-4 p.m., with vigil prayers on Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Listowel on Monday, Feb. 9 at 11 a.m. with Fr. John Johnson officiating. Spring interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, Listowel.
Memorial donations to A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig’s), North Perth Community Hospice, or to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated.
Online condolences may be left at www.eatonfuneralhome.ca.