Obituary of J. Gary Lusk
Peacefully, at home with family on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018 in his 80th year. Beloved husband of Judy (nee McEwan) Lusk for 62 years. Loving father of Cindy Lusk (Steve), Stewart Lusk (Penny) and Stephanie McNally (Trevor). Cherished grandfather of Jennifer, Andrea, Ryan, Aidan, Colin and great-grandfather of Ethan and Monica. Dear brother of Ilene Stewart (Keith) and the late Reta Pyke (Tom). Missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Gary was a respected staff member at Western University throughout his 42 years as Technical Officer in the Soils Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering. At Western, Gary felt privileged to work with students and faculty from all over the world, many of whom became great friends. His contribution to their research and consulting projects was well known and highly valued. Gary retired in 2004. Gary and his family have many fond memories of the almost 30 years spent enjoying the cottage he loved and cared for on the Bruce Peninsula. He was a founding member of the Thames Valley Woodturners Guild, from which his passion and mastery of woodturning grew. Gary was also an avid cyclist and enjoyed his travels. Gary was diagnosed with ALS in the summer of 2015. He met the challenges brought his way by ALS with continued good humor and strength of spirit. ALS Canada and the surrounding ALS community have been invaluable to Gary and his entire family. The wide range of personal services, assistive equipment and general support they have provided went such a long way to fostering quality of life on an otherwise impossible journey. Our sincerest thanks to Dr. Christen Shoesmith and her team at ALS Clinic at University Hospital, Charlene Spector (Ontario Regional Manager, ALS Canada), the Communication Technology Clinic (Grand River Hospital), Cindy Beckett (Case Coordinator, LIHN), Stacie Bergeron (RN, Paramed) along with the many compassionate PSWs who took great care of him. We are deeply grateful for the support of family and friends throughout Gary’s final years. Visitation will be held on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Private interment. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary are asked to consider the ALS Society of Canada.
