Obituary of Peter Leslie Gick

Peter Leslie Gick, aged 67, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 19, 2016, at the VG Hospital in Halifax, with loved ones by his side. He had been ill for some time and seemed to be convalescing, but a health crisis ended his life much too soon. He was born February 3, 1949, in Montreal, Quebec, the third child and eldest son of John Benedict Gick (deceased) and Frances Eleanor (Hayes), and grew up in the Town of Mount Royal. He leaves behind Colleen Putt and their daughter Lisa (Ronan O’Driscoll), Murielle Simard and their son Marc (Katie Young), sisters Linda (Barry Armitage), Sheila, brothers Michael (Mary Tighe) and Kevin (Colleen), grandchildren Brendan, Martin, and Claire, a large number of nieces and nephews, and many friends, most especially Richard and Wauneita Garrett of Edmonton. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Thomas University, Fredericton, NB, in 1972, and went on to the University of Ottawa, where he received his Master’s degree in Criminology (Applied) in 1976. Upon graduation, Peter accepted a position with the Government of Alberta, overseeing parole officers and rose to a directorship with the Solicitor-General’s Department. He was proud of the role he played in implementing the Check Stop program, and also for his contribution to setting up security at the provincial legislature. He later moved to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission where he oversaw the sale of spirits by independent retailers in rural Alberta, as part of the province’s privatization of liquor sales in Alberta. After taking early retirement, Peter enjoyed the vistas of the golf course while working at the Royal Mayfair. He used to say, “I would do this for free”. In his younger days, he played high school basketball and football, and later, hockey. He loved travelling to exotic places, curling at the Ottewell, golfing with his friends at the Victoria Golf Course, and attending Edmonton Oilers games. He was an avid Oilers fan, remaining intensely loyal even after moving to the Maritimes. In fact, the only thing he regretted about moving east was that Oilers games were blacked out on local TV. He also followed golf, curling and hockey, and had both PVRs working overtime for all major tournaments. Peter was always up to play a game of something, cribbage, backgammon, or German poker, and he had a keen competitive spirit, often to the chagrin of bested opponents. For a number of years, Peter was a volunteer driver for the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, which he did as a tribute to his late friend Doug. He also gave generously to the War Amps of Canada and to St. Thomas University. Peter was at his best when surrounded by friends and family, laughing and having a good time. His friendships were extremely important to him. He often quoted ‘the Dawg': “You can’t make new old friends.” He enjoyed the unexpected and he was not daunted by a challenge. He loved camping and exploring out of the way places where no man would tread, in the company of Marc. He was very proud of his son and of his achievements. The recent addition of daughter Lisa and her family to his life was a great source of happiness to him as well. Cremation will take place March 24. No memorial service is planned at this time, but an informal gathering of friends and family will be held at his home sometime in the coming weeks. Donations may be made in Peter’s memory to the Cross Cancer Institute. Information on how to do so will be found at albertacancer.ca. Heartfelt thanks must go to the staff of the ICU at the Halifax Infirmary and of the IMCU on 6B at the VG Hospital. Your sensitivity and excellent care during these difficult days are much appreciated. For online condolences please visit: www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca