Gary Arthur Conboy

June 12, 1954 - June 6, 2022

Funeral Details: A Private Family Farewell has taken place.

Conboy, Gary Arthur:  Passed away unexpectedly on June 6, 2022 at the Hamilton General Hospital in his 68th year.  Beloved father of Aaron (Nicole) Conboy of Keswick.  Loving grandfather of Abigail and Johnathan.  Dear uncle of Nicole, Tara and Cory.  Gary was a long-time business owner and community member of Cliff Crest in Scarborough.  He loved Jesus with all his heart, talking to new people, travelling, animals and attending motorcycle rallies.  He will be sorely missed by his many friends.  Arrangements entrusted to Peaceful Transition York (2-15236 Yonge Street Aurora) and condolences may be forwarded through www.peacefultransition.ca

CONDOLENCES

26 Condolences
  • Christin and Marty Shmanka
    Posted on: Monday, June 13, 2022 Reply

    We were so shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. He was a true Cliffcrest gem, always friendly and accommodating, always willing to chat and so appreciative of continued business after he began his pet food delivery service. A great loss for the community. Our hearts go out to the family.
    Marty and Christin

  • Nancy Parker Paul Dies
    Posted on: Monday, June 13, 2022 Reply

    My deepest sympathies to the family. Such a loss for us all. Gary was so friendly and will miss his smiling face for sure. Gary had been delivering our dog food for a number of years, and always took the time to have a chat.

  • susan dimitrakopoulos
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Reply

    What a very dear man Gary was. I knew him through his pet food shop and we had so many interesting talks and giggles, with his beloved Buddy always by his side. My sincere condolences to Aaron and all his family.

  • Lauren Kitchener
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Reply

    Aaron and family: Sorry to hear about Gary’s passing. I have known him for well over 35 years. Always so kind. He did my wedding flowers, and then we went to his pet store for our animals. He will be missed. Sending you our condolences at this difficult time. From Lauren and Andrew Kitchener

  • Viola and Paul Scola
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Reply

    Our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this most difficult time. Gary was a lovely man. We first met him at the pet store and even after we lost our dog we would drop in to say hello and have a chat. Would run into him in the neighborhood or down at Frenchman’s Bay. He will be truly missed in the neighborhood. A loss for us all.

  • patricia hunt
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Reply

    Gary was very kind, i rescued chihuahuas and he always had a good word or a sample to share. I will never forget his faithful companion Buddy at the store who didnt like me, but I enjoyed his shenanigans. Love to his family.

  • Lee Ellis
    Posted on: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Reply

    I was so sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I used to drop in all the time with the dogs I walked or just to chat. I hadn’t seen him since he sold the pet food store but always enjoyed seeing him.

  • Gwen Sloan
    Posted on: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear the sad news about Gary. I met Gary about 20 years ago at Global. He was always so helpful, kind and caring. He would assist me in getting my 125 lb Newf Marley into the bathtub for grooming and then let her walk down the aisles and pick out her dog bone to take home. He always had time for everyone no matter how busy he was. Gary will be missed by so many in the Cliffcrest community. Sending you my sincere condolences at this sorrowful time.

  • Peggy Titus
    Posted on: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Reply

    Aaron ( aka bud! ) my thoughts are with you during this exceptionally difficult time.
    With love Peg ❤️

  • Christine Rozum
    Posted on: Wednesday, June 15, 2022 Reply

    Our most heartfelt condolences to Aaron, his family and friends of Gary, of which he had many. Gary was my first boss but he became so much more over the years. I’ve known Gary for over 30 years since I was 15. He attended my wedding with Aaron, held both of my kids in his store and let them climb all over the piles of dog food. We chatted regularly when he’d drop off food for our dog about anything and everything. He was one of the kindest and most generous people I’ve ever known. He was an “old school” merchant – knew his clients by name, so very personable, willing to accommodate and friendly and chatty to everyone. He was a true member of the community. He had a big heart, always looking at the potential and good every person had. The last time I spoke to him a few weeks ago he was just sharing about a story of a friend who asked a small favour – to drive her husband to Connecticut to see a house they were considering buying. And he did…. because that’s the kind of person Gary was. He will be sorely missed by so many. I am so fortunate for having known him for as long as I did, as he made my life richer. RIP my dear friend. I’ll miss you so very much and wish we could have seen you in WA. as we had planned.

  • Paul & Sandy Mahoney
    Posted on: Thursday, June 16, 2022 Reply

    Left us way to soon, but now you are with Buddy.
    Will miss our chats & your always smiling face.

  • Enid Theodora
    Posted on: Friday, June 17, 2022 Reply

    Gary was my friend and neighbour. He lived across the road from me, we would meet for walks and talks. He spent a good winter in California with his friend. He was a good man and a good friend. I, too, want to believe he’s with his beloved Buddy.

  • Jayne Bollenberghe
    Posted on: Friday, June 17, 2022 Reply

    What a very special person Gary was. I knew him from his pet store days and then from his home delivery service. Gary was always so keen to ask about my girls and their families, missing the connections once he went into private business. I always enjoyed our chats together.
    My sincere condolences to his family. How blessed you were to have shared in his life.

  • Eileen Jung
    Posted on: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Reply

    To Aaron and family: My condolences on the loss of your father.
    Gary was very kind to me from the first day I met him at Global Pet Foods to the last day we had lunch together. He was funny and very intelligent. I will miss his humour and our long conversations. I hope he is having a good time in Heaven riding his bike among the clouds with Buddy. Here’s a photo of Buddy being fed his (and Gary’s) favourite food, pasta.

  • Sharon Raimondi Kirk
    Posted on: Saturday, June 18, 2022 Reply

    I first met Gary in 1985/86
    I was in the Pharmacy at Shoppers Drug Mart & he at the flower shop…we had many long talks & many laughs during the many years we were both at Cliffcrest. I left Shoppers in 2009 and lost touch.
    My heartfelt condolences to Gary’s family
    Hold tight your memories! My prayers are with you & for Gary.
    RIP my friend!

  • Carol McConnell
    Posted on: Sunday, June 19, 2022 Reply

    So very sorry to hear of Gary’s unexpected passing.
    Gary was such a lovely, kind man. We had many great conversations at the pet food store and when he did our home deliveries. How he loved that feisty Buddy and his tender care of that bubble-eyed fish that lay at the bottom of the bowl was amazing! Our deepest condolences to you, Aaron and to all the family. Gary will be sorely missed. Hope he’s reunited with Buddy and making new friends!

  • Dan Colantonio
    Posted on: Monday, June 20, 2022 Reply

    We are so shocked and saddened to hear of Gary’s passing. For a while he attended our church and also the small group I am a part of. Gary loved to talk to people and share his hope and faith. Now his faith and hope have been realized. Our condolences to his family and loved ones.
    Pastor Dan Colantonio
    Highway Gospel Church

  • James Smith
    Posted on: Friday, June 24, 2022 Reply

    To the Conboy Families
    may you find peace and love knowing Gary was one of a kind.
    Uncle Gary, as we lovingly called him, not just because of his incredible love for and kindness for all God’s creatures but for his genuine warm human condition. Uncle Gary will be severely missed in many ways to many a person and pet. Thank you Uncle Gary for the light and many many smiles you gave us all. ❤️

  • Carol Ann Holden
    Posted on: Friday, June 24, 2022 Reply

    Many many fond memories of Gary who helped with my rescue dog Sahara from Cairo. Gary was an absolute gentleman, great neighbour and would help out others in the community as any good neighbour should. He will be sadly missed.

  • Carol Ann Holden
    Posted on: Saturday, June 25, 2022 Reply

    I will always be grateful for Gary’s generosity of spirit, whether helping me with my rescue dog Sahara or helping me out as a neighbour and friend. He was a true treasure in my life and will be sadly missed.

  • Shirley Power
    Posted on: Sunday, June 26, 2022 Reply

    I am shocked to hear about Gary. My deepest condolences to his son Aaron and his family also his friend Mark in Florida. Gary and I have been friends for over 30 yrs. He was a gentleman and a great believer in God. He was so proud of his grandchildren Abigail and Johnathan. He would call me every day to make sure I was alright whether he was in Florida. Israel, Jamaica or New Zealand. He will remain in my thoughts forever. Toodle Loo Gary All my love Shirley

  • Lynn Perry
    Posted on: Wednesday, June 29, 2022 Reply

    My deepest condolences to the Conboy families. What a shock and a huge loss for everyone who knew Gary. He was a pretty special guy. His love of life, family, friends and furry ones demonstrated his kind and generous character. He showed up for us all and shared his insight and support when needed. He will be missed by so many.
    With love and respect, Lynn & James.

  • Jeff McCartney
    Posted on: Monday, July 4, 2022 Reply

    I only just heard about Gary today, so sorry for the late post but I had to just let Aaron know that I was a huge fan of his dad and that I am really going to miss him terribly. We used to share big laughs at the pet store when he was in the plaza, and (less often, unfortunately) when he switched to delivering food to our door. A generous, kind man with a great spirit, I feel fortunate to have known him. Condolences to Aaron and the rest of the family.

  • Nancy Gillespie
    Posted on: Tuesday, August 2, 2022 Reply

    Just learned of Gary’s passing today. The world is a colder place without his warmth and wonderful personality. He was always helpful and considerate. He will be missed.
    Thank you Aaron for letting me know.

  • Neil Folkard
    Posted on: Thursday, August 18, 2022 Reply

    I just heard the news from Aaron yesterday. I believe that the last time that I talked to Gary, he was about to head off on the trip to the US that would be his last.

    I am shocked and saddened to learn of this and will miss my dear friend immensely. Gary was so friendly, charming, big-hearted, easy to talk to, great with animals, always had a smile and a wonderful attitude and always made your day a little bit brighter. And I’ve never met anyone better when it came to customer service. All who know him, I’m sure could add numerous stories about that. His joy was in interacting with people and putting a smile on their face and no favour was too small or large to help you out. There just aren’t many people around anymore who treat customers, or people, like that.

    I first met Gary at Global Pet Foods. We had so many talks over the years about travel (amongst other things) and ended up inspiring each other to take trips. And when I went to England and was needing to find someone to look after my dog for 10 days, he stepped right up and took her to the store every day and really got her confidence up! There are not many people that I would have trusted with my dog, but Gary was at the top of that very short list. You just knew that you could trust him and that he really wanted to do it, too.

    Farewell my friend. I know that you are somewhere riding your bicycle, hanging out with Buddy and probably handing out free pet food samples to anyone that needs them! Love you always, man. Thanks for everything!

  • Thea van de Wiel
    Posted on: Monday, November 28, 2022 Reply

    Oh I cannot believe Gary has left us … what a wonderful amazing good soul. If it was not for Gary I would never have gotten my first two kittens (Patches and Zorro) over 25 years ago. He encouraged me to get them, showed and trained me on how to keep them happy and safe. I have had 8 kitties in my life since those first 2 and Gary has been a significant part of all their lives as well as mine over the many years. I’ll miss Gary very much … what a wonderful man and a kind sweet generous person who never stopped showing how life should be, to not take things to seriously and always have a lot of humour … truly he was needed in heaven but way to early gone from our lives.

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