I recently learned of the passing of my friend Gary Wilstrop who was a very big influence in my life during my teens and twenties.
I’d lost touch over the year until I learned that Gary was in the HSC hospital from a mutual friend. Shirley and I went and visited only to learn that a guy who had the world by the tail was a partial paraplegic as the result of a dune buggy accident. We visited a couple of times and then lost touch again as Gary & Donna moved to Neepawa to be close to their daughter.
Every once in a while I’d google him to see if I could learn anything. This morning I did.
Gary Michael Willstrop
May 20, 1940 ~ October 16, 2022 82 Years Old
I’m saddened but left with so many good memories. I’ll try and capture a few of them here
It started on Bereton Lake in the Whiteshell where my parents had a cottage right next to the Willstrops. Mr & Mrs Wilstrop, Gary & Donna and Walt & Joan (Gary’s sister). Gary was a cool, outgoing, fun loving and adventuresome guy and the whole family took a young teenage me into their lives. We spent countless weekend hours together in spite of our 12 year age difference. I’m not sure how they put up with me hanging around so much but they did and I’m glad for it.
Memories
Tea and Toast. In the early evening I’d go next door and climb up on a few stones so I could poke my nose into their living room window. More often than not the whole family would be sitting around the one dining table having tea and toast before bed. I’d get invited in to join the group and hangout with the adults who were all telling stories, jokes and laughing so much.
Sailing. One year Gary & Donna got a sailboat, a very nice mahogany Y Flyer. Nobody exactly knew how to rig or sail the thing but Gary new a guy. A fellow on the lake also had a Y Flyer, the only other one and he became the sailing instructor. Ever change I got I went sailing with them and learned the ropes myself. Hanging out on the trapeze was the best. During the week I remember washing the sails and vanishing the inside of the hull as a way of earning my keep in the hopes of more sailing adventures.
Gary and Walt had matching red Honda Trail 90 motorcycles. What teenager doesn’t want to ride a motorcycle? There were many adventures riding various trails around the lake and occasionally I got to drive! Underage and without a license. ?
Grouse hunting. Guns! Another magnet for the younger me. Gary had 410 and 12 guage. When I was allowed to go hunting with Gary, Walt and Mr. Wilstrop I remember having to get some high top boots for tromping around the bush. I don’t remember anyone getting any grouse but many hours were spent looking and just hanging out was it’s own reward. I was just tagging along and never had a gun. But, one day, Gary decided I should try the 12 guage and attempt to shoot a floating javex bottle some 10′ off the end of the he dock. I still remember the kick! Three shots later and the javex bottle was never in any danger.
On my 18th birthday my Dad gave me a 22 rifle. Thanks Dad! I’m pretty sure mom wanted no part of that gift. A new gun, in December, and no place to try it out. Gary call me up and says to come over on a Saturday to their hours in Westwood and dress warm. We get on his snowmobile, with our 22s, and ride down the street, through a field, across the perimeter and out into the country.
