It is with heavy hearts that we announce that
Gary passed away peacefully on Friday May 9th, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at his home in Surrey BC. after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary Lawrence Hagan was born on March 8th, 1957, in Victoria BC but spent a large part of his life living on Salt Spring Island. He was very proud of his Hawaiian/Aboriginal/ Irish heritage, also, of our seven-generation connection to the island. Gary had a great love of the water. Whether he was commercial fishing, working on the towboats or on the docks he was a happy man! He will always be remembered for his incredible sense of humour and generosity of spirit.
Family meant everything to Gary, and he will be greatly missed by his sons Luke Hagan and David Tarkanen, his sisters Geraldine de Koninck and Becky Hagan and his many nieces and nephews. Gary touched many people’s lives, and I cannot begin to mention them all, but I know that many will feel his absence.
Gary is predeceased by his mother Jackie Hembruff (Lumley), his father Larry Hagan, and sister Juanita Erickson.
I would like to make an extra special thank you to Luke for providing the tenderest and most loving of care for his dad through his illness and to Karen Waugh for her endless love and support.
“Happy sailing my brother and safe journeys a hui hou Kakou (until we meet again).”
Gary’s service will be held at the Maritime Labour Centre in Vancouver on Friday June 13th from 11:00am -4:00pm at 111 Victoria Drive (Entrance is from Triumph Street).
Becky I am so sorry to hear that we lost Gary. My thoughts and memories are with you. Laura McAstocker (nee Pallot)
Thanks so much Laura.
I remember Gary with laughter and kindness. Sorry for our loss of a great man. Linda Schwagly née Marcotte.
Thanks Linda. He was a special guy who loved to make people laugh
Becky I am so sorry to hear that we lost Gary. My thoughts and memories are with you. Laura McAstocker (nee Pallot)
I’m so sad for the loss of my cousin. I spent a lot of time with Gary and family when he was young. I’m going to miss him … so sorry to the family. Cancer is such a hard thing to have. But I send you love ❤️ and I will see you again. I have a lot of good memories with Gary and family. ❤️ Love, cousin
Yvonne.
Was so very sad to see Gary has passed. He was one of the good guys. I’ll always remember his laugh and his smile. Sandy (Mac) Turner.
My condolences. Gary and I had many good chats over the years.
Gary: Peace to you brother and thank you for your friendship so long ago. It helped me more than you know!The Angels are with you hun! Peace and freedom, bud!
Truly sorry for your loss! Gary was a good man. Sad to hear about his passing. Truly sorry. Lots of love to you all. Shelagh Patterson.
Both Gary and I were born in Victoria B.C. in 1957, two weeks apart – brothers from another mother.
We met on SSI when my family moved there in 1964. What a great 61 year friendship we had! I’m sure we will still be friends when we meet again. I luv yah brutha!
Peace out!
At Gary’s service all the guys got up and spoke so highly of him. It was so nice to hear this. It was just so sad that cancer took him, but he’s with the family that has left us. When he was little I went over to look after all of them while Aunt Jackie worked. Luv ❤️ miss u all. Your cousin Yvonne.