Gary's story in Muskoka began when he co-founded a musical festival in Port Carling with a business associate. Since then, he has organized and managed countless local arts and cultural events with his wife Gayle, and is one of the founding members of Muskoka Chautauqua. A dedicated Rotarian, Gary's other notable highlights in the community include his tireless work with Muskoka Tourism and Explorers' Edge.
For his contributions to Muskoka, Gary was named Citizen of the Year at the 2012 Muskoka Awards.
Things took a devastating turn in June 2013, when he was stricken by a mysterious, unidentified virus that left him paralyzed. Though Gary remains on life support at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, he's made a remarkable, albeit slow recovery. He has recently regained movement in his fingers, toes and neck. Gary has made friends with others in the hospital, and with the help of hospital staff, was healthy enough to be moved outdoors to see the sun rise one beautiful autumn morning.
Stay tuned to this blog as we continue to document his remarkable recovery and eventual return to Muskoka.
