Gary Haight

It is with deep sadness that Gail, Wendy, Ryan and family announce the passing of Gary Haight on October 23, 2025. Ever Remembered, Ever Loved.

Gary was born May 15th, 1945, son of Ethelwyne and Charles Haight of Prince Albert. The family farmed briefly in the Spruce home area before moving to Prince Albert.

Upon graduation from PACI (1965) Gary attended Teachers’ College in Saskatoon. A year later he began his teaching career at Spruce Home. Gail Dunfield joined the staff three years later. The rest they say is history and they had a loving relationship for 57 years. A year later they moved to Saskatoon where Gary completed his education degree and Gail taught at Brunskill School. In spite of many good offers, they answered the “Call of the North” and accepted positions in Uranium City. This began an exciting, challenging, memorable five years - and a connection to that community that continues on. The years were full of new friends, colleagues, curling, Rebels fastball and outdoor adventures in this beautiful part of the Canadian Shield. The greatest adventure of all was welcoming their daughter Wendy and son Ryan!

When the decision was made in 1975 to “move out” they chose Nipawin. It became their home for the next 32 years. It was a great community to raise a family, continue teaching careers, make friends, pursue sports and other interests and yet have that feel of the north.

Gary loved teaching and especially his grade seven and eight “kids”. He was a smart, competent, caring and respected teacher. His favourite subjects were math and art, especially hand-built pottery. Gary supported his children in every way he could, through their education, sports and any other interests. He was also involved in his community in many ways and was a dedicated member of the Lions Club. He loved all sports especially curling and golf. Hobbies included berry picking, coin collecting, gardening, and jigsaw puzzles.

Gary retired at 49. He became quite involved in home renovation and construction with his buddies, the last build being a cabin at Candle Lake where he and Gail retired in 2007. It was a great place to share with his family and friends. Happily, Wendy & Ryan, his four beloved grandchildren, Sarah, Jessica, Peyton and Parker came when they could. He had the time to teach the little ones as they quickly grew up to fish, enjoy the Boreal Forest just outside the door, to respect and enjoy the squirrels, foxes, birds and deer, do jigsaw puzzles, make up animal or spooky stories, play board games, and have fun! Gary contributed to the community in many ways, most notably with Communities in Bloom, serving as treasurer for many years and assisting with their many projects, focusing on recycling. Gary and Gail were selected as Citizens of the Year in 2021. And of course there were the big four: berry picking, golfing, fishing and time with friends and neighbours. He had his little garden, a stack of books, sudoku puzzles, wood carving, and his Blue Jays on TV.

In 2006 Gary agreed reluctantly to go on a bus tour to southern Mexico where he did catch the travel bug! Gary and Gail saw and experienced many things as they travelled to many fascinating parts of the world. Friends coaxed him into backpacking in Vietnam & Cambodia for a month and he loved it.

With his quiet and unassuming manner, Gary had a knack for making friends, be it in the blueberry patch, on the golf course, at the curling rink, in the ice fishing shack, constructing houses, around the fire pit or the back of a bus heading up hill to a coffee plantation near Huatulco, Mexico.

With his health declining, Gary and Gail moved to Saskatoon (2023). He spent the last 6 weeks of his life at Oliver Lodge where he received competent and gentle care.

He was predeceased by his parents, Charlie and Ethel, sister Patricia, his in-laws, Elsie and Slim Dunfield.

Ever remembered and loved by his wife Gail, daughter Wendy and son Ryan (Jane), grandchildren Sarah (Hayden), Jessica, Peyton (Breshton), Parker and great granddaughter Lillia, Keith and Debra Dunfield. He is survived by his sister Cheryl, nieces, nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Nature Conservancy Canada (Saskatchewan) 313 12th Ave E Regina S4N 6G9 or Living Sky Wildlife Rehabilitation through canadahelps.org or charity of choice.

A Memorial Service for Gary was held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Cherished Memories Funeral Services, Martensville, Saskatchewan. Interment will be held at a later date. The video of Gary's service can be viewed by using the link below:

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=163ee735-f59f-447c-b4b7-d1662226f33d

Cherished Memories is honoured to be entrusted with Mr. Gary Haight's care and arrangements.