Gary Dennis Cavers left us to be with the Lord on June 8, 2025. Born in Winnipeg in 1938, his family moved to Vancouver in 1952. It was here he completed his education and later Broadcasting School (1968), discovering he was a born salesman. He started his first job at Copp The Shoe Man in White Rock, eventually becoming manager. He worked for General Mills, on Vancouver Island, selling “Trix, Coco Puffs, and Lucky Charms”. Later, he had a hamburger stand called “Fuzzy’s and Fizzy’s” by Woodlands Grocery before McDonalds came to Cranbrook.

With his family, Gary moved to Cranbrook to work at CKEK, eventually becoming Sales Manager and later General Manager. The station excelled under his leadership. In 1994, Gary was acknowledged as a longstanding member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Quarter-Century Club and as Business Person of the Year in Cranbrook. In 1995, the FM station ”The Outlaw” was created through the dedication of Rod Schween and staff, and for a short time, they produced a newspaper, The Rocky Mountain Weekender.

When he retired in 1999, Gary was the General Manager of Columbia Kootenay Broadcasting. Being an entrepreneur at heart he kept busy, becoming President of the Fort Steele Cemetery Committee.

Gary was known for his excellent communication skills. In 1973, he established a Men’s Toastmasters Club in Cranbrook, and later forming the first-ever all Ladies Toastmasters Club in the world. He was an active member in the Rotary Club and was Rotarian of the Year in 1993. Gary was a pillar of his community, for example, helping to establish the Kootenay Ice Hockey Team, working with the Sam Steele Sweethearts, and the Sam Steele Parade.

Gary was a musician, and a DJ at a variety of events with the “Fascinating Disco Co”. He loved the music and opportunity to socialize. Gary played the drums and sang in local country music bands. In Vancouver, he played with the Bill Palmer Trio. In Cranbrook on Thursdays, you could find him playing with his buddy Guy Ducette at the Salvation Army, or in retirement homes.

Gary also lived his faith. He and Diane were on the founding committee of Young Life Cranbrook. He was always enthusiastic, enjoying the company of young people. Gary and Diane were part of many Young Life events; some were held at their home on Garbutts Lake, “The Frosterosa”!

Gary’s spiritual life was very important to him, so Young Life was a great way to spread God’s Word. He was also on the founding committee of the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and spent countless hours delivering and picking up boxes throughout the East Kootenay. He was also involved in the Community Christian Project of “Search ’89, Heart of the Rockies” Franklin Graham Crusade.

In 1981, Gary met Diane; these two best friends were married in 1982 for almost 43 years. Many people have been heartened by Gary and Diane’s kindness and generosity. Together they loved to entertain, travel the world, and are blessed to have cherished friendships that span many decades. Riding their Harleys was a major highlight. They also skied, camped, fished, golfed and entertained all year round at Garbutts Lake: holding functions for Young Life shenanigans, Aussie ski friends, retirement parties, family reunions, the annual Christmas tree hunt. They “parented” four golden retrievers: Jesse, DJ, Sadie, and Miiyah, which brought them great joy!

Gary leaves a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith. We will miss his great sense of humour, and his creative imagination. He was a man of great kindness, generosity and ease of forgiveness.

Gary is survived by his ex-wife Diana, the mother of his children, and predeceased by his son Ronald James Cavers, parents Thelma and James Cavers, and brother James Cavers.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife Diane Cavers, his children Carolyn Beauchamp (Dale), David Cavers (Patricia), and grandchildren Jocelyn Beauchamp (Lloyd), Dylan Beauchamp, Cody Cavers, Seth Cavers (Dayna), Dakota Cavers (Kyle), and his brother Gordon Cavers (Phyllis) and many nieces and nephews.

Our heartfelt thanks to the staff for the care and compassion Gary received during his stay at the Waterview Unit at the Gorge Long-Term Care facility.

A service to celebrate Gary’s life, will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 1:00pm, at the First Baptist Church, 334 14th Avenue South, Cranbrook, BC, with Pastor Bob Jones officiating.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child.

Article Share