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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
McLEOD, Gary (Gus) - With great pride, love, and gratitude, we say goodbye to our father, Gary "Gus" McLeod, who set sail on his final voyage on August 31, 2026, after a remarkable life spanning nearly a century.
Gary was born in Powell River, British Columbia, on April 3, 1928, to Myron and Eve McLeod, who opened the iconic Patricia Theatre that same year. His childhood was filled with adventure and curiosity, both in Powell River and in Squamish, where he spent summers with his aunt and uncle. Gary's lifelong love of the sea began at age 15 when a school friend helped him secure a job as an engine room wiper aboard the Princess Mary.
In 1944, at just 16 years old, Gary joined the Canadian Merchant Navy as a cadet. During WW2, he proudly served aboard the merchant vessel Connaught Park, where he began his deep-sea apprenticeship. In 1948, he joined the Canadian National Steamships aboard the newly launched coastal passenger ship the Prince George as 3rd Officer. Recognizing his vast knowledge of the BC coastline, they recalled him for further service in 1955 and again in 1960.
In the early 1950s, Gary returned to Powell River where, in 1953, Gary and two others founded the Malaspina Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps. In 2014, Gary was honoured to return to Powell River to lead the 60th anniversary of the first inspection of the corps. In 1961, Gary joined BC Ferries. He spent nine years sailing out of Tsawwassen before transferring to Horseshoe Bay. Gary retired in 1987 as a Master on the Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo route. His final command, and his favourite vessel, was the Queen of Oak Bay.
In 1959, Gary married the love of his life, Beverley, and together they raised their three children in West Vancouver. Retirement brought new adventures as Gary and Bev embraced cruising, travelling extensively to Hawaii, through the Panama Canal, throughout the Caribbean, and along the eastern coast of North America.
Gary also discovered a passion for oil painting, capturing in meticulous detail the ships he loved so much. His lifelong hobby of photographing ships evolved into a 26-year retirement career supplying images to Lloyd's Register and its successor companies. From the "Pink Palace" in West Vancouver, where he and Bev made their home, Gary enjoyed a front-row seat to the endless parade of marine traffic. If a ship passed through Burrard Inlet, there's a good chance Gary had a photograph of it.
Gary was predeceased by Bev, his beloved wife of 54 years, in 2013. He is survived by his devoted children, Marcia (Rob), Karen (Jeff), and Kevin; and by his cherished grandchildren, Justin (Lauren) and Allison (Tina), and his step-grandchildren, Sophie and Nic.
Gary was a gifted storyteller, blessed with a remarkable memory, a quick wit, and an endless supply of tales. Nothing brought him greater joy than making people smile and laugh. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. When you think of him, smile, share a story, and enjoy the day. He certainly did. Three cheers to a life well-lived, a journey well-sailed, and a man well-loved.
Memorial service to be held at a later date. (The North Shore News 14 Oct 2026)
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