It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Michael Gabry, February 3, 2009 at the Golden Hospital.

Mike was born May 11, 1916 on a farm near Brandon, MB. At the age of 20, he came to the Columbia Valley, first settling in Spillimacheen and then later moving to Brisco where he spent many years of his life. The past three years, he resided in Golden. Mike left the valley in 1942 to serve in the Canadian Army. Upon his discharge, he returned to Brisco. He guided hunters for over 40 years, ran his own trapline and at 92 years old, he still held an active hunting and trapping licence. Mike spent some time working for Parks Canada at Kootenay National Park. He also worked as a miner, eventually buying a gravel truck to haul ore. When construction began on Highway 95 to widen and pave it, he hauled gravel. In the mid to late 70s, he worked as a ranch hand.

Mike had a wealth of knowledge about the valley’s history and loved to share his stories. In the earlier years, he could be heard playing his banjo at the community dances. Mike was also known as the community barber and could play a good game of crib.

Mike will be deeply missed by his brother Alex (Bernice) of Camrose, AB; several nieces and nephews; his dearest friend and companion Betty Dryer and her family; and many friends. Mike was predeceased by three brothers and three sisters.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kootenay Wildlife Heritage Fund, PO Box 100, Kimberley, B.C. V1A 2Y5.

A graveside service will be held at the Galena Church cemetary Saturday, May 9, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. A luncheon will follow at the Brisco Hall.

The Dreyer family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support through kind words, flowers, cards and food. To the Golden doctors, nurses, and home support workers, “THANK-YOU” for all the TLC given to Mike the past few months. It was all greatly appreciated.