It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Pattenden on December 14, 2023, at the age of 86. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Gary was born on April 5, 1937, and grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba with his parents, Leonard and Bess, and brother Gregory, now all deceased.

After living, in several cities, he settled in Toronto where he was the Head Chemist for the Ontario Science Centre for more than 25 years. This is where he fell in love with his wife, Mary, and doted on their children, Jude, Adam and Maxine (deceased), entertaining them with his mad passion for science. He was so pleased to welcome Jude’s husband, Dan, and Adam’s partner, Svetlana, into the family. There was a special place in his heart for his grandchildren Jacob, Ryan, Jackson and Ena.

He was also very fond of his extended family including the in-laws, nieces and nephews.

He was a great outdoorsman, enjoying wilderness canoeing, camping, scuba diving and fishing – he shared these passions with many close friends. He built a cottage for the family using a book on frame construction and was happy to share it with the flying squirrels who moved in and claimed it as their own.

Services will take place on Sunday, December 17, 2023 at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON. Gathering to begin at 10:30 a.m. with Words of Remembrance to follow at 11:00 a.m. The family then invites you to join them for a Reception on the second floor from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you honor Gary by giving a hug to those you care about and hold them close.