| Notes |
- Passed away suddenly at the James Paton Memorial Health Centre, Gander on Sunday, December 25th, 2016, Gary Vey, age 65. Predeceased by his parents Reginald and Edna Vey.
Left to mourn with loving memories are his wife Jennifer Walsh, sons Reg Vey of Oakville, ON; Christopher Vey (Amy Barrett) of Gander, step-sons Sheldon Clarke of Gander, David Clarke (Siobhan Wilkins) of Gander, daughter Kelly Hillyard (Jeff Hillyard) of Burlington, ON; step-daughter Nancy Coles (Kerry Coles) of Fort McMurray, AB; grandchildren Taylor Vey, Nash Vey, James Hillyard, Blake Coles and a large circle of relatives and friends. Resting at Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander on Tuesday, December 27th from 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. and Wednesday, December 28th from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. Funeral service will take place at St. Martin's Anglican Cathedral on Thursday, December 29th at 11:00 A.M. Interment will follow at All Saints Cemetery. Flowers graciously accepted or donations in Gary's memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1037 Topsail Road, Mount Pearl, NL. A1N 5E9. Arrangements entrusted through Stacey's Funeral Home, Gander. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.staceysfuneralhome.ca
CBC Report...
The long-time head of the Gander International Airport Authority has died.
Gary Vey, who served as airport president and CEO for more than 13 years, died on Christmas Day, according to a notice published on the website of Stacey's Funeral Home.
He was 65.
Vey led the airport authority between 2001 and 2014, said a statement from the authority. It said before that he was the head of a group that worked to transfer the airport from Transport Canada to the authority.
He retired as president and CEO in July 2014.
According to Gander Mayor Claude Elliott, Vey was instrumental in guiding Gander airport through its tough financial difficulties in 2006.
2006 | Gander airport warns it could close without Ottawa's help
2007 | Aid package lands at Gander airport, but with strings attached
Vey and the airport authority warned in 2006 that the institution was at risk of declaring bankruptcy.
By May 2007, officials had secured a deal with the federal government that guaranteed up to $5 million for the airport.
"At times, it didn't look very good at the airport. At times we thought it might close. At times we thought we didn't know how we were going to get through it," Elliott told CBC News on Tuesday night.
"But he hung in there, and he guided her through probably some of the most difficult times in the history of Gander airport."
Cut too short'
Airport chairman Des Dillion said in a statement that Vey was a "singular driving force" for the airport.
"We all have heavy hearts after Gary's sudden passing," Dillon said. "He believed deeply in what the airport could become and was committed to bringing that to fruition."
The cause of Vey's death was not disclosed. In a Facebook post, the airport authority said that Vey's "time was cut too short."
The Gander Airport family was deeply saddened by the passing of former President and CEO Gary Vey on Monday.
Gary served a distinguished 17 year career leading Gander International Airport, retiring in July of 2014 at the age of 63.
We remember a dedicated business leader, aviation professional, father and grandparent. The airport will never again see a champion as dedicated as Gary. Gary was fearless, funny and strong. He was a proud Newfoundlander who cared deeply about the airport and the people who make it fly.
Gary's time was cut too short, but his legacy forever endures. His mark on both the airport and people around him is indelible.
Our thoughts are with Gary's family and loved ones at this time.
Elliott said Tuesday that he was surprised to hear about Vey's death.
"It was a shock. I knew Mr. Vey had been sick there last year for a while, but I understand he was doing pretty good," he said.
The mayor said Vey was a long-time resident of Gander, and the town was losing a great volunteer.
"He was a man who was well-liked in the community. I never heard anything bad about Mr. Vey," he said.
The airport CEO also briefly served as MHA for Gander from 1995 to 1996.
A funeral service is scheduled for Thursday morning at St. Martin's Anglican Cathedral in Gander.
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1951 - 2016 (65 years)
