Gary Brian Rodela Sr, 73, went home to be with the Lord on August 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Gary was a simple man who loved the simple things in life: his family, a good hockey game, fishing, his work, a good joke, going to the lake, Judge Judy, and above all, God.

A master glazer by trade, he was a hardworking man who took pride in what he did. But as much as he loved his work, nothing compared to the love he had for his family. He loved his wife, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren deeply, and they were some of his greatest joys.

If you knew Gary, chances are you saw him smiling. He loved to laugh, loved to joke, and truly never met a stranger. His smile, his laughter, and the joy he brought with him will be remembered by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

He didn’t need a lot of fuss or attention. He found joy in the people he loved, the things he enjoyed, and simply being himself. To those who knew him, he was funny, hardworking, stubborn, dependable, and loving. And to his family, he was simply dad/papa, and someone whose presence can never be replaced.

Gary was loved, he mattered, and he will be deeply missed. We will carry the simple things about him with us…the things he taught us, the memories he gave us, and the love that made him ours.

And so, we won’t say goodbye to papa…because he never said goodbye. Only, “Later.”

So, papa…later.

Until we see you again.