Gary Straw’s death and memorial

He Reached too far…too high…too soon…but he saw the whole of the Moon.*

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Hello, my name is Sharon Carter. I am Gary Straw’s ex wife, and the mother of his daughter Ashley Straw. As prosaic as this will sound, I am here to ask you to donate toward the expenses that have been incurred following the death of Gary Straw on January 14th, from Glioblastoma (a form of brain cancer). These expenses have become the responsibility of my daughter Ashley, who is not able to bear the weight of this financial burden. I have, after much thought, decided to start this GoFundMe page on her behalf, in the hopes that those of you who have so kindly asked how you can help, will consider a donation. Ashley has been overwhelmed by the kindness of her friends at this difficult time. I am embarrassed to ask for the further kindness of a donation - but her financial need is overwhelming.

Gary was a man who lived life to its fullest extent – and at full speed. If a ‘little’ was good, ‘more’ was better. And ‘too much’ was always the goal! Gary never did anything by halves, from Iron Man competitions, to learning (and collecting) guitars, - and to loving and cherishing his children and friends.

The life and soul of every party in the 80s and the 90s, he never lost his sense of fun and good hearted spirit – even when the party was over.

Gary’s life and purpose was based around his daughter and his only grandchild Anna – whom he adored. It was a mutual admiration society. He also embraced and loved his son and namesake, Gary.

Gary died too young, too fast – but it seems that at the end he did know when it had become ‘too long to stay at the fair’. He was taken into hospital on Christmas Eve, then taken to PeaceHealth Southwest in Vancouver. Glioblastoma, an aggressive, rarely treatable, and very vicious form of brain cancer was diagnosed. Everything moved in rapid slow motion from there. With the help of a family friend, he was able to return home to Longview (Hospice) on the 10th of January. With the strictures of Covid protocol, and his decreasing cognition, it was difficult to visit him in Hospice, but Ashley was able to say her goodbyes, as was his granddaughter, Anna, and his son, Gary.

Gary Wayne Straw died at 5:15 a.m. on the 14th January, with a very good friend at his side, holding his hand.

Here is where I must ask for your help. Gary was not a man of means. He left a will but there was no savings, no insurance, no ability to cover his debts. There is no life insurance, no social security benefit. Ashley is his only surviving daughter. There are expenses that she cannot meet: medical, funereal, legal. Additionally she would like to have a small memorial gathering in Matchl(date to be confirmed) for all his many friends to come and say goodbye and celebrate his life. So many of you have been so kind.

Thank you for listening. Now is a time of grief and sadness for Gary’s family. If you can help in any way, even the smallest donation will be appreciated. We will cherish your generosity and kindness. If all you are able to offer is a prayer, we are grateful for that, and bless you for taking the time to read this.

With a grateful heart,

Sharon Carter

*Paraphrased- but credit to The Waterboys, The Whole of the Moon, 1985.