Our hearts are saddened at the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Gary “Big Papa” Podesta passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by love on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the age of 74 years. Dad was born January 25, 1949, in Medicine Hat to Ernest and Janet Podesta and grew up in Redcliff, quickly being part of the “Podesta” clan. Dad loved life and had a huge heart. This was evident in the way he treated his loving wife of 46 years, raised and protected his daughters, entertained and interacted with his grandkids and loved everyone who graced his path. Dads laugh was infectious as he was able to connect with so many people, whether through his time in the gas and oil patch, visiting with family and friends or his constant pranks and harmless teasing of his sons-in-law. His hobbies of building bird houses with “Papa’s Bird Watch” was a highlight during his retirement, and if you are lucky enough to own one of these, you will own a piece of Dad’s heart forever. Dad’s green thumb and moms love for the garden, created the most beautiful oasis ever. Their yard was a preview of heaven and dad will be in all his glory. Before a stroke in 2021, Dad enjoyed fishing, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as baseball, a sport he spent countless years coaching and instilling a love of the game into players. Dad was a loving husband to Deborah (Weigel). Together they created a life filled with love, evident in his daughters and their families. His girls were everything to him. Janet (Justin) Kraft Mason and Levi; Lisa (Paul) Kaupp Shaelyn, Trell, Ryker and Brynlee; Vanessa (Ben) Rogers and Jennifer and children Taylor and Evan. Dad also leaves to cherish his memory of his sisters-in-law, Mary-Ann Flug and Irene (Larry) Todd, brother-in-law Jim (Cheryl) Weigel as well as sister-in-law Merc Weigel, his brother Ron (Stella), his brother-in-law Jack McCleary and sister-in-law Colleen Podesta. Dad was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Janet Podesta and step-mom Lix, his sister Virgina “Tudi” and his brothers Greg, Bertie and Kim. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law Anton Weigel, mother-in-law Veronica, brothers-in-law Pete, Gary, John and Ken and sisters-in-law Kay and Josie as well as his furry friends Zoey and Shelby. Dad will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends, including his new pup “Tiamo”. Dad loved being with his cherished grandchildren, teaching and encouraging the boys to always “fight it out”. Dad was the biggest kid of them all. His honesty, wisdom and unwavering integrity will be remembered by all. Tiamo Dad. You are loved. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday, March 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road S.E.) on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Fr. Naveed Arif celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Prayers and Mass will be live streamed, please see Gary’s obituary online at www.pattisonfuneralhome.com for streaming details and where you can leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2023-03-14
• Location : Medicine Hat

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