Gary McLaren |

Gary McLaren
July 20, 1933 – September 23, 2025

Gary Keith McLaren passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on September 23, 2025 at the age of 92.

A fixture of southern Ontario television news, whose steady presence on CKCO-TV spanned decades, Gary was also a devoted husband for more than 60 years to his late wife Shirley (2015).

He was a loving father to his children, Christie Ann and Norman Scott (Shari), and a proud and adoring grandfather to his grandchildren, Amy (Andrew) and Timothy (Michelle).

Gary is survived by sisters-in-law Ruth McLaren and Barbara Schultz. He was predeceased by Shirley (nee Schultz); his parents Norman and Mary; brother Ken; sister Gwen Heer; brothers-in-law Bill and Ted Schultz and Richard Heer; sister-in-law Elaine Schultz; nephew Paul Schultz and niece Lori Heer. He is fondly remembered by nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbours for his caring, encouragement, and sense of humour.

Born July 20, 1933 in Virden, Manitoba, Gary spent his childhood in small towns across the Canadian Prairie, where the wide-open spaces and big skies spawned a lifelong love of nature, outdoors, adventure – and mischief. After his family moved to Ontario in 1948, Gary attended high school in Elmira and Galt, graduating from Galt Collegiate Institute in 1952. He continued his education at Ryerson Institute of Technology (now Toronto Metropolitan University), where he graduated from the Radio and Television Arts program in 1954.

Gary’s broadcasting career began that year at CKOC radio in Hamilton, as a reporter and newscaster. In 1957, he joined CKCO-TV in Kitchener during television’s early days in the region. For the next 39 years, he served in multiple roles as reporter, announcer, news director, anchor man, producer, and host. Considered a “newsman’s newsman,” Gary was deeply involved in shaping the station’s local and regional news identity, helping to guide CKCO-TV through technological shifts and increasing newsroom complexity.

In political circles, Gary was known for his thorough research and thoughtful questions, and was proud of interviewing six prime ministers and other world leaders. Former co-workers cite his generosity with time and his willingness to mentor younger colleagues. He also enjoyed serving as a vice-president of the Radio-Television News Directors Association of Canada (RTNDA). Gary ended his career by creating, producing and hosting “Sunday A.M.,” a wide-ranging current-affairs show that was ahead of its time.

Retirement in 1996 gave Gary more time to use his woodworking talents at the beloved family “camp” at French River and at home. He enjoyed golf, curling, travel, reading – and a good joke, as well as fellowship with the Retired Businessmen and Professional Men’s Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. His happiest places were in the North, on a big adventure under big skies, on the deck at the cottage with family, and on the front porch at home with a glass of wine, chatting with passing neighbours.

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Dr. Abdul Shakool Mughal, Warm Embrace Elder Care and PSWs, and Ontario Health at Home and PSWs, for their conscientious and compassionate care of Gary and his family in recent months.

Cremation has taken place. Please join us on Saturday, October 11 to share your memories of Gary at a visitation from 2:30-3:15 p.m. and a celebration of life at 3:30 p.m. at the Henry Walser Funeral Home in Kitchener. A reception will follow. A private family burial will take place on October 13 at Crown Cemetery Puslinch.

Those unable to attend may view Gary’s service via the following live stream link: https://www.henrywalser.com/live-streaming.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Innisfree House hospice in Kitchener, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.henrywalser.com for Gary’s memorial.

Visit Facebook Link to view condolences and stories written by Gary’s many friends, fans and acquaintances.