Gary practiced law in the financial services sector in Winnipeg after receiving his arts and law degrees from the University of Manitoba in 1977. He began his legal career with Investors Group Inc. and joined The Great-West Life Assurance Company (now Canada Life) in 1991, retiring in 2018.

Over his career, Gary supported many lines of business. He also maintained a keen interest in legislative and regulatory developments and served as Vice-President and Associate General Counsel, Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs with Great-West Life.

He was active in industry affairs, participating in numerous committees of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association (CLHIA). Gary is a Past-Chair of the Executive Committee of the Legal Section and for many years served as Chair of the CLHIA Legal and Legislative Committee.

Gary enjoys community service in the areas of international development, peace and conflict resolution. Gary is on the Board of the Manitoba Council for International Co-operation and was recently appointed its President. He is a Co-Chair of an movement he helped co-found 12 years ago, as Peace Days. Peace Days was inspired and facilitated by Rotarians and friends and has evolved into the Rotary Winnipeg Peace Builders Committee.

His interests include enjoying music and playing polo. Gary is a past Vice Chair of the Winnipeg Folk Festival and a past Chair of the Manitoba Horse Council Inc., and currently serves on its facilities committee. Gary has also served as the lead organizer for many years of the Cooks Creek Medieval Festival, a successful community based fund raising event.