Gary Drummond
Obituary
Gary D. Drummond was born on May 4, 1944 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada to David Bogie and Margaret Lillian (Thompson) Drummond. He passed from this life at his home surrounded by family and friends on Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at the age of 63. Gary was co-founder of Special Service Systems, Inc. A man with a passion for life, who carried that passion with him to everything he did including flying, scuba diving, motorcycles, his thirst for knowledge, reading philosophy and theology, writing, traveling and his greatest passion was his wife, family and friends. Godspeed, on your next Big excursion, more incredible than we could ever imagine. Gary was preceded in death by his father; his brother, Gary Robert Drummond; a daughter, Jessica Drummond; and a son, Jason Drummond. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Bridget; daughter and son-in-law, Gretchen and Shawn Whistler; sons, Jeff David Drummond and Jay Charles Drummond; his mother, Margaret Drummond Otey; sister, Sandra Bach; and 5 grandchildren, Joshua Drummond, Ava, Alec, Abby Sue and Leileigh Whistler, all of Gary's family are living in Tulsa. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7PM, Saturday, July 21, at Ninde Brookside Funeral Home at 39th & South Peoria. A Wake service will be held 4:00 PM Sunday, July 22 and the Funeral Mass will be held 11:00 AM Monday, July 23, both at Church of St. Mary, 49th & South Rockford. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers friends are contributing in Gary's memory to Catholic Charities, 739 N. Denver, Tulsa, OK 74106. Ninde Brookside Chapel 918-742-5556.
Events
Tributes & Memories
A Lesson from Gary
Growing up, I didn’t get to see my cousin Jeff as often as I would’ve liked. He and his dad, my Uncle Gary, lived out in Tulsa while I was in California. But when they came to their beach house in Huntington, Jeff and I made up for lost time like any good pair of troublemakers would.
We were inseparable during those visits—always up to something, always pushing the boundaries just a little too far. One night, we stayed out on the pier way past the time we were supposed to be back. It was after 10, and the ocean breeze couldn’t cool down the heat of the trouble we knew we were in.
And then, there came Gary, yelling for us and dragging us back home.
I was terrified. My dad was the strict, spank-you kind of guy, and I was sure Gary would call him. I was convinced I was about to get the beating of my life.
But that’s not what happened.
Instead, about an hour later, Gary sat me down. He didn’t yell, and he didn’t threaten me. He just talked. He explained why they were worried and how much they cared. His words weren’t about punishment—they were about understanding, love, and responsibility. That conversation hit me harder than any punishment ever could have.
I never forgot that moment. It changed me.
Gary didn’t know it then, but the way he treated me that night shaped the kind of person—and later, the kind of parent—I would become. My son is 25 now, and I’ve never once raised a hand to him. Instead, I raised him with communication, just like Gary showed me. I made sure he understood that expressing feelings, fears, and love openly is what truly matters.
So, thank you, Gary. You taught me something I didn’t even know I needed to learn. You made me a better person, and you helped me become the father I always wanted to be.
CHRIS ROGERS
Bridget are thought and prayers are with you. Although we could not attend we are thinking of you and pay our respects to Gary.
Penny Troyer & Mark Floyd
We are sorry for your loss. Your family is in our thoughts. Adam and Cathy Ross
Adam and Cathy Ross
I worked for Gary at Special Service Systems for 10 years. I am sorry to hear about Gary passing. I know he is in a better place. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. I know he will be missed.
Janice Sisemore
I offer my sympathies to the Drummond Family and to the staff at Special Service Systems. I will miss Gary very much as we have worked together since 1986. His lover for SCUBA has become my love and I will remember him every time I dive or when I see a credit card imprinter. Our Lord now has two very good Drummond men at his side and Gary and Dave will always be remembered until I am called to join them.
Ray Schremmer