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A Eulogy for Our Shaman
Submitted by Fletcher Quince on Tue, 14/12/2021 - 9:41am
For the community that cared and supported Gary Camozzi throughout his lifetime in Rossland, the confirmation of his death Sunday night near his home on Red Mountain, is news of considerable sadness.
As individuals, knowing and interacting with this local legend was a source of both unique and powerful experiences. For my own part, and because we both loved to talk, his transcendence would be incomplete without some last words on Gary's unique belief in Rossland’s ascendence.
For Gary, the Columbia represented one of the biblical rivers of Eden, and the hills that surround it home to an ancient race. Rossland, however, represented the future. For according to Gary under our famous vein of gold sit diamonds, and under these, a giant amethyst. An amethyst, that would enable the people who resided above it to enter first into the age of Aquarius and a transformation towards social equality and progress. To a time when, for bureaucratic reasons, vulnerable community members are not forced to uproot and leave the home their friends have established for their safety and comfort.
But verily, the forest was Gary’s home, and as he related to me once, one night in his younger years, during a strenuous ski out to Old Glory under a full moon, he became aware of an etherial being, with limbs like vortices, moving through the forest beside him. As fast as he skied, it remained beside him. While he referred to the apparition as Sasquatch, he believed him the timeless spirit of the Forest.
So Gary, though your physical body has been returned, we trust your spirit continues to glide along under the stars, and that those lucky enough to have known you in life may again be afforded the privilege of your company beside them in the trackless snow.
Until that time,
Rest in Peace
and
God Bless
Town: Rossland, BC Photos:
 
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So sad to hear this news...I'm sure he will be profoundly touched by your words, Fletcher Quince, as he continues to flit through his beloved Rossland in spirit...
Very sad to hear this but happy he found the end near Red Mountain. Thank you for sharing his words with us Fletcher. He is as uniquely a part of Rossland as the forest and mountains he so loved. I'm sure I will see him out of the corner of my eye walking up Washington soon.
Tennille
R.I.P Camozzi.
You'll live forever in Rosslander's memories and everytime the sun shines and the snow falls.
You bloody legion!
Xox
Legend!*
He was a friend to the Rossland I knew growing up and lived authentically - a legend. My sister and his were best friends - may he rest in peace ❤️
A very special person whom Rossland will miss greatly.
Gary was definitely a legend around Rossland, and was one of my sister Bonnie's best friends growing up. It was impressive talking to the people around town who knew him how much this community cared about him. He was true to himself right to the end, and I'm sure he's in his happy place now. RIP, Gary.
Gary, I enjoyed chatting with you on a few occasions. You were a deep thinker with an interest in Horoscopes and such. One day stands out for me. Last Winter, early morning, in front of the Credit Union, we were enjoying small talk, outta the blue you asked me when my birthday was. After a couple minutes of thinking you looked at me and said "you're a very kind hearted person with a kind heart". Those words stuck with me. You'll be missed. R.I.P. XOXO
Loved ya bro. You showed me the mountain when I got here in 73 and showed me kindess all along. Glad we got to play guitar this summer. Ski ya later. Rolo
I had a good chat on the street with Gary this summer. He was special & will be missed. His memory and stories will live on. I'm sure that he will be flying by regularly...
Great picture. One never thinks much about special people till they are gone. Thank you Gary for sharing some of your thoughts with us. Hope your final journey was enjoyed. Good bye
Is it true that the City of Rossland forced Gary out of his home? Rossland is a lesser place without him....it would be a terrible shame if our city played a role in his homelessness
And thank you Fletcher for the beautiful words....
Thank you for this beautiful tribute, Fletcher!
I met Gary exactly 10 years ago while living in Nelson and working at Valhalla Pure. Gary would hitchhike to Nelson, smelling strongly of smoke, and come to the store where he loved to visit with the manager and talk to the staff. I distinctly remember one conversation I was having with him where he was quite heated, and in my 27 year old naive and insensitive bluntness, I said "Gary, I think you have an anger problem". I really knew nothing about him, and over the years living in Rossland, I have come to learn more about his exile and why he remained homeless for all these years.
I can't say that I have had many conversations with Gary over the years I have been living in Rossland, and to be honest, I feel some remorse about that. It's amazing how this unique man, simultaneously revered and deeply misunderstood by our community, has inspired me to reflect once again, on kindness and compassion, and how timing is everything!
Thank you, Gary, for all you have taught me (and us), and for the lessons that will be sure to unearth themselves in time.
Rest in Peace
Having Gary as part of our community was a gift to us all. He taught anyone who took the time to listen, that we are more than out outward trappings, social conformity and beleifs, but it is the warmth of our spirit that gives us value.
It lifts my heart to know his spirit is free to soar over his beloved Red Mountain forever.
Thanks Gary
So well said. There is much so many have learned from Gary. Are there any surviving next of kin or others who might be organizing some sort of memorial, or other way to honour his life?