Troy Timothy Gateman was welcomed into the world by proud parents Don and Janice (Mink) Gateman on Wednesday, March 8, 1972. Troy joined older brother Jeff, and Mike later followed to make the family complete. The boys attended Elderslie Central then continued on to JDSS, where Troy “occasionally” attended. Troy enjoyed shop classes and to this day has projects he made such as a weathervane, porch swing, nightstand, and a gun rack.

Troy was always hard working, trying his hand at Castle Lumber, Co-Op & Priebe Construction through high school. But in December of ‘94 he found the perfect fit in Horizon Poultry (now Maple Leaf) in Hanover where he ran trucks full time for the next 30 years. Troy was lucky enough to be hired just in time for an invite to the infamous Horizon’s Christmas party. He was first seen on the dance floor acting like no one was watching when in fact no one knew who he was. Some onlookers who are now his closest friends thought he had crashed the wrong party. Talk about making an impression. Troy never attended college, however, if you asked him, he would tell you that he did for all his air brake courses at Georgian.

In 1999 at another entertaining Christmas party, Troy met a beautiful young lady who had been hired that year, Tracy Lee Fortney. The two hit it off and began dating. Tracy had two young boys, Tyler and Zac, who Troy embraced as his own. Troy and Tracy purchased a home in Hanover and were married on September 23, 2005, at Holy Family Church in Hanover, with a reception at the Elmwood Community Centre. Troy, Tracy and the two boys spent many weekends camping in the trailer and boating. In November of 2007, Troy’s next love of his life, Janelle was born. Troy always said that the timing couldn’t have been more perfect because she arrived just after rifle week!

When not enjoying time on the family farm, Troy could be found playing his favourite sports in baseball, hockey & fishing. In his younger years, Troy could always be found on his snowmobile when the first snowfall came. Troy went on many snowmobile tours with friends and family creating wonderful memories that are still talked about today. To enjoy the winter weekends when the kids were young, he had a caboose, tubes, sleighs and would pull them around for hours. Troy also looked forward to his weekly men’s hockey league. He even tried to get them to switch it to Tuesday nights being he was off on Wednesdays.

Troy had many favourite vehicles over the years, including his Bronco, ‘79 Z28, however his Toyota Xtra Cab 4X4 was his most cherished of all. He was often found driving around in the 4×4 with his dog Buddy. They drove it everywhere together and it showed by the scratches & dings. Troy once drove laps around his stuck friend Subby yelling “buy a Toyota Jackass!”

If you listen to FM 102, you might have heard Troy calling in to win one (or most) radio contests. Radio hosts Nick and Julie knew Troy by name when he would call in. He won many prizes over the years.

Troy enjoyed anything outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He was always looking forward to his annual trips with friends and family. He had luck fishing like no other. In the boat Troy would talk more than pay attention, but he would be the one reeling in the most fish. However, he would never eat meat from anything he caught or shot. Troy spent most days off at his 50 acre bush lot in Bentinck. In spring a beloved hobby that was passed down from his dad to him and his brothers was time in the bush tapping for maple syrup.

Troy enjoyed a whiskey after a day of work with Gibsons or Golden Wedding (his father’s favourite) being his go-to’s. Busch was typically his beer of choice because it was the cheapest. Troy valued his friendships and having a good time with them. One day around noon Troy and Ed thought it might be a good idea to go on a trip. That same night they were at a resort in Mexico!

Troy had a voice that could easily be heard in a crowd. He didn’t always have the best filter, but he would sometimes catch it.. Key word being sometimes! If there was ever a story told with fireworks involved, there is a good chance Troy had something to do with it.

Troy was hardworking and had a kind and calm demeanour. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone and often said he would give his only kidney to his family. Family was everything to Troy. One Easter morning, he stopped by his brother Jeff’s bringing some live chicks for his kids. He then drove away leaving them with baby chicks to care for. Over the years he also took a loyal pleasure in helping Tracy’s family with butchering & catering pig roasts.

Troy’s life changed when his mother passed away at the young age of 55 in 2003. He and his brothers were there to support his father in any way they could. As years continued, on his Wednesday’s off, Troy would stop by to see if his dad needed help with anything around the farm, and if not, he would stay for a visit regardless.

Troy was a devoted and loving husband, a proud and helpful father, and most recently became a caring grandfather to Astrid. Troy spoiled Astrid every chance he could, filling her pockets full of treats and taking her on tractor and four wheeler rides. Every moment he would spend with his family together was the most important.

Troy passed away suddenly at Brightshores Health System, Owen Sound, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in his 53rd year.

Beloved husband of Tracy (Fortney). Loving father of Janelle at home, Tyler (Jocelyn) Coville of Walkerton and Zachary Durrer of Windsor. Cherished grandfather of Astrid. Dear brother of Jeff (Kathy) of Severn Bridge and Mike (Dawn) of Shallow Lake. He will be fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Troy will be missed by his stepmother Doreen (Disney) Gateman. Loved brother-in-law of Debra Fortney (Dan Forsyth) and Rodney Fortney (Kathy Kuntz). Troy was predeceased by his parents Don and Janice (Mink) Gateman, and his father-in-law Ambrose Fortney.

A celebration of Troy’s life will be held at the Elmwood Community Centre (upper level) on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1 – 4 p.m. A private spring inurnment will be held in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, Elmwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to MS Canada or The Kidney Foundation of Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.