Gary’s demise, an irreparable loss :
Veteran journalist Gary Garnier was loved by all at the Daily News, Sunday Observer and beyond for his outgoing nature and cheerful disposition.
Gary, as he was simply known, was a veritable institution at Lake House, known among a wide circle of colleagues and associates in practically every department of the organisation. Gary took to journalism after his beloved uncle Jem Garnier, the veteran sports writer.
His devotion and dedication to duty was legendary which was a much talked about topic among friends and colleagues at the Daily News and the Sunday Observer. He was never known to have taken even a single day’s leave except for family bereavements and worked late into the night often single handedly producing the newspaper and seeing it to bed. He was one of the few staffers who volunteered to come to office even at the height of the pandemic. This way he neglected himself not having any time for any physical activity or outdoor pursuits, which, perhaps finally took its toll.
Gary, an old Peterite, joined Lake House from The Island newspaper in 1995 and soon established himself at the Daily News as a star journalist cum sub editor. Gary had an impeccable command of the English language and his creative headlines made even the most drab news story look lively and interesting and captivated the attention of the readers.
His interests were not confined to journalism but covered a wide gamut of fields with special emphasis on Western music and films. He was practically an encyclopaedia when it came to the identities of singers and artistes in the Western music field and would come out with the exact year and date any song was released and the dates of birth of the artistes involved. He was also a great sports lover and closely followed the ongoing Ashes series and other cricket and rugby events. I had many conversations with him on the sports that we both loved such as cricket and rugby.
Gary possessed a fine sense of humour and kept the Daily News entertained all the time with rib tickling jokes and anecdotes that greatly relieved the tedium of a profession known for its tensions and seriousness. There was never a dull moment when Gary was around. In fact, staffers from other Lake House newspapers and departments flocked to him whenever they wanted some relief from the tension of deadlines.
There were no airs about him and he was simple to a fault. He was always helpful to his colleagues and guided many a novice journalist through their paces that went on to take them far in the profession. Though a Burgher, Gary spoke fluent Sinhala and got around well with all staffers at our sister papers the Dinamina and the Silumina. He was also greatly loved by all members of the minor staff for his unassuming simplicity.
Our sympathies also go out to Anjalie who served the Daily News in harness with her husband, the desks of the two separated by a mere arm’s length. The Daily News and Lake House certainly won’t be the same again without Gary.
Goodbye, friend. Till we meet again.
Rodney Martinesz
Senior Associate Editor,
Daily News
Gone too soon
It was on April 26, 2023, that I had my last conversation with the late Gary Garnier, one of the most committed journalists I have ever worked with. I was on holiday in Sri Lanka, and visited the Daily News editorial around 9 a.m. Not many were around so early in the morning but I was not surprised at all to see Gary in his seat, smiling as usual.
He as always was punctual and cheerful, inquiring when I arrived in Sri Lanka and when I was leaving the country. Many know how he would work for hours on end, without a break (he used to have meals while working on the computer), but what I enjoyed were the witty anecdotes we used to share when I went up to his desk, while working in the Daily News.
He shared many anecdotes about other journalists in all newspapers, but there was not even a hint of malice in him. It was never a dull moment, when he was around, as his comments and witty remarks could make even the most serious person burst out laughing.
He and our friend, Senior Associate Editor Rodney Martinez put together could always bring the house down, any time of the day. Whenever I had an emergency, and had to leave early, he would very willing take over my shift. “You go Riza, I’ll take care,” he has told me many times. That was Gary. Always ready to step in, whenever the need arose.
He especially enjoyed doing the World News pages, and always tried to squeeze in a report about a musician, as he loved music. He had a vast knowledge of musicians and could name any artiste or song, if the lyrics were mentioned. His parents, whom he loved dearly, predeceased him. He used to think the world of them.
This perhaps was one of the reasons he did not want to leave the shores for overseas employment or even a short holiday. His wife Anjalee, was more of a friend to him. I have heard her calling him “ ‘Gary boy’, did you have tea”. She often brought him food, as he was too busy even to go to the canteen.
I can write pages about Gary, as I have worked with him for quite a long period. Words cannot express how we and the staff at the Daily News will miss him. May God grant him eternal rest.
Riza Rawdin
former Deputy Editor,
Daily News
An institution at ANCL
Hey, Gary! GARY! Machang! What happened? You just, just, quietly, went, no? Ok, ok... we all go. But you went very suddenly, man. Yeah, I know - a deadline, is a deadline, is a deadline. You are the deadline guy.
You kept the whole paper on time. Stories, we may have. Sure. But the space, man. The space! The dummy ends with you. You defended Editorial “matter” from the Orcs of Advertising.
Since you knew every square mm of the paper, you knew how to squeeze in the smallest news flash or the minor plug. You ended up as an institution, yourself. And ultimately kept us on time. I pity the Editor who does not have Gary to rely on. You were there for me.
Thank You. You were there for the paper, no? Ever the professional. And you could not resist laughter. A grin, with your endearingly cherubic cheeks shining. But that did not detract from your editorial rigour. But you were too soft to be an enforcer - which we, news managers, and administrators must do. You knew quality but was content to allow us to enforce it. Knew content quality best in sports, no? Me, being the political man (Editor’s burden), I could not fill that conversation gap in afternoons just after the First Edition and before the Recast. Because sports was your intellectual love. Fortunately, Sa’adi comes in later to match your wit in sports and sundry doings. Neither of you had that sundown liquid distraction many scribes still seem to have.
Still, at recast, I approach Ops Centre (your desk) with trepidation, armed only with my list of breaking stories and my lust for scoops to beat the competition. But you have your dummies for next editions. The News Desk must face reality at your desk. Our gathered new stories can only beat on to your fortress of copy space - those dummies meticulously marked down to the smallest column, after advertising has taken its share. I cherish those arguments, negotiations over space and time (deadlines) we have as we enter the next edition cycle. Memories! Love!
Lakshman Gunasekara
former Chief Editor, Daily News
and Sunday Observer
An indefatigable journalist
The Daily News, Sri Lanka’s esteemed State-run national newspaper, is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most dedicated staffers, Deputy Editor Gary Garnier, who passed away at the age of 55 in the early hours of Friday.
Garnier, known for his influential presence and unwavering commitment, leaves a void that will be deeply felt not only within the newspaper but also in the wider journalism community of Sri Lanka.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning nearly three decades at the prestigious Daily News, Garnier’s dedication and hard work propelled him from the role of Chief Sub Editor to the position of Deputy Editor, showcasing his unwavering devotion to the profession. His indelible impact on his colleagues and the Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited (Lake House) itself, is a testament to his exceptional contributions.
While Garnier was recognised for his professionalism and expertise, his colleagues also remember him as a source of joy. His warm words and zest for life left a positive impression on all those fortunate enough to know him. As we grapple with the loss of such a valued member of our team, it is comforting to imagine that Garnier may find solace and happiness in whatever lies beyond. The departure of someone we admire and respect is never easy, but amidst the grief, it is crucial to reflect on the fond memories and the profound contributions Garnier made during his time with us. His work ethic and invaluable advice have left an indelible mark on all of us, shaping our own professional journeys.
Moreover, Garnier’s passing must be particularly poignant for his beloved wife, Anjalie, who also serves as a Sub-Editor at the Daily News. The loss felt by Lake House extends to her, and our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to her and all of Garnier’s loved ones during this challenging period. Gary Garnier’s legacy as a devoted journalist and esteemed member of the Daily News will continue to inspire us in our pursuit of truth and excellence. His absence will be deeply felt, but his memory will live on, reminding us of the profound impact one individual can have on an entire community.
May he Rest in Peace.