Gary Errol Protain of Aurora, Illinois, passed away peacefully after a long illness on 8 April 2026, surrounded by his family.
Throughout his whole life and especially during his most challenging moments, he remained a man of great faith. Born on 16 December 1940 at the St George’s Colony Hospital in Grenada, he was the only son of Errol Protain and Gertrude (Blackman) Protain, MBE.
Gary attended the Grenada Boys Secondary School (GBSS), where he excelled academically and at tennis. In 1958, having achieved the highest marks set by the University of Cambridge, England, Gary was qualified as an Island Scholar. Thereafter, he attended Trinity University in Ireland. He was classically trained in piano, performance and composition, with diplomas from Trinity College of London.
On returning to Grenada, Gary worked for the government and was very involved in the preparation of Grenada’s independence in February 1974. Thereafter, he was appointed Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations and Deputy Ambassador to the USA. On taking leave of the Grenada Foreign Service, Gary emigrated to Toronto and joined the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) television network as public relations manager for celebrity television shows, and eventually became the private PR manager for Canada’s giant jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.
Subsequently, Gary embarked on his own professional music career entertaining as a solo pianist on Carnival Cruise Lines. Along the way, he acquired such sobriquets as “Poet of the Piano” and “Romantic Pianist” with accolades from the great master himself (Roger Williams) proclaiming Gary a true artist. Gary’s CD album was aptly named “The Poet of the Piano, A Sentimental Journey” and endures for our continued enjoyment.
Gary is survived by his loving wife Diane, stepdaughters Stephany (Ray Mason) and Jennifer (Jose Zendejas), grandchildren Joshua (Kristina), Aaron, Noah, Jillian (Chad), Alex, Victor, Gabriella, great-grandchildren Everly, Elliana, Jade, Jayden, Kennedy and Princeton. Also mourning are many cousins and lifelong friends from all parts of the world.
In honour of Gary, the family welcomes donations to the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Stroke Association.
