Gary Kelbert - Owner, IHOP Surrey

Gary Kelbert is the proud father of seven and co-owner of IHOP in Surrey, British Columbia. Alongside his wife, he homeschooled all his children from Grade 1 to 12 while managing a thriving business. Now, in a new chapter of life, he divides his time between running the restaurant, tending a bountiful garden, and enjoying the laughter of grandchildren.

From pancakes to purpose - A father's legacy of love & lessons

For Gary Kelbert, being a father has always been about more than just provision—it’s about presence, values, and deep-rooted love. “Being a father means loving, teaching, and caring for your children,” he says. “You pass on your values, and one day, they pass them to theirs.

The role model for his own parenting was his father—a calm, steady man who never let stress spill into the home. “He was kind and patient, never angry,” Gary recalls. “I try to be the same for my kids.”

Raising seven children while running a business wasn’t easy. “At times, I lost track of my own life,” he admits. “But when I see my children raising their own, I know it was all worth it.” The hardest part? Watching them grow up and leave. “You miss their laughter, their small hands in yours, the daily chaos,” he reflects. “It’s a bittersweet emptiness.” But even amidst the hectic days of skating lessons, music recitals, and family vacations to Europe and Hawaii, Gary made time count. “Whenever I had time off, I focused on them completely,” he says.

Now, life is slower, but no less meaningful. He and his wife spend their days gardening, raising their own food, and doting on grandchildren. “If my children remember just one thing,” he says softly, “I hope it’s that I loved them—and I was proud of them.