Garry passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 62 on Sept. 19, 2005.
Garry was born on May 19, 1943 in Kurrobut, Sask., the oldest son of Nolan and Joyce. The Lord came for Garry whilst he was visiting a remote part of the Alaskan coastline.
Garry had a way about him that touched everyone whom he met. His charisma, charm, and immense strength of character drew people to him. He loved to help others in any way he could, whether it was a casual compliment to a stranger or a long heart-to-heart with a friend to build their confidence and dry their tears.
Garry was a true entrepreneur and his strong drive and ambition led him into many adventures which took him all around the world. One of his many talents was locating underground water by dousing, and he spent his early years residing near Edmonton drilling wells with his drill rig. His greatest passion was gold mining which brought about his invention of "The Flying Dutchman" gold recovery system.
Whilst chasing his dreams, Garry fell in love with the wilds of Alaska and would spend months at a time on the rugged coastline prospecting for gold. Garry was a self-made man with determination and a rarely equaled zest for life. Nothing could ever keep him down or hold him back. A man such as he will be greatly missed and when he passed from this world clouds covered the full moon and stars and the rain began to fall as if God wept for our loss.
Garry was predeceased by his sister Marlene; nephews Bobby and Rob and niece Nancy. He is survived by his wife Nora; brothers Dale and Greg; sisters Cheryl and Sharon; previous wife and friend Roberta; and daughters Tammy and Cindy, Susan and Sheila and step daughter Sara. He will be sorely missed by all his family and friends.
In lieu of a funeral, a private celebration of his life will be held for family and friends at the family home in Abbotsford, BC. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Gary Clapshaw and his group for taking care of the arrangements and spreading his ashes on the Alaskan Beach that Garry so dearly loved in life.