Tribute

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my father, Garth, on September 6^th, 2020 at East Kootenay Regional Hospital, after a brief, but sudden illness.

Garth was born in Nelson BC, and had lived there growing up. He had played Sr. Hockey for the WIHL Nelson Maple Leafs, and had worked for the City of Nelson as a bus driver, and later owned and ran a taxi service. He eventually met his first wife, Marilyn, and had 3 children: Howie, Lori, and Gerry.

Years later, Garth ended up moving from Nelson, to the East Kootenays, working for the Highways Dept., and for Salvador & Sons. No longer married to his first wife, Garth met my Mom, Margorie, and they got married in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho in 1969.

Soon, Garth had what I consider the best birthday present on his 33^rd birthday, his son Gary. Then in 1971, the family welcomed the birth of his son, Grant.

For most of Dad’s career in Cranbrook, he had driven various types of trucks, ranging from dump trucks and cement trucks to Super-B chip trucks. When Dad was owner-operator of 2 chip trucks with Trimac Bulk Systems, this allowed him to have some spare time to relax with Mom, Grant and I at the Kootenay Lake. We spent a lot of years there, close to 30 in total!

Those who knew Garth would say that he was quite the character, and had a very outgoing personality. He was, and always will be, not only my Dad, but my best friend. Losing him is going to be tough, but at least he isn’t suffering any more from his diabetes, and other health complications.

I would like to express my sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Drs and nurses from East Kootenay Regional Hospital, Kootenay Columbia Home Medical, and Interior Health Home Care Support. Your compassion and thoughtfulness allowed Garth to leave on his terms, with dignity. I would also like to say “THANK YOU” to my neighbours, Ron and Christine Becker. It’s been a rough ride for the last 3 months, and thank God you were there to help! And lastly, to my colleagues at Selkirk Beverages – Eric, Randy, Tyler, Damin, Colton, Logan, Erika, Nick, Wayne, Joanne and Ron – I consider you family, and your support has been greatly appreciated!!

Garth is survived by his sons, Gary and Grant, Howie and Gerry, and by his daughter, Lori, and his ex-wife, Marilyn, and our border collie, Cody. He was predeceased by both of his parents, his brothers, and most recently his beloved wife of over 45 years, Margorie, in 2015, and Cody’s brother, Toby, on this date in 2014.

As per Garth’s request, there will be no funeral service. Cremation will follow.