December 15, 1938 – December 16, 2022
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Garry, beloved
Husband, Father, and Grandfather. He passed away peacefully at home
with family by his side.
Garry was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba to Barbara and George
Carlson. He was an active man, engaging in many sporting activities,
but excelling in both baseball and hockey. Garry’s ball team, The
Portage Mercurys was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of
Fame in 2003. He was also asked to play for Flin Flon Bombers hockey
team but declined, to stay home and both be with and help his mom.
Garry met Marilyn Davis in Portage where she worked, they married
in 1962 and had two children, Shelley, and Dean. Garry worked for
Portage Mutual Insurance Company and was transferred to Calgary
in 1968. He continued his career with Portage until the opportunity
presented itself to purchase Ardiel Agencies from Maurice Ardiel in
1978. Garry, Marilyn & family eventually moved to Okotoks in 1981
where they became part of the community.
Garry made many dear friends in Okotoks. He was an active member
at Turner Valley Golf Club and played countless rounds of golf there.
Garry enjoyed numerous golfing trips with friends over the years. It was
golfing that lead them to southern destinations where they vacationed
in Palm Springs and eventually bought a second home in Arizona. In
addition to golfing, Garry enjoyed playing slow pitch, curling, camping,
and skiing. These activities usually involved the same group of friends
along with their families and extended road trips.
Garry loved spending time with family and sitting in either his sunroom
(aka the garage) or on the electrical box on the street and would visit
with anybody walking by. He also took an interest in wood carving and
created several birds for us to enjoy. Garry was also an active member
of the Okotoks Elks Club and was Chairman of the Lounge Board for
several years.
Garry was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Carl and Russell
and his sister Edith. He leaves to mourn his wife Marilyn, daughter
Shelley, son Dean (Bev), and grandchildren Madison and Curtis. The
family wishes to thank Dr’s Borman, Joshi, and Ansell, Jackie from the
Cardiac Care Clinic, AHS home care, and EMS who all provided care
and comfort to Garry.
Grief is the last act of love we have to give to those we loved. Where
there is deep grief, there was great love. Garry will be missed by many
whose lives he touched.
Funeral service will be held on December 23, 2:00 pm at Foothills
Centennial Centre #4, 204 Community Way Okotoks, reception to
follow. Please join us to Celebrate Garry’s life and share some stories.
In lieu of flowers, the family would ask you to consider a charitable
donation to Alberta Heart & Stroke Fund, or a charity of your choice.
