With heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Garry, with his wife and daughters at his side after a lengthy battle with diabetes, liver cancer and leukemia.
Garry is survived by his wife of 59 years Mary, daughters Karen Wick (John) and Christine Wilson (Maurice), and brother Bill Christiansen (Joanne). He also leaves behind his adored four grandchildren Jesse Devito (Natasha), Madison Devito (Dale), Keenan Wilson, Leah Wilson (Mikey) and two great-granddaughters Arya and Esra. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Garry was born in Nanaimo and grew up in various locations on Vancouver Island before moving to Powell River with his mother and younger brother in the early 1960s. He worked as a steam engineer at the pulp mill, through all its numerous owners, until his retirement in 2001.
Garry enjoyed many hobbies, learning to skate as an adult so he could play hockey; he was part of the steamplant hockey league for many years. His love for hockey extended to rarely missing a Kings game. He was also an active dart player for two Legion leagues.
For a number of years, Garry’s main passion was boating, first the Pearly and then the Friendship. He and Mary spent summers going “up the coast,” as well as many hours fishing. He also enjoyed spending the month of July at Kent’s Beach in their trailer with all the extended family.
Garry loved being a grandfather and was always on the sidelines cheering them on whatever sport they were playing. His love of music and dancing lives on in the hearts of both his daughters and grandchildren. He was an avid walker and until recently was to be found on the local trails with his four-legged companion, Reggie.
Special thanks go to Drs. Morwood, May and Takhar, Foltz and Ma, as well as the entire Home
Health/Palliative care team. There will be no funeral service by request. A gathering will be held at the family home later in the summer.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Society or Four Tides Hospice Society in Powell River.
