BLISS GERALD (GARRY) HALLIDAY

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BLISS GERALD (GARRY) HALLIDAY Our family is deeply saddened by the passing of Garry on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, at the age of 66 years after a long and very courageous battle with pelvic bone cancer. His courage, determination and positive attitude have been an inspiration and strength for all of us. Garry wanted everyone to know that he truly loved his wife, Marilyn, and his two children; son, Del (Rhonda), and daughter, Andrea (Adam) and granddaughter, Jill, and was so proud to be Marilyn's husband, and Del and Andrea's Dad, and Jill's grandfather. Garry is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife of 39 years, Marilyn; son, Del (Rhonda); daughter, Andrea (Adam); granddaughter, Jill; sister, Sharon, Kamloops, BC; brothers, Dennis (Donna), West Vancouver, BC, Alden, Squamish, BC, Phil (Denice), Squamish, BC; step-father, Sid Roberge, North Vancouver; mother-in-law, Doreen Frechette, The Pas, MB; many brothers and sisters-in-law, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Verna (2002), sister-in-law, Gail (1986), niece, Allison (2005), and many aunts and uncles. Born in The Pas, MB, on January 11, 1943, Garry resided in Bowsman, MB, until 1949, when Verna and Sid moved the family to BC. He grew up and was educated in Victoria (Langford), BC. More formal education continued at RRCC and U of M throughout the 80's and early 90's. He worked most of his career in the hydroelectric construction industry, twice with Manitoba Hydro, retiring at the end of 1999, after more than 33 years of continuous service. Garry was a long-time resident of Charleswood. He was always actively involved in Del and Andrea's activities - hockey, ringette, baseball, camping trips, and took great pride in their accomplishments. Garry and Marilyn enjoyed camping trips across Canada and to Alaska, after retirement. He always loved to travel back to BC to visit, reminisce and spend time with his parents, sister, brothers, and large extended family. He truly loved family and friends. Garry was an avid, competitive 5-pin bowler for many years, and enjoyed umpiring baseball in Charleswood and St. James for more than 20 years. After a serious work-related accident in 1996, Garry avidly pursued a physical fitness program at the Pan Am Pool and Centennial Park Recreation Complex. He thoroughly enjoyed having coffee with the morning crew at Charleswood McDonalds. Solving crossword puzzles, especially the New York Times, was another favorite activity. Garry loved all sports. He especially loved golfing with his friends and watching it on TV. It was one of his favorite summer activities. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 28 at 2:30 p.m. in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., with Rev. Fr. Barry Schoonbaert, presiding. Thank you to all of our family and friends who have been so tremendously supportive during Garry's illness. Your many prayers and acts of kindness mean so much to us and helped us through this difficult time. Our family also wishes to extend our thanks to the many doctors, nurses and other health care providers who were involved in Garry's care. We feel truly blessed that he was in the hands of such kind, caring, professional people. Flowers respectfully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made in Garry's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of one's choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 28, 2009