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CHARLES (CHARLIE) JOSEPH GARD
Born: Jan 11, 1930
Date of Passing: Apr 05, 2024
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHARLES (CHARLIE) JOSEPH GARD
It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Charlie, at the age of 94 with his children by his side.
Charlie is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Diane; daughters, Shannon (Tom) Pyziak, Pam (Ed) Holik, and son Brad (Paula) Gard; grandchildren, Colton (Justine) Pyziak, Carter Pyziak, Sabrina (Blake) Heynen, Brittany Holik, Melissa (Cole) Dawson, Ryland Gard (Maggie) and Macrae Gard; great-grandchildren, Jack, Charlie, and Emma Heynen, Lincoln Pyziak, and Walker Dawson; special nephew, Stuart Gard, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Phillip and Violet Gard; sisters, Rosie (Truthwaite), Nellie (Feniuk), and Mary; brothers, James, Frederick, and Robert and special nephew Larry Gard.
Charlie was born on the farm in Fisher Branch and spent the majority of his life there, raising his family in a community he was proud to call home. At the age of 12, his dad had to pull him out of school to help on the farm as his brothers went to fight in the war. He worked as a farm labourer for several local farmers until about the age of 16 when he went west to work as a cowboy on a large cattle ranch in Alberta. The pull of family and farm called him home, where he met the love of his life, one of the new teachers in town, who soon became his wife.
Family was always first in dad’s life. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for special occasions, family events, and family time. He loved nothing more than camping, fishing, golfing, and playing cards with family, and attending events in his grandchildren’s lives, including graduations and sports.
Once dad returned home, he started farming with his brother Fred and did so until the two brothers were able to farm independently. Dad worked hard to provide for his family, at times juggling two jobs in addition to the farm. Dad also was an Auctioneer. It all started with selling pies at Fisherton Hall Suppers and how much he enjoyed it. Being the entrepreneur he was, he evolved this into a long successful career. Over the years, dad was the auctioneer for hundreds of sales throughout the Interlake.
Community was also extremely important to dad. Throughout the years, he served on numerous boards including Hospital, School, Golf, and Minor Hockey. He volunteered his time in the community whenever he could, including many hours with all the other volunteers building the Skating Arena. He continued to support the community until 2013, when mom and dad moved off the farm to live in Winnipeg because of health reasons. They lived there until his death.
We would like to thank the staff at Luther Home and St. Josephs Home for the care they provided to dad in his last couple of years.
We love you dad and will miss you very much!
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Fisher Branch with Archdeacon Reverend G. Mawejje officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Fisher PCH Foundation Inc., Box 548 Fisher Branch, Manitoba R0C 0Z0.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2024, Apr 11, 2024
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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So sorry for your loss! My Deepest Condolences to all of you! - Posted by: Karen Ciemny (Kon) (Friend ) on: Apr 13, 2024
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My condolences to the family. I can picture Charlie selling those pies at the Fisherton Hall, were we all gathered with his infectious smile that he was known for, you will be missed by all. - Posted by: Neil Muzyka (Neighbor / friend) on: Apr 13, 2024
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Sincere Condolences to all the family and friends of cousin Charlie. He was a kind man and took time to chat and always a hello whenever time was too busy for a chat. One of my fondest memory of Charlie was when we curled in the Big Bonspiels (Rock around the Clock), our team being Roy Imlah skip, Charlie - third, myself Christine - second, and Shannon - lead. That was quite the experience. Shannon and I were just kids, and learning as we curled, Yes we went to the rink for practice to get the hang of in-turns and out-turns and our fathers wanted us to make sure we could get the rocks past the hog line. We went to numerous auctions and Fisherton Suppers and Fisherton picnics in our much younger days. Those times most of our families gathered which were enough people to make baseball games. He will be missed! Our Condolences' - Posted by: Jack Kowalchuk (Christine - cousin of Charlie) on: Apr 11, 2024
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To Charlie’s family, my deepest condolences on his passing. Charlie was a kind and friendly man. May your memories of a life well lived comfort you at this sad time. Audry Letain (nee Persowich) - Posted by: Audry Letain (Former neighbour) on: Apr 11, 2024
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Uncle Charlie will forever hold a special place in my heart. He was one of a kind. Always making me feel loved and safe with the hugs that only him and my dad knew how to give. I will miss him dearly. Hugs and love to Auntie Diane and all my cousins. Till I see you again Uncle. - Posted by: Glenda Gard (Neice) on: Apr 11, 2024