GARRY ALBERT EDWARD POHL

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GARRY ALBERT EDWARD POHL In the end, the true measure of a man is not the wealth he leaves behind, but the richness of the memories he gave to others. With profound sorrow we have let him go, but with consolation in knowing he has found peace at last. Garry Albert Edward Pohl died at his home in Sparwood, BC on February 17, 2006 at the age of 62. Garry was born in Neepawa, MB on June 23, 1943. He was the oldest son of Albert and Lillian of Gladstone, MB. Garry grew up on the family farm in the Bear Creek district. He married Georgina McCutcheon October 6, 1962 and is mourned by their five children, Sharon with Ken (Trent and Leah) of Fernie, BC, Shannon of Calgary, Terry, Trevor and daughter Graci, Troy and daughter Nadine, all of Fernie. Garry's first love was farming and he farmed with his Dad until the farm was sold. Garry and Georgina then moved to Gladstone where he picked up his hammer and started building houses. He was a true craftsman in his trade and has passed this gift to his sons and grandson. Garry, Georgina and their family moved out to Fernie, BC in 1981. He continued building houses and eventually went into business with his son Ted. Together they formed Cheyenne Construction; it was the adventure of a lifetime for both of them. Garry had a lifelong love for horses, a special bond he shared with his granddaughter, Nadine. When he was 14, a friend from the neighboring Hutterite colony sold him a horse and saddle for $40. No matter where Garry moved during his life, that saddle went with him and was in his house until the very end. He loved to hunt in the mountains with his boys. When a grizzly tried to turn the tables on him and Trevor, Garry decided it was time to hang up his gun. Garry had a personality that was larger than life itself. With his special gift for story-telling, he could turn the most everyday happening into an episode worthy of a movie script. Though Garry struggled with emphysema the last several years, he met this adversity with his usual humor and wit. Garry will also be sadly missed by his Dad, Albert, his sister Joyce with John, his brother Rod with Kerry, and his sister Karen with Brent. Their children all thought the world of their Uncle Garry (Frere) and will always cherish his memory. His Mom, Lillian, predeceased him on March 15, 1980. The loss of Garry will also be felt by his large extended family as well as countless friends in Manitoba and BC. Garry touched us all in very special ways - sometimes with humor and laughter, sometimes with sadness and tears, but always there was love. Perseverance, courage, and above all, the gift of forgiveness; these are the life lessons he gave us. Wherever you are now Garry, we're sure you'll find Elvis. So ride your horses, dance, laugh and breathe easy. You've earned it. Much love, forever and ever, your family. A memorial service for Garry was held on Tuesday, February 21 in Fernie, BC.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 11, 2006