GILBERT (GIL) GARNER

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GILBERT (GIL) GARNER It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gil Garner on September 21, 2011. He leaves the love of his life Marge and his children, Bruce (Debbie), Steve (Laura), Terry (Ron), Mark (Mary) and Clint (Darlene), 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Gilbert was born to Ethel and Herbert Garner in Winnipeg, November 9, 1927, the eldest of three children, Stan (Irene) and Shirley (Reg). It was while working as a butcher with the Hudson Bay Company that Gil met Marge. They married September 19, 1953 after which Gil was transferred to McKenzie Island, Ontario where their first son was born. After one year they returned to St. Vital, where they bought their first home and raised their family of five. Gil then began working with Canada Safeway Ltd. until his retirement in 1989. Gil valued the love of family, the pursuit of education and the merits of tolerance for other views in life. He worked diligently for the St. Emile School and Church Parish Boards. He did bookkeeping for St. Emile Bingo and other bingo halls to benefit not only his children, but other children who attended St. Emile School and St. Boniface Diocesan High. For many years he was a member of the Riverside Lion's Club. Gilbert loved his home of 52 years and took special pride in his garden. Aside from his prized roses, his favourite things to watch grow there were his children, and later his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He encouraged a love of reading in his grandchildren by purchasing books for them every Christmas. Gil took many family vacations across Canada. In later years he bought an RV with his wife and traveled in style. He had very fond memories of one special trip to California for his Aunty Margaret's 80th birthday. The family wishes to thank family physician Dr. Roy W. Smith for the special care that Gil received throughout the years. Special thanks also to the staff on the fourth and fifth floors at Victoria General Hospital during his recent illness, and to our caring neighbours for their ongoing support. You will be forever in my thoughts and prayers - your loving wife. Funeral service for Gil will be held at St. Emile Church, 556 St. Anne's Road, St. Vital, Monday, September 26, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with a luncheon to follow in St. Emile Hall. Husband, Father, Teacher. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Research Society. E. J. Coutu Co. Funeral Directors 253-5086 - ejcoutu@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 24, 2011