GARTH STANLEY CHALMERS

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GARTH STANLEY CHALMERS Born September 12, 1919, in Dauphin, MB, died September 27, 2015, at home in Bedford, NS. He was the only child of Elizabeth Bewley Lock (from Calne, Wiltshire), and John Marcus Chalmers (from Herne Bay, Kent), English immigrants who met in Winnipeg at the close of the First World War. John named his son in memory of his friend Garth Phare, who died trying to shield him when both were under fire at Passchendaele. About 1930 the family moved to Clear Lake, when John was appointed assistant superintendent of what became Riding Mountain National Park. Without a school, Garth continued his secondary education by correspondence, while enjoying the freedom to explore the wilderness. He grew up on skis and snowshoes, and knew Grey Owl and his beavers. Offered a scholarship, he entered Brandon University intending to study medicine after his B.A. War intervened, and he graduated in 1942 as an officer cadet. After training at Shilo, Petawawa, and Halifax, he served in England with the Royal Canadian Artillery. In 1945 he was transferred to the Medical Corps, working as a biochemist with those liberated from the concentration camps. While in college he met Constance Joyce Braithwaite, the daughter of John Wesley and Constance Agnes (Cliffe) Braithwaite, another English immigrant family. They were married in St. Mary's Anglican Church in Brandon on September 21, 1946, and settled in Winnipeg. Joyce and Garth lived on Wellington Crescent, where they delighted in an extensive garden with mature trees and wildlife on the banks of the Assiniboine River. Later three beloved children were born, who made that enchanted garden their playground. Garth worked as a scientist first with the Eaton Research Labs, and later with Burns (Canada Packers). In 1964 he joined the federal Department of Health and Welfare (Health Protection Branch). The family moved to Nova Scotia in 1965, building a new garden overlooking the Bedford Basin. Garth became Chief of Laboratories (foods, drugs, and pesticides) for the Atlantic Region. He retired in 1984, proud to have served his country both in war and peace. Garth was a voracious reader of history and politics, and followed current affairs on the CBC. He enthusiastically embraced many hobbies, and carried his family along with him, in exploring Nova Scotia's history, artifacts, geology, and ocean views. A keen gardener, who began organic practices in the 1970s, he delighted in testing new possibilities. He was particularly proud of his peach trees, and faithfully supplied his church with grapes to decorate the altar at Thanksgiving. He and Joyce were made honorary life members of the Bedford Horticultural Society. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife Joyce (June, 2012), after 65 years of marriage; as well as by his sister-in-law, Dorothy Jean (the late Bill) Rutherford; his brother-in-law Frederick George ("Bill") Braithwaite; and his nephew Patrick Legg. Garth was loved and will be deeply missed by his son John Richard, at home; and his daughters Patricia Lynne, Halifax; and Wendy Faye Victoria (the late Robert Lafontaine), Montreal. He is also survived in Winnipeg by his sister-in-law, Daisy Irene (the late Bert) Legg; Jean's daughters, Shelagh (Merv) Marchenski and Nancy (Gord Thiessen) Rutherford; and Irene's sons James (Pat), Robert (Port Perry, ON), and Kerry Legg, as well as cousins in England. The funeral took place at All Saints Anglican Church, Bedford, NS, on Friday, October 2, at 11:00 a.m., the Rev. Trevor Lightfoot officiating. A reception followed in the Church Hall, and burial in All Saints Cemetery. Memorial donations to All Saints Anglican Church, the Royal Canadian Legion, or the V.O.N., would be appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to C.K. Barnard, Halifax. Online condolences at tkbarnardfuneralhome.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 10, 2015