GARTH CORBETT KERR

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GARTH CORBETT KERR After a long and fulfilling life, Garth Corbett Kerr passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 17, 2015, at the age of 91, with his loving family at his side. After 62 years of marriage, Garth was recently predeceased by his wife and life partner, Paule Marie (nee Decaire), on August 20, 2015. Garth has a special place in his children's lives and hearts, Charles, Jeffrey and Margaret (Southall). The greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren, Amanda, Ben, Caitlin, Natalia, Avery, Lenny, Megan and Eric. Their relationship and love for him was affectionately expressed by the nickname "Bampi". Garth was born in Crystal City, Manitoba on December 1, 1924 to Stanley Stanton and Sarah Emma (nee Corbett) and also predeceased by his elder brother Chuck. Garth joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942 as a communication telegrapher with the Escort Group 27 protecting ships in the Atlantic. He served on a minesweeper, a corvette, and finally, the HMCS Coaticook, a frigate until the end of the Second World War in 1945. Upon returning to Winnipeg, after the war, Garth graduated as a Chartered Accountant and secured a position with WD Love and Company. He went on to become a senior partner but by the mid 1970s he surprised us all. Garth was always a very conservative man but decided to take a risk. He left the accounting firm and with his partner Harvey Williamson, purchased Arctic Ice Co. Ltd. Arctic Ice was a business in transition. The business relied on industrial customers, meat packing plants and railroads. Garth built a new plant in Winnipeg and a new plant in Calgary utilizing the latest ice manufacturing equipment. The market was now all about growing the "party ice" business that we all know. Under his leadership, Arctic Ice flourished. Garth was also very active with St. John Ambulance and the Khartum Shriners of Winnipeg. The friends, social connections and charitable rewards were an important part of his life. The family would like to express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the staff at Victoria Hospital and Tuxedo Villa for their professional and compassionate care. A private funeral mass will be held at St. John Brebeuf Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CancerCare Foundation or a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2016