FREDERICK GARFIELD SEARLES

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FREDERICK GARFIELD (GARRY) SEARLES August 15, 1931 - February 5, 2017 Peacefully, on February 5, 2017 in his 86th year, our father and grandfather Frederick Garfield Searles of Winnipeg. Garry was born in Sherridon, MB but moved to Winnipeg as a young child. He felt a special bond with his childhood neighbourhood of St. James though he moved to Charleswood as a teen where he eventually settled to raise a family. Always curious, he impressed teachers with his quick mind, incredible memory, and thirst for knowledge. Illness forced him out of school at an early age, but not easily discouraged, he became a self-taught scholar of history and politics; he could rival any textbook with historical facts even to his last day. Garry's lifelong love of automobiles filled his driveway and his shelves as he continuously added to his extensive model collection. His greatest love was his devoted wife and best friend Doreen (nee Ford). They met at a New Year's Eve party in 1953 and were married the following October whereupon they promptly set about populating the neighbourhood with six kids in nine years. His early career was spent working in the railway and running the family business, Charleswood Hardware, until it was lost to fire in 1964. Despite struggling with chronic illness, he enjoyed a long career in sales where his natural charm and gift for gab really paid off. He could and did sell everything under the sun but he especially excelled in real estate; establishing communities in Charleswood and later moving on to custom building until his health once again interfered. Through hard work and fierce determination he rebuilt his career, running a renovation business and returning to his first loves, selling cars and hardware. In the late eighties the tables turned when he found himself caring for his elderly mother Anna and his wife Doreen, who was afflicted with Alzheimer's. Taking early retirement he moved in to his mother's home to care for them both. He dedicated his next fifteen years to keeping Mom safe at home, with him. Mom has been patiently saving his seat these past thirteen years. Keeping her company is their grandson Johnny, both their parents Fred and Anna Searles and Pearl and Henry Ford, his sister Marion and his many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins. Two years ago, their eldest son, our brother James joined the clan. Dad will be so glad to see them all again. The rest of us will miss him dearly; his children; Tom (Darlene), Terry Cole (Auby), Hobie (Brenda), Sue (Ric) and Ed (Angie). His grandchildren; Crysl Cole (Orin), Tammy Cole (Jon), Jenny Stringer, Sabrena Clark (Chris), Lindsay Searles (Sean), Adam Searles, Alysha Martin (Skot), Angie Martin (Adam), Austin and Liam Searles, as well as his great-grandchildren; Skye and Evan Stringer, Atlas and Asia Clark, Alexander, Michael, Erika, Joshua, and Noah Lainen. He will be fondly remembered by his dear friend Marie Johnson who was a great support to him for many years. Thanks also to the Johnson family and to friends Ron and Simone Funk for all their help the last four years. Heartfelt thanks to the Grace Hospice staff for making his final weeks so special and to the hardworking and dedicated staff at the Grace Hospital fifth floor and ER dept for their compassionate care. Garry was brilliant and bullheaded, infuriating and irresistible, charming and cantankerous and there was no one like him. He had more lives than any cat and always rose from the ashes like the great phoenix - we almost started to think he was immortal. Peace to you Dad, you have certainly earned it. A celebration of Garry's life will be held on Monday, February 13 at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery) at 3:00 p.m.In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Grace Hospice or the charity of your choice. We will miss you forever Dad, give Mom a big hug for us. NEIL BARDALFUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 11, 2017