Parcourez la nécrologie de Garth Robert Pritchard July 14 1949
December 2 2023 résidant dans la province Alberta pour le détail des funérailles
Garth Pritchard Obituary
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Garth Robert Pritchard, affectionately known as Uncle Garth and Gussy, lived fully and passed peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by the love of his family on December 2, 2023.
Born on July 14, 1939, Garth was the firstborn of four stupendous children to Catherine (Kay) and George Pritchard, where they lived on an idyllic farm homestead in Rathwell, MB. However, Garth wasn’t always happy that as the oldest child, he was last to use the bathwater.
Life on the farm was what you could expect with feeding and watering the animals, planting and harvesting, sharing family meals, going to Church and playing games. The incredible close bond and importance of family that was built into the Pritchard family home was exceptional and extends to all of our lives today. Time was regularly spent with the aunts, uncles, and cousins, often with music as a focus of their gatherings, with Granny at the piano, Bumpa on the mouth organ and the kids gathered around with song.
In 1958, the family moved into the Rathwell townsite to run the hardware store while still operating the farm. Garth worked the family farm as well as for other local farmers, hauled coal and cut ice blocks to deliver to local families and also worked at the Hudson Bay Company.
In 1964, the family went east to Sioux Lookout, ON and opened another hardware store. This was a big change and one that lead to even greater community involvement. This favoured time in Garth’s career saw him supporting the Lions Club, boating and fishing. Garth would also say “the greatest joy was to have the family and friends come to visit.”
When Granny and Bumpa retired to Treherne, MB, Garth moved to Stonewall, MB with his eldest sister and family and started his own business in septic services. This was a very special time for Garth because of the closeness to his friends and family and the opportunity to play a big part in the lives of his nephews and nieces. He was the prince of playfighting, the master of whisker rubs and the mentor for good-natured teasing.
In 1985, Garth moved to Portage la Prairie, MB and enjoyed many years there, working at various locations with the highlight being at the University of Brandon. He loved the connections he made with the students and the relationships he built. As he retired, this Manitoba boy became Alberta bound in 2013, not for the oil and gas boom, but for the love of his family. His final years were spent in High River, AB, living close to all three siblings again.
Garth was predeceased by his mother Catherine (Kay), his father George Pritchard, his sister Beryl Magnusson, brother-in-law John Magnusson and sister-in-law Donnie Pritchard.
He is survived by sister Carol Moore (Gerry) and brother Barry Pritchard, and his memory lives on with his special family of nieces and nephews; Darren Moore (Val), Candace McGee (Bob Nagy), Melanie Rheaume (Marc), Jodi Magnusson (Tony Arena), Jamie Magnusson, Mark Magnusson, Kathy Boase (Chris), Geordie Pritchard and Joey Pritchard.
And his great nieces and nephews: Cody McGee (Colter MacFarlane), Sarah Moore (Jesse Legault), Mackenzie Boase, Nicholas Boase, Jacks Schoen, Dario Arena, Trey Magnusson, Hayes Rheaume, Theo Legault and Axton MacFarlane.
He will be held dear in the hearts of his many friends and his special friend Marion Barber.
Garth had a big heart and was always a playful soul, incredibly social, participating and initiating a lot of activities with friends. He enjoyed traveling, playing games and laughing with his family. His wit was as sharp as his love was deep. Garth brightened life for those around him and he was happy to help others wherever he could.
He took on the task of writing the entire family history, connecting us to our past and our future. Nobody really understands where some of Garth’s vocabulary came from but those siblings had their own language of “badaydas” (potatoes), “warsh” (wash), “Sayurday” (Saturday), “diabettess” (diabetes), and unfortunately this has been passed on to some of his nieces.
Garth faced a lot of challenges throughout his life but worked hard to find the positive. Even in his last days, he shared his wisdom to always look for the positive, not to waste any time, and to do what is most meaningful. His last year was spent at Tudor Manor being helped as a patient yet also helping others. He truly appreciated the staff and there was a shared fondness.
Uncle Garth, you have always been more than good enough, ahead of your time in so many ways. We remember your playful spirit and boundless love that touched the hearts of all who knew you. We celebrate a life lived with a twinkle in your eye and a teasing smile. You made such a special impact on the lives of those around you, especially your nieces and nephews, and we will carry your legacy of love forward. We are “all good” and no longer “gwumpy”, as we know you lived a wonderful and full life and are at peace. Bye Garf.
The Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Delta Calgary South on Friday, January 5, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. This is open to all friends and family – we will raise a glass, have a wee dram of whisky in his honour.
A burial service in Treherne, MB will be held in the spring with more details to come.
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July 14 1949
December 2 2023
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Garth Robert Pritchard July 14 1949
December 2 2023..
Décès pour la Ville: High-River, Province: Alberta
avis deces Garth Robert Pritchard July 14 1949
December 2 2023
necrologie Garth Robert Pritchard July 14 1949
December 2 2023
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Garth Robert Pritchard July 14 1949
December 2 2023 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.