WILTON, Gary Ralph
November 29, 1941 – September 14, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Gary Wilton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend on Sept. 14, 2018 at the age of 76. Born in Victoria, B.C. on Nov. 29, 1941, Gary was a generous man of strong character, conviction and work-ethic whose passion for adventure, politics and country life was only surpassed by his love for his family and his land, where he spent his last moments in pursuit of a skunk.
Raised in Eastend, Saskatchewan as one of five siblings, Gary was a great storyteller who loved regaling his children and grandchildren with tales from a youth spent roaming the coulees of the Frenchman River Valley and “raising hell.” In spite of never finishing high school, Gary was a dedicated life-long learner and self-made man. In his early 20s, he moved West with his young bride Judy in search of prosperity. Believing that a man without land is nothing, Gary was extremely proud when he purchased his first acreage in then yet-to-be-developed Bragg Creek, where he and Judy raised their three children and owned a plumbing business. When their children were grown, Gary persuaded Judy to move to a small farm near Bottrel so he would have room for horses and cattle, and could enjoy the tranquility of a quiet rural life. It was here that Gary and Judy lived the past 32 years together, 13 of them in retirement from SAIT where he was an instructor since 1982.
Gary’s zest for life was reflected in his many hobbies, which ranged from riding motorcycles, to horses, and quads through the Arizona desert where he and Judy spent many fun-filled winters south with their many friends. When they were no longer able to RV, Gary kept active at home with his many projects like a recently completed garage to house his multiple toys, including a newly purchased camper that he was eager to get out on the road.
Gary will be deeply missed by his wife Judy (nee Taylor) and their children and grandchildren: Darron (Helene, Sarah, Ellie); Brent (Toni, Liam, Holly); Suzanne (Sean, Sam, Sydney). He was predeceased by his three brothers and sister.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at the Water Valley Community Hall at 2 p.m. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to STARS Air Ambulance.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of WILTON Gary Ralph November 29 1941 – September 14 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Cochrane, Province: Alberta