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It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Stephen Leslie Garth (76) on May 16th after a brief illness at KLH in Nelson BC.
Steve was born January 17, 1946 in Regina Saskatchewan to Cyril and Florence, the youngest of 3 sons. Upon graduating from Central High School, he enrolled at Saskatchewan University in Saskatoon to study Electrical Engineering. While completing his studies, Steve married Judith Wolfe in 1966 in Regina. After earning his Bachelors Degree Steve began programming computers before they were the computers we use today. During his time with SaskPower he helped program the Ferranti-Packard 6000, touted as a pioneer in Canadian Industry. While shaping the future, Steve and Judith set out on an adventure West and settled in and around Vancouver in 1968. There they had their two boys James and Bradley. Computers took Steve to all corners of the world and he got to travel extensively. This unfortunately put a strain on their marriage and they went their separate ways in 1982. During his time in Houston Texas, Steve met and fell in love with Connie and the two were wed in Burnaby. After a short stint in Toronto, the two of them moved to Switzerland, multiple cities in the USA and finally to Nelson in 2002 to be closer to his family.
At the age of 6, Steve was bitten by the music bug. He started classical piano but formed a deep love of many musical genres. He took up guitar at age 12 and played in a number of rock, pop, folk and country groups through the 60s in Saskatchewan (Starliters, Chessmen, Strangers) and during the 70s in BC (Question Marks, Compatibles, Better Days). After a hiatus through the 80s, Steve rekindled an interest in classical piano and guitar and played electric blues and rock with groups like the Exceptions in the San Francisco Bay Area and Sunshine Drive in Nelson. He picked up the 5-string banjo, Dobro and other slide guitar styles along the way and was playing with several groups in the Nelson area – notably Mountain Station, a bluegrass/roots band until his passing.
Steve was preceded by both his parents, his brothers Jack and Alan, his nephew Larry and niece Meagan.
Steve is survived by his wife Connie, sons Jim(Cheri) and Brad (Aleysa), Grandchildren Mason, Brendan and Jayde, and Cheri’s children Felica (Dustin) and Kate.
Please join us in a celebration of Steve’s love of music on June 5th @ 4:30pm at the North Shore Hall. A virtual link will be available for those that are unable to attend (contact Jim)
A special thank you to the nurses on the 3rd floor who took exceptional care of Steve during his illness.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Stephen Steve Leslie Garth January 17 1946
May 16 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique