Garry Philip Stokes
Posted By Sobering Funeral Chapel On July 19, 2021 @ 10:19 am In Obituaries | 45 Comments
May 22, 1952 ~ June 1, 2021
Our husband, dad and grandpa passed away peacefully on the first day of June, around the time he liked to wake up, put on a pot of coffee for us, check on the bird feeders, take some amazing pictures and have some breakfast before calling his brother.
Garry will be lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret, sons Brent & Tim (Melissa), grandchildren Jayda & Ryland, brother Bob (Claire), sister Susanne (Ed), sisters-in-law Karen and Joan (Gene), nieces and nephews Chad (Alana), Troy (Letitia), Cheryl (Benny), Sarah, Justin (Erin) and Julie (Josh). He was predeceased by his parents Phil (2013) and Betty (1982) Stokes.
Garry was born May 22, 1952 in Timmins, ON. The family moved to southern Ontario during his elementary school days, then on to Chibougamau, QC, arriving in Lac du Bonnet, MB in 1970 for his final year of high school. Marg & Garry met in Winnipeg and were married in 1975. Their wedding day was on Garry’s parents’ birthday and celebrated in Burlington, ON at the church and home of Marg’s parents. They moved to Pinawa in 1976, where Garry worked in electrical design at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd., for his entire 32-year career.
Family trips, visits & games, Ham Radio Field Days and patiently waiting with his camera for nature to provide the perfect pose were his favourite things. If he wasn’t at home or in the yard, he was probably helping a relative or friend – often without being asked.
Garry loyally served his community at annual amateur radio service events (Manitoba Loppet, Free Spirit Triathlon). He volunteered communications services in Southern MB during the 1997 Flood of the Century, and flew to Little Grand Rapids in 1999 to provide RCMP with radio backup during the Y2K uncertainty. Behind the scenes, he spent many hours on the computer drawing detailed ski race and trail maps for the Whiteshell X-C Ski Club, arranging program advertising and assisting with sound setup for the Eastern Manitoba Concert Association. He sat on many committees (often in his role as a dad) during his 45 years in Pinawa.
A huge thank you to the many wonderful, caring people who helped Garry and our family during his battle with cancer these last 6 months. The medical team was headed by Drs. Garg, Bruneau, Zeiler, Moffatt and Goldenberg. All the staff at Pinawa CancerCare, Hospital and Ambulance Services were our special angels: nurses, aides, paramedics, cooks, cleaners. We appreciate you all so much! Our heartfelt thanks to friends and neighbours who have supported us in so many ways.
In lieu of flowers, donations to support our amazing hospital may be made in Garry’s memory to Pinawa Health Auxiliary, P.O. Box 82, Pinawa, MB R0E 1L0, or to a charity of your choice.
A celebration of the life of Garry Stokes will take place at 1:30 p.m., Wed. July 28 at the Pinawa Alliance Church.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family welcomes you to be a part of the service via livestream at www.webex.com on your PC or via the WEBEX app on your mobile phone. Enter the Meeting Number: 1826159705 and Password: DTph7YMMF86 to view the livestream.
For direct access to the LIVESTREAM can be accessed HERE.
In addition, you are welcome to join the service in the parking lot of the church by tuning your radio to 98.1 FM. There will be an opportunity to sign the guest register and acknowledge the family from your vehicle. Interment will follow in the Pinawa Cemetery.
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Condolences for the family of “Garry Philip Stokes”
So very sorry for your loss ! Condolences to your family as you grieve your loss .
Marg and family, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Condolences to you and your family Marg. I can tell by Brent’s posts how many wonderful family memories Gary has left for you all. He was a quiet, supportive man to the community in many ways and shall be greatly missed ❤️
How sad and unfair life can be. But friends, faith and family will support you.
Since, Glenna
Dear Margaret –
We are so sorry for your loss. Please share our condolences with your family and friends.
Our deepest condolences. Carman, Amanda.
So sorry to hear of Garry’s passing, my condolences to his entire family. He was such a nice man, worked in the same department in the early 90’s.
Keep your memories close.
Susan Kaatz
Our deepest condolences to you Marg, Brent, Tim and families. We’re so very sorry to hear of Garry’s passing, and we wish all of you peace and comfort in the difficult days ahead. Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sad to hear of Garry’s passing and send my condolences to the Stokes family. Garry was such a kind and soft spoken man who alway had a smile and a “Hello” when we met. I have fond memories of curling with Garry and Marg for many years. Garry was so caring that he would follow me up and down the ice when I was pregnant to catch me if I slipped. Garry was always “there” for his family — driving Brent to hockey tournaments in the middle of a snow storm or helping Tim with “Dad can fix it” projects. That’s the kind of man he was! Garry will be missed by so many of us!
My condolences to the Stokes family. Garry and I worked in the same department at Whiteshell for about 15 years. I am sorry at his passing at such a young age.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May he be pain free and watching from above.
Sincere sympathy toMarg and family on the loss of Gary.
Was sorry to hear about Garry. Thinking of you and your families at this time.
Deepest condolences Marg, Brent and Tim and family.
Sending our sincere condolences to Marg and your family at this sad time. HIs loss will be felt by our community.
Take care,
Bill and Lori Evenden
Dear Marg & Family:
Everything our community expressed about Gary is true. What a legacy to leave to
your family.
Love – Barbara and Carl
Sorry for your loss but know that he is now in a better place.
I have known Garry for 25 years through Ham Radio meeting him when I was only 13 years old. Had many conversations with him on the Pinawa Repeater while out at my Camp. Always was a real pleasure to chat with him on the air.
Condolences to Garry’s Family, thoughts and prayers to all of you!!
Brad Honke. VE4XM
Sincere sympathy and condolences to Marg and family at Garry’s passing – thinking about you at this very difficult time – Anne and Dennis Smith
We’re so very sad to hear of this unfortunate tragedy! Sincere condolences to all family members and friends!
Garry has long been a dedicated and talented contributor to various work and community events/projects, while remaining characteristically modest. Pinawa was blessed by his presence, and we will certainly miss him dearly!
Rich & Connie Hamon
So Sorry to here your Sad loss. My Thoughts are with you Margaret and Family Rest Well Gary God Bless
We are so saddened for your loss Marg, Brent, Tim and families. Our most sincere condolences and thoughts for healing times ahead.
Mary and Georg Greber
Marg and family I am sorry for your loss
Gary will be missed.
Pinawa has lost a very generous person, one who used his time and talents to better our community. Our condolences to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss of a great man. I haven’t seen Garry in 50+ years but always kept abreast of the goings on through Bob. WE spent many a night camping, playing cowboys, fishing, curling and learning a lot about the outdoors from Garry’s father in Chibougamau. May he now rest in peace.
Ken McCarthy
Our condolences to the Stokes family. It is time to remember all the great times as you celebrate a life dedicated to family and community. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you.
Marg and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad and difficult time of loss of your beloved Garry. May the memories you shared as a family bring you comfort and peace.
Sorry to hear of his passing. My sympathies to you. I have known no kinder men than he. Knew him for his time at AECL and I remember wel, our very rushed trip to Dominion City with Generators and Radios during the big flood. We were the last guys threw the ring at Morden. Too young.
We were saddened to hear of Garry’s passing! We recall the Christmas eves at Bob’s and were always appreciative in being invited. Our condolences go out to all of you! Marg , Brent, Tim, Bob and Sue as well as your families!
May he rest in peace!
Our Condolences to the Stokes family. Worked with Gary for a long time at AECL. We’re sure he will be sorely missed in his home, specially in these difficult times.
Marg and Family, Bob and Claire
Our most sincere condolences to you and your family on Garry’s passing. I know you have a lifetime of fond memories to help you through this difficult time.
Jan and Ron Hoffman
I met Garry when I worked at WL when he provided consultations. Garry’s work was excellent and he was always great to work with. His knowledge of WL was immense and he shared his knowledge with me freely. His sharing of knowledge helped me greatly in making me more effective at my job and in my career. And even with his quiet demeanor, I got him to chuckle a couple of times.
I thanked you in person and I thank you again now. My condolences to Garry’s family, loved ones, and to the community he served.
Rest in Peace Garry.
Bill B
(former WL employee 2012 to 2016)
We are so sorry to hear of your loss of Garry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you – Marg, Brent and Tim and family. Garry was very active in the Pinawa community and he will be missed.
I am saddened to learn of Garry’s death. I send you, Marg and all your family my most Heartfelt Sympathy.
My thoughts and sympathies are with you all. It was so good that Garry got in touch a few years ago and we were able to share some family pictures and history. I never met Garry (son of my cousin Phil who I only met a few times during WW2, when we were both very young and both in England) but I felt I got to know him from his emails, photos, and interests. I shall miss receiving them.
My first memories of meeting Gary were of him rushing to our home – not 15 minutes after he was asked -to provide the latest changes to a ski trail map for the loppett. I wondered how he had time to make the change, not to mention drive over and deliver it. I later had the opportunity to work with Garry on the ski club executive, where he served as treasurer. Garry was a very conscientious worker, paying attention to detail. The memory of Gary that hits closest to home for me is when he rescued me when my furnace thermostat quit working in the middle of winter. He drove to Lac Du Bonnet to pick up, and then came over to my house with Marg to install the new thermostat. Making sure I knew how to operate the finicky electronic manual before he left. My condolences to Marg, Brent, Tim and the rest of the family.
The little town in Northern Quebec that I grew up in produced some mighty fine men. Garry was one of the finest. Sincere condolences from a childhood friend.
To Bob and the family: Our hearts go out to you. Be assured that all your wonderful memories shall remain alive to help you go through the loss of Garry….from your Chibougamau / Val d’Or friends,…… Carol, Lyne, Ginette, Suzanne & Mary
My sincere condolences to you and your family on Garry’s passing. I am grateful I met Garry July 2019 while travelling with his sister-in-law, Karen. Garry was a wonderful host and tour guide, I saw and learned many interesting facts about Pinawa and area. May all the memories you shared as a family bring you comfort. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Kathryn
We are very sorry for your loss. Keep the happy memories close.! Richard and Myrna Suski
I was saddened to hear of Gary’s death. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Garry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marg and the family.
Marg and your Crew and Sue and Bob and theirs.. A great loss that will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. His spirit shall live on in all of you.
My deepest condolences to you Marg and your family. I am sorry i was unable to be at his memorial but my thoughts were definitely with you.
I had only touched the surface of who Garry was from reading his obituary but what I knew of Garry he was a very kind and for me a very helpful volunteer. Something I will never forget is his time that he donated to me in setting up and take down of the town markets.
Then later out of the blue Garry and I kept in touch with bird sightings and shared the goings on at our feeders.
He will be greatly missed by your family but in time I hope you can take pleasure in all the wonderful memories you shared. My condolences again.
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So sorry to hear of your husband’s passing Marg & family. My thoughts are with you all.