Garry Albert Giercke

May 16, 2017

GIERCKE, Garry Albert
September 19, 1948, Portage la Prairie, MB
May 16, 2017, Didsbury, AB

With family by his side, Garry passed away at home after a long, courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 68 years. Born to Phyllis (McKinstry) and Ab Giercke, Garry was raised at Mill Creek, Manitoba for 8 years, and then the family moved to Katrime, Manitoba to farm. Garry started his schooling at Squirrel Creek, and then high school at MacGregor Collegiate. After graduating, he worked on the farm and also started his construction career. Garry completed his carpentry apprenticeship in Winnipeg, at the Manitoba Institute of Technology, where he received an award as the top graduating apprentice. During this time, Garry met the love of his life, Carol Williamson, and they married August 29, 1970. In 1971, Allan was born and in 1973, Dan arrived.

In the summer of 1973, work took Garry to Calgary, AB, where he and his family ultimately moved. While in Calgary, Garry worked at various companies before eventually instructing carpentry at SAIT for three years. In 1982, Garry and family moved to Forshee and started his own construction business while also building their new home and workshop. Here, the family enjoyed 24 years of raising the family and community involvement. Garry was an active member on the Forshee Hall Board, built two ball diamonds on his property, and started the Forshee Slo-pitch League, and was actively involved in building the addition to the Forshee Hall. In 2006, Garry and Carol moved into their new home, west of Didsbury, where they resided until his passing.

While living at Didsbury, Garry continued his construction business and returned to instruct carpentry at SAIT, until his retirement in 2014. Some of the best memories Garry and Carol have are of camping with family and friends. Garry and Carol were also world travellers, travelling to Vietnam, to see Allan and his sons there, as well as taking cruises in Europe, and touring many warm places in the south.

Left to cherish memories of him are his wife, Carol of 46 years; sons, Allan (Hien) of Hanoi, Vietnam, and Dan (Marilena) of Balzac; grandchildren, Patrick, Lucas, Angelina and Brendan; brothers, Ron (Roxanne) of Winnipeg and Don (Terry) of High Bluff, MB as well as numerous relatives and friends who also mourn his passing. Garry is predeceased by his parents, Phyllis and Ab.

A Memorial Service is to be held at the Forshee Community Hall, RR 20, Bentley, AB (on Hwy 20 bewteen Bentley and Rimbey) on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tom Baker Cancer Centre of Calgary or the Forshee Community Hall.

Messages of Condolence

To Carol, Allan, Dan, and families, We are saddened to hear of Garry's passing. We have many good memories of all of you, and Garry back in Forshee. Garry was a great mentor and role model for me. I'm doing some carpentry now again and I still can hear his advice. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rod and Mary

- Rod and Mary Palm

Dear Carol and family, I am very saddened to hear Of Garry's passing. I know the journey you all have been on has been one of many emotions. I thank you for your friendship over the years. I remember meeting Garry for the first time, when he came to do the addition to our house. I had some radical ideas that were soon put to rest when Garry leaned over to Jack and smiled nicely and said I'm sure she will be pleased when we are finished. And of course he was right, I was very pleased. You are in my Prayers, Connie

- Connie Hansen

Carol ,Allan Dan and families Please except our thoughts of Sympathy , my thoughts are with you all at this time . I have , as my family have great thoughts of all the ball tournements at Forshee , many a great time . If I can be of any help please let me know as I have just gone through this with Vern Take care Bev, Trista ( Sean) Terry (Jaimie ) Wes Aileen) Wanda(Richard ) and families

- Beverley Poffenroth

Carol...we are so sorry to hear of Garry's passing. He was such a help to us when we moved here. You and your family are in our prayers. Alex & Carol Matz and family

- Alex & Carol Matz

Carol, Allan, Dan and families. We have so many wonderful memories of time together, woodworking (a lovely wall unit at the farm house as a result of Jim's workshop with Garry), slow pitch together, and visits at your lovely Forshee home and elsewhere. Our lives have been enriched by knowing Garry. Love to you all. Jim and Jackie

- Jim and Jackie Anderson

Dear Allan, Hien and family, Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We have made a donation to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre of Calgary in tribute to Garry Albert Giercke. From your Hanoi family

- From the Embassy of Canada team in Hanoi

Our condolences to Carol, Dan and Allan for your loss. We had hoped that we would be able to attend the service today but unfortunately, as sometimes happen, things don't always go as planned. I still remember the first time I met Garry when he came to Sunday school at Beaver United Church, now gone. I am not sure why, but we just clicked and became immediate friends and remained that way for the rest of our lives. In all of the time that have known Garry he never changed. He was always the kind of friend that would do anything for you and that you could count on at anytime. We were so grateful that we had the opportunity to visit with Garry and Carol last summer at Don & Terry's and that is how we would like to remember him. Garry will be missed. All our best to Carol, Allan, Dan and their families.

- Robert & Margaret, Christopher & Meghan Smith

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