Garry Ellis Tollefson

April 27th, 2020

Garry Ellis Tollefson peacefully passed into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, April 27, 2020 at the age of 64 years. He was predeceased by his parents Eddie and Bertha Tollefson. He is mourned by his loving wife Bev, of 36 years; sons Brydan (Carley) and Lynden (Abby); grandsons Dayne and Tyler; and sister Marva (Norman) McGladdery. Garry was born in Moose Jaw, SK and loved growing up in the River Valley. He enjoyed being on the water in his canoe, fishing and exploring the outdoors. After high school he moved to Regina to attend Canadian Bible College where he received his Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1983 he and Bev were married, and a few years later Garry graduated from the University of Manitoba with his Bachelor of Engineering degree. In 1986 they moved to Saskatoon where their boys were born. Eventually the family moved to Regina where Garry spent the majority of his career working for SaskPower. He finished his career as a Project Manager with the Government of Canada before retiring. Garry was a man of devotion, firstly to God, then to his wife and boys. He loved to study and learn, and to share his knowledge with others through his passion for public speaking. He loved to teach. When he was in Bible College, he developed a love for drama, and years later he used his skills to direct others on stage. He loved horticulture and made use of his artistic abilities to design and transform the yard into their “Oasis”. He also spent several years planning and building a beautiful pond for them to enjoy in the summer months. A Private Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 3:00 pm. The Celebration of Life Service will be Live Streamed beginning at 2:30 pm at: www.fbcregina.ca - then click on “Media” - then click on “Live Stream”. The family expresses their thanks to the staff in the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital, and to the staff at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice. We are grateful for all the love and support we have received from our family and friends, and our Faith Baptist Church family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Baptist Church Building Fund, online at fbcregina.ca/give.

Messages:

Garry and I were able work together on several occasions. In the process, I got to know him and he became a friend. He was a good man. We are all richer for having known him.

I worked with Garry for several years at SaskPower and we shared many stories about parenting and life in general. We had many laughs together. I always appreciated how calm he was and he had such a gentleness to his nature. He will be missed my many.

Our deepest sympathies Bev and family. We have fond memories of Garry at CBC and were glad to meet you Bev and get to know you in Regina. May you experience the comfort of Jesus in the days ahead.

Dear Bev and Family; It was such a privilege for all of us to have known Gary. Very early, as we grew to know him, we recognized that he was a man of deep faith; one who was patient in suffering, gifted in ministry, gentle and kind. We enjoyed his unique sense of humour and the joy he brought- often in sensitive situations. So frequently, because of Gary’s intellect and special gifting to understand emotions we were able to rely on his insight to help us cope. Now, it is sweet to say that he is safe and happy in the arms of Jesus. The reward for a life of devotion to the Lord Jesus Christ. And now our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family. - Doug, Lorraine, Ken and Susan Roszell

Bev and Family: I had the pleasure of working with Garry while he was with Project Management, Public Works and Government Services of Canada. He was such a good man. I will truly miss his honesty and dry sense of humour. My deepest condolences to you all. Cherish the memories.

To Bev and family, sorry for you loss! Its hard to believe that we have known Garry for just 3 short years! Gary was a great guy! I was sure glad to have gotten together with Garry and you, plus a few others in Puerto Vallarta last January! You are in our prayers! Paul and Michele

Dear Bev! I am so saddened for you and your family at the loss of this wonderful guy. :( Garry and I were childhood friends that began at Empire school in grade 6. We got together to prepare science projects, rocket club, fishing and hunting (Thanks to Ed) and spent many formidable days back in MJ and area. So many wonderful moments spent with him and the Tollefson family! The world has truly lost a great human being in Garry...... I am so proud and honoured to have called him my close friend. You are in my thoughts and prayers... Terry

Dearest Bev, Brydan & Carley, Lynden & Abby, Dayne & Tyler and Marva & Norman - Our most sincere condolences to you at this time. Garry was such a wonderful person and we are all blessed to have had him in our lives! We will miss his wonderful smile and laughter along with his knowledge and insight. May his memory be a blessing. Sending much love and many hugs.

Dear Bev, Marva and families, Our sympathies and love to you. Thank you for reconnecting with your Nakusp cousins. I have fond memories of Gary as a youngster, getting into mischief with my sister, and of his mother's close lifelong friendship with my mom.

We've lost a beautiful human being. Garry and I once shared the stage for a Regina Little Theatre production and I admired and enjoyed his commitment to the craft and to our creative collaboration. I also greatly enjoyed the times we got together over the ensuing years to drink coffee and talk about life. I loved Garry's questing, generous, kind spirit. Rest in peace, Garry. You'll be missed.

Bev and Family, It has been an honour to have worked with Garry. He always had a kind word, an air of grace and humility about him; no matter what challenge was in front of him. Garry will be greatly missed as he touched many lives. My heartfelt condolences to you.

To Bev and family. My heart aches for you Bev. Gary was truly a man of God in which you can have peace and hope knowing that God has him now in His loving arms. He is home. And you will be reunited with Gary for eternity! During this very unusual time, a time when you need your family and friends near you to support you, please know that you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless all!

Bev and family, Gerry will be greatly missed, he touched many lives. Our family reunions won’t be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. If you need or want anything I’m just a phone call away.

To Bev and Family. Our deepest condolences to you for your loss. Garry was a wonderful, caring, generous and truly decent man. I will always treasure the memories of working with Garry at SaskPower. We send our love and prayers. Brian and Donna Abbott

Thinking of you Bev every day since Garrys passing. Our love goes out to you and your family. The few times we spent with Garry was a pleasure and impressed us with what a wonderful man you married. I wish we had more time to spend getting to know a truly incredible man. You are blessed to have had him in your life. Yours is truly what a marriage should be. Take care.

Bev, Marva and families. Our sincere and heartfelt condolences with your loss. As long time friends of Garry's parents Ed and Bertha we watched him grow up to raise a wonderful family of his own. GOD bless everyone, stay strong together!

Lynden & Abby and family, Bev, Brydan & Carley, We send our condolences to you all with the passing of your dear husband, father, grandfather and father-in-law Garry. Please know that you have been in our prayers and will continue to be as you grieve someone so dear to you.

Dear Bev and family, Garry was a good and honorable man who sought and found truth, wisdom, and faith in Christ Jesus. With his discoveries he strove to be his very best for his family and community and to honor the Lord. May each be comforted by many fond memories and with the blessed assurance of a grand reunion. Love and condolences, Shane and Linda

Dear Bev and family you have all been in our prayers. Garry was a wonderful man full of wisdom and faith and love for the Lord and his family. Extending our condolences and much love Dwayne and Tammy

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