W. GARRY HARGREAVES

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GARRY HARGREAVES It is with deep sadness, but with fond memories, the family announces the passing of Garry Hargreaves. After a short illness, he passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Hillcrest Place in Brandon, Manitoba at the age of 87. Garry was born August 24, 1924 in Silverton, Manitoba. His father was a grain buyer and moved from Silverton to Kenton. Garry completed his early education during the Second World War. Garry enlisted in the Canadian Air Force and commenced air crew training under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. He logged hours training as a pilot, later transferring to air gunning as air crew needs changed. Early in 1945 he was posted to England and was there when armistice occurred. He was eventually discharged and studied for a year at United College in Winnipeg. In 1945, Rural Electrification began in Manitoba. Garry joined the Manitoba Power Commission (MPC), starting as a groundman and then completed training as a Journeyman Lineman. During those years, Garry met the love of his life, Mary Davidson, a young nurse who had worked with his sister Berna. They married in May, 1951. Garry continued to advance his career with MPC which became Manitoba Hydro (Hydro) in 1961. Garry transferred to postings in construction and district operations that included stops in Dauphin, Neepawa and Boissevain. He was a lifelong Manitoban who truly loved the Prairies. In 1956, he was posted to the suburban areas in Winnipeg and eventually worked in Hydro Head Office on Taylor Street, taking on increasing responsibilities in middle and senior management. In the early 1970s, Hydro decentralized some Head Office functions, and Garry was appointed the Director of the Western Region in Brandon. He retired in 1983 at the age of 58. His 50 year marriage to Mary included raising four children, great family vacations, and lifelong friendships. Garry enjoyed the outdoors and loved the many hunting and fishing trips with his sons, as well as his nephews and brother-in-law Jack Boyle. During a long and happy retirement, Garry and Mary enjoyed many summers at their cabin in Clear Lake, winter vacations in Palm Springs with his brother Norris, and several trips to Victoria. Besides his love for his family and growing grandchildren, his passions were golf, curling and gardening. He was never happier than when all his family gathered in his home. Garry (Gramps) had endless patience with his six grandchildren and loved nothing more than having them at his cabin at Clear Lake where he would take endless trips to the playground followed by ice cream. Garry is survived by his children, Bill (Patty), Lois Macpherson (John), Bruce (Karen), Ken; grandchildren, Geordie (Jana), Michael (Cathryne), Garry (Shannon), Natasha Griffiths (Jared), David, Dillan (Celine); great-grandson Griffin; his brothers, Jack and Norris (Mary), brother-in-law Jack Boyle and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Mary in June 2001, sister Berna and parents Hazel and William. A celebration of Garry's life will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2011 (today), 9:00 a.m. at Memories Chapel, 330-18th Street North in Brandon, MB. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to a charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, MB 1-888-694-8153
Run Date: Dec 17, 2011

W. GARRY HARGREAVES The death of W. Garry Hargreaves of Brandon occurred Tuesday, December 13, 2011, in the city. Funeral Service will be held at Memories Chapel, 330 - 18th Street North, Brandon on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at 9:00 a.m. Rev. Shannon McCarthy will officiate. Interment will take place at the Riverside Cemetery, Neepawa, Manitoba. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Garry may be made to a charity of choice. Complete obituary to follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel Pre-Planning Centre, Brandon, MB 1-888-694-8153
Run Date: Dec 16, 2011

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 2011