Garry STRANGE

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STRANGE: Garry Strange, December 12, 1951 – February 7, 2011. In the blink of an eye on an otherwise ordinary Monday afternoon, on a road just three-quarters of a mile from his rural Killarney home, Garry Archibald Strange was suddenly taken from his friends and family. Garry's passing in an automobile accident on February 7th has left those who loved him shocked, saddened, angered and confused. Yet they are also relieved that his two young sons, nine-year-old Timothy and six-year-old Thomas, suffered only minor physical injuries in the crash. They are also grateful for the loving support they have received and continue to receive from the community during this incredibly difficult time. Words cannot express the profound loss that Garry's family has suffered. His wife Edith, who would have celebrated 10 years of marriage to her best friend this year, suddenly finds herself as a widow and single parent. Timothy and Thomas, meanwhile, no longer wake up to a kind and patient father who would make them pancakes and cinammon toast for breakfast and still have time to play Wii before it was time for school. Garry's adult children from a previous marriage are also mourning the loss of their father. For his eldest son Chris and his wife Kelly, Garry's death also means the loss of a grandfather to their young son Dawson, who will turn three this year. And for his only daughter Leslie, Garry's passing has erased the one constant that had been there throughout her life, as her father was the person to whom she could always turn for advice, support and comfort. Garry will be deeply missed by his sister Colleen, who knew him longer than anyone else on this Earth. Garry's nephew Mike, his wife Kim and their children Peyton and Adam are also mourning the loss of this wonderful man, along with nephew Jason, his wife Carla and their children Nicholas, Noah and Sydney. Garry was predeceased by his parents Tom and Aileen, and uncles Les and George. Garry grew up in southwestern Manitoba where he learned to operate a grain farm and dairy farm. He also spent time as a welder before becoming an entrepreneur in his later years. He moved to Brandon in 1997, where he met Edith. The pair moved briefly to Alexander where they started their family, and then moved back to Killarney in 2008. Garry and Edith opened TimTom Asian Grocery in Brandon in December 2009, bringing a wide variety of food and other products from around the world to the Westman area. When he wasn't busy with his children, he loved to spend his time puttering in his shop and fixing things around the house. We will all miss his generosity and loving presence. A funeral for Garry was held on Feb. 12 in Killarney and a private family graveside service is planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support his two youngest children. A trust account for Timothy and Thomas has been set up at the Royal Bank; the account number is 02097-5029707. The family would again like to thank all the people, too numerous to name individually, who have offered their support in the wake of this tragedy. The cards of condolence, kind words, offers of help, gifts and prayers are greatly appreciated. The generosity and sympathy of the community bring us comfort as we struggle to adjust to our lives without Garry.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 19, 2011