Gary Staffen
April 4th, 2022
Gary Staffen passed away suddenly on April 4, 2022, at his home in Regina, Saskatchewan at the age of 80.
He was born to parents Barbara (nee Shea) and William Staffen on August 7, 1941, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Gary developed many lifelong friends while attending A.E. Peacock High in Moose Jaw where he earned the nickname 'Simba' from his friends - most notably Larry, Bing, Ken, and Byron Runquist. He also had a long and important friendship with Ron Barschel and his wife, Arlene. Gary's friends were very important to him and he maintained his friendships through the years through curling, softball and his most beloved game of golf. Gary was also known to enjoy a good glass of wine and spoke fondly of his travels to wine country in the Okanagan, a place he visited with the Barschel's in years prior. After leaving high school, Gary spent time in the Royal Canadian Navy before landing in B.C., where he began his career with CP Rail. He moved to Calgary, left the railroad, and eventually explored various roles in the golf industry. Later in life, Gary made his way back to Regina, where he worked in Security at the Regina Airport Commissionaires Office. Gary's social nature, love of golf, of his friends and family, and of simply having fun was evident to all who knew him.
Gary was predeceased by both of his parents, as well as his brother Brian who passed in February of 2022. Gary is survived by his daughter Shannon (Mike) Rennie and grandchildren Ada and Jensen, who was born shortly after Gary's passing, all of Airdrie, Alberta. He also leaves behind his sister Coral Nations, of Idaho Falls, and nephews Deron (Tamara) Staffen and Stephen (Mary) Nations, and niece Kathleen (Jeff) Fulton.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Messages:
Sending love and hugs. What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, Shannon. Im sure he and Jensen crossed paths. We are happy to have known your Dad. He was always fun to be around♥️
We only met Gary at Shannon and Mikes wedding I’m sure he will be missed by his lovely daughter Shannon Always a sad time. Our prayers are with you all Shannon and Mike
Shannon and family. Thank you for preparing this small tribute for your Dad. It is sad. Keep the memories strong for your sweet children. We all always had a grand time with him and having fun was paramount! He had many many friends and touched a lot of people’s lives. Stay well. Auntie Coral
I’ve known “Simba” for most of my adult life. He was always good for a laugh and he really enjoyed playing fastball with the Runquist brothers. If you were a friend of Gary’s, you had a friend for life.