Garry Tingley
January 28th, 2021
Garry passed away peacefully with his wife, Sherry, by his side at Laurel Place Hospice in Surrey, BC after a short battle with cancer.
Garry grew up in a family of 12 in Salisbury, New Brunswick. His eldest sister, Roxanna (predeceased) brought him out to Keremos, BC and he later chose Langley to be his home in 1968. He may have pumped your gas at the Happy Face Esso, delivered to you by Langley Freight, fixed your car at his Willoughby home garage (G.W. Mechanical) or put out your fire or attended at your accident as a volunteer fireman/chief from the Zone 4 firehall. Garry was an active member of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs as well as the Chamber of Commerce. He even helped with Kurt Albert’s and Jack Froese’s mayoral campaigns.
After he closed his mechanical business, he spent the last 15 years long haul trucking part-time for Weston Bread, Value Village, Costco, Purolator and Davonda Nurseries. He enjoyed the open road and hauled loads all over BC, Alberta and Manitoba. This gave him lots of opportunities to enjoy the scenery, talk with people and bring back new stories to tell us.
Garry had the gift of gab and loved to share stories with his friends, family, customers or anyone who would listen. He loved the outdoors to go camping, hunting and fishing. He had many memorable Spring Break and Summer vacations with his grandchildren and was always eager to teach them how to ride a bike, tie their shoes, shoot a bb gun, plant a tree, drive a car or motorbike or just explore his acreage.
Garry is survived by his wife, Sherry, daughters, Julie and Jody, son, Chase, step-sons, Shawn and Jay, grandchildren, Owen, Miranda, Emma, Ben, Remy, Teagan and Michael, brothers, Holmes, Roger, Rodney, Richard, Doug and Paul and sisters, Myrna and Susan.
If you wish, you may make a charitable donation to Laurel Place, Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Diabetes Foundation in memory of Garry.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
My condolences and deepest sympathies to Sherry and family. I only met Garry while petitioning for city water in our area. He was a character that I immediately liked with his commentary and story telling. We had a lot in common with an interest in local politics, trucks and vintage cars etc etc. His insight was much appreciated while petitioning for local water service and his ( and Sherry's ) support won over the non interested when it came to vote time. I have just realized after reading so many nice messages about him that being originally from New Brunswick had a lot to do with his friendly demeanor. He waved to me every time I saw him drive by while on my long walks in the area which he was also known to do. Guys like Garry are hard to find these days and although not knowing him very long I am still deeply saddened to hear just this week of his passing. I believe his time came far to early but it looks like there is a very large family to help Sherry through and support her in the future. Rest in peace Garry .
My condolences to his wife Sherry, daughters, sons and many grandchildren, sister and brothers, their families and all of his nieces and nephews, although I was younger when he moved away, I had not seen Garry much over the years but talked many times on the phone, when it is a family member who passes it is always a hard time in our lives. RIP Garry, until we meet again.
my thoughts r with sherry & children ,Garry was a wonderful brother to us, we will miss him and always love u brother, so grateful for sherry for being a wonderful wife to him & julie & Jody & chase and step-children & will miss his hunting stories..R.I.P Brother..
Rest in Peace, Dear Brother. There will never be another like you and you will be sorely missed. Remembering the good times, adventures, tales, camaraderie, and probably more than a few hilarious mis-steps. Our lovely niece Brenda said you're probably with our dear sister, Rocky right now, causing a wee disturbance! I would be inclined to think she's right!
Sending our condolences to Sherry & family and to the Tingley family during this difficult time
Oh, Sherry... our heartfelt sympathies to you and the rest of the family. We were so sorry to hear the news about Garry. I hope that you will soon be able to take comfort in all your wonderful memories of Garry. Hopefully the epidemic will be over soon and be able to have an in person visit. Please know you are in our hearts and prayers.
Dear Sherry and family. So sorry to learn of Gary's passing. We are first cousins, had not seen him since he was a young boy. Myrna had informed me. Greg and Stacy Stevens, Sussex, NB
We are so sorry and saddened at the loss of a long time friend of 43 years. Even with our distance, Garry always kept in touch with a phone call where we would catch up with new stories, as well as reminisce with old stories. We feel so fortunate to have known him. He will be missed by many. Our deepest condolences to Sherry, Julie, Jody, Chase, and all his family and friends.
Just spent a couple weeks in bc Garry, but you weren’t there this time which was very sad for me. I will think of you often and hope to see you again dear brother. I hope you're with mom and dad and rocky. Love you forever, glad I told you that a few times over the last couple years on the phone love your brother ROD